Just when you thought Ham Rambler, Ireland's first Virtual Land Baron, could not possibly come up with another special event in virtual reality, he does it again! This time Rambler's (in real life, John Mahon) love for education, music, and the environment came together working with Australian award-winning singer and songwriter, Luc Floreani, the extraordinary students of Respond Academy Productions in the UK, and the savvy and talented worldwide musicians of Second Life®. And it was all sponsored by HRH Charles, Prince of Wales!

In a nutshell, 12 different artists performed 12 different musical gigs for 12 hours in a row on Monday, November 9th, 2009. Performers and listeners met on a virtual reality Rainforest Stage set high above the virtual landscape of Dublin Virtually Live, owned and operated by Ham Rambler aka John Mahon since 2006. The event was sponsored by The Prince's Rainforest Project whose mission is to raise awareness of the importance of the rainforests worldwide in adults and young people alike.

In the best tradition of the "nought years" (2000 and beyond), this initiative featured a unique blend of entertainment, information, and digital technology so that participants could learn more about the rainforests while thoroughly enjoying themselves and being inspired by the talent on stage and the other people participating in the event with them.

HRH's message is clear: To preserve our environment we must preserve our rainforests - and the only way to do that is "to make rainforests more valuable alive than dead". As musicians played and dancers danced, videos and links were presented showing the trees coming down by the millions versus the long list of life-saving drug discoveries and modern miracles that have come from the verdant jungles of South America.

How did this extraordinary event come together? In July, 2009, Ham Rambler and Luc Floreani got together to produce a 3D Internet simulcast concert from Floreani's studio location Australia to Rambler's Blarney Stone Irish Bar in Second Life. Second Life® is a weird and wonderful virtual world accessible by millions worldwide.

Luc's music was heard by an eclectic and appreciative worldwide audience of Blarney Stone "regulars" from the US, UK, Europe, and Australia. Featured was Luc's song, Breathe. Luc is a patron of the Save the Amazon Rainforest Organisation (STARO). He wrote Breathe to inspire people around the world to care for the planet, and gifted the song to The Prince's Rainforests Project to use for a full year.

Why not take it a step further? Floreani and Rambler followed up with a proposal to the Prince's Rainforest Project for Schools, suggesting a Second Life Concert to be enjoyed more broadly as a special event and in a special Rainforest-themed virtual venue. Luc made arrangements with Respond Academy for a bevy of talented young folks, ages 18 to 22, to create songs, dances, raps, and other accompaniments for Breathe. Ham created the Rainforest Stage in Second Life and booked an additional ten artists from, literally, around the world, to make it a day-long event.

Organisers, Artists, Staff, and Audience alike leapt at the opportunity to meet and learn more. All left with inspired hearts and energized wills to do more to save the Rainforest!

Luc Floreani with Respond Academy in Hastings, UK
    LauRen
    Lewis
    Astha
    Hope
    Darrell
    Karlton
    Sascha
    Grace
    Josh
    Rebecca

Rainforest Stage in Dublin Virtually Live in Second Life®
    Joaquin Gustav, Argentina
    Tony Moore, UK
    Carrie Haber, UK
    Ringo Robonaught, US
    Slim Warrior, UK
    Al Hofmann and Brad Monnett, Netherlands
    Cylindrian Rutabaga. US
    Frogg Marlowe and Jaycatt Nico, US
    CraigLyons Writer, US
    Dexter Inhen, Australia

Event Organizers

Luc Floreani - Musician and Songwriter, London: What an incredible experience doing a concert on Second Life! To be able to reach every corner of the planet with a zero carbon foot print and to be able to connect with fans on a personal level. To be able to see their messages up on the screen and have the ability to do call outs to say a personal hello. I am completely hooked, can't wait to book the next concert date. Having the ability to be part of an international line up, from the States to Australia and in between: Second Life will definitely be part of my tour next summer!

Ham Rambler - Pilot and Promoter, Dublin: I was amazed and humbled by the amazing musicians who readily gave their time to come along and promote awareness of deforestation and its affect on our World. It is a reflection of what makes Second Life an amazing place. HRH were most impressed with the international reach of Second Life. Although they have been active in other social networks, they liked the idea of bringing an international audience to a music event, saturated with exposure to the rainforest project. When working with Institutions that are very sensitive of their associations, I found it effective to identify their most likely concerns in advance and discuss them before they raise them . It shows overall awareness of their organisational concerns, and engenders trust at an early stage. I briefed Linden Lab at an early stage on the project. They were very helpful in helping me assuage the one hesitation of PRP, that media would associate them with the "adult" part of Second Life. In fact for the purposes of this concert the entire Dublin Estates were reclassified "G" General Audience All Ages - Family.

Artists - Respond Academy

Respond Academy, Hastings, UK: Dedicated to the well being, creative development and economic independence of all young people in Hastings and Rother UK.

Everyone At Hastings: ALL of us were like Frozen in TIME it was like being inside a computer game; All of us are writing our own accounts to add to our CV's, College, School, Universities!

LauRen, Singer and Dancer: I normally compare as well as perform but I was a bit frozen as I wasn't sure of the procedure. But it was MINDBLOWING and I am more than READY for THE NEXT ONE. To fully understand it was Global and people really do actually care about the future of the Rainforest was humbling. I will have something to pass onto my own children. I feel privileged to of been asked to be a part of this project and that I tried to help in a small way.

Lewis aka LOXMAN, Rapper: I really don't know what happened to me it's never happened before it was such a weird experience. I had so many plans but just thinking of being Global freaked me out. After the first set I managed to do one of my own tunes a capella and finally I felt real. More than ready for the NEXT ONE: people best believe LOXMAN is already Fired Up and Ready!

Astha, Singer and Dancer: I had been ill a few days so I was upset I couldn't be 100%.No way did I understand how it was going to look on the internet it was truly terrifying. After the 1st set I realised that we as a young people group were a part of this and that this incredible massive amazing project was going into schools made me feel so special.

Hope, Musician: This was an epic day for me personally; For me to go back to College and tell my Tutors let alone other students what I had been doing helping to set up the sounds for SECOND LIFE. How could I put that into words; I still can't believe it myself. Originally I only came to support.

Darrell aka DICE, Rapper: I don't know what happened either. Normally the words just ROLL but it was too much to take in. People you had to be here you could not believe what it was like for us. It was not just another gig. But now we know what it's like .I'm more than Ready for the Next One!

Karlton aka SUSPECT, Rapper: Phew where would I start; the experience will stay with me forever. But now I know what's expected. I can't wait for the next one. The Global Stage what more can I ask for?!

Sascha, Dancer: It was spooky seeing comments on the screen from other young people in school from different parts of the world. I still can't believe I was able to be included in this. My friends and family were so proud of me!

Grace, Dancer and Singer: Yippeee! I have my own fan club and I'm taking it Global!

Josh aka WIZARD, Rapper: My tunes are Global... For an Amazing project!

Rebecca, Artist: The entire day was amazing for me and everyone at Respond Academy. Respond Academy does so many positive things which are life changing for all of the young people involved, and this day was an amazing opportunity for us to share our talents with the world and get some recognition for our hard work.

Film Crew - Response Academy

Will: I was introduced to John Mahon and on hearing I am learning Guitar he instantly asked me to show what Icould play. The next minute I was in a duet with everyone clapping and joining in the chorus! Then when Second Life started, it was like we were inside a video game.

Wisdom: It is a memory that will stay forever and I want to be performing at the next one.

Issack: When I try to explain Second Life I get all confused - you have to see it yourself! But I have my name down already for the next one - I want to help do the sound desk!

Event Staff - Second Life

Emmie Fairymeadow, US: I liked how the artists from all over the world came together to support the event and that we were able to have it in Dublin.

Slim Warrior, UK:  Many things - the fact that we are able to reach so many people through music to raise awareness of what is happening to our planet; supporting the Rainforest SOS means we can help to educate children and ourselves about the importance of the world's rainforests; and by using a virtual platform we are able to spread the word globally instantly!

Cher Harrington, US: Today's concert was special to me because people from all over the real world, the virtual world, and all walks of life young and old, gathered for an important cause and shared their information to include in the education of today's youth; not something just for today, but something that can be shared for generations.

Kennef Riggles, UK: I was excited to be asked to build the Rainforest Stage and I jumped in right away. I took information from the many resources on the PRP website and pulled them together into a design that showed us all what we might lose if we don't act as a global community. The event turned out great and I am pleased that I had a part in it!

Artists - Second Life

CraigLyons Writer, US: I enjoyed performing very much - I think it's a geat statement to be playing a totally green concert for people around the world, when that would normally cost the environment greatly in terms of oil consumption and emissions. I also think it was a great way to raise awareness to people worldwide very quickly.

Joaquin Gustav, Argentina: Knowing that I was contributing to a cause that is vital not just to Brasil or to any one country, really, but to the entire world made this event special to me. Without these forests, we will lose everything -- we watch even now the climate changing, warming, This can be directly linked to our shrinking forests. When the rainforests are gone, they're gone. By playing at this concert, I did my part, small though it may be, to stop this destruction. I hope everyone can and will join me in working toward this goal. That was the best part, joining these fine musicians and helping the Prince's Trust. In the time it takes me to play one of my songs, two and a half minutes, we lose literally thousands and thousands of square miles of forest. If they come to an end, so do we. Let's not let that happen! Let's find the ways to make the rainforests worth more alive than dead!

Jaycatt Nico, US: I loved the stage setup, it was really well done! Very good representation of a rainforest, and a very inviting place to perform.

Dexter Ihnen, US: Today's event was very dear to my heart and soul. All of what I am about is to help establish in peoples minds that we have the power to create a more utopian life in our minds and through the power of thought. That we can manifest our own evolution. Not as an anarchic rebellion. but as a state of being that collectively hits the tipping point. Yes, there are many problems and a long way to go - but if we never believe we can - we won't ever have a chance of getting there. This encompasses everything - but most poignantly right now - the environment. I don't see this as a greenie or hippie thing - I think that demeans the importance of what we need to do and nullifies the true power we have to evolve both individually and as a civilization. Being involved in a project such as this is completely aligned with what I stand for, hope for and aspire towards. It was an honour to be involved and I felt at home with this cause, and that it aligns on a fundamental level with my music and message!

Ringo Robonaught, US: Knowing that I can be a part of heightening people's awareness of respect for their part as an integral part of the planet has been an honor!

Al Hofmann, Netherlands: It was a great celebration of awareness and responsibility to preserve the rainforest. This festival denotes that is possible to participate in order to do good for your environment.

Audience

Music Hyun: Special to me: the great platform SL to create awareness for such an important cause - together with the great music!

Lily Laufer: I loved the message and the music and that our SL community can gather like that and make a difference.

Windows Bhalti: My most enjoyable part was the music. The most memorable part was the possibility that the Queen was also catching some of it in Second Life!.

Jane Jansen, US: I'm a bit shy but I made many new friends at today's concert! I figured anyone who wants to help save rainforests and likes music, like me, is OK to talk to. The music just blew me away and those young artists are so talented and inspiring!

The Prince of Wales set up The Prince’s Rainforests Project in October 2007 to promote the growing awareness of the need to protect and value the world’s rainforests, their people, and their resources.

The Prince’s Rainforests Project works with governments, business, NGOs and individuals to increase global recognition of the contribution of tropical deforestation to climate change and to find ways to make the rainforests worth more alive than dead.

The education sector has a vital role to play in raising awareness about the importance of rainforests in stopping climate change. To support schools in this role, The Prince’s Rainforests Project (PRP) has created a Schools website and resources for teachers and students including this special Second Life Concert® For Schools.

www.rainforestsos.com

Luc Floreani is Australian singer, songwriter, actor, poet, and patron of STARO, the Save the Amazon Rainforest Organisation.

In London he has played at the legendary Ronnie Scotts club in Soho, the world-renowned 606 Jazz Club in London's Chelsea, in Hyde Park and at Home House. He has sung alongside Shazney Lewis (from All Saints), Nerina Pallo, Rick Knowles and songstress Maria Vidal. In 2009, Luc went digital to millions of viewers with a tour via the Internet. The "2nd Life" gig was a live concert using an animated moving picture, known as an Avatar.

Luc is a lead actor role in the new film 'Dangerous to Know' for which he wrote and sung the title track. He co-wrote and sung the theme tune for Euro Pride and wrote and sung the theme tune for the TV animation series 'Johnny the Jellyfish'. He has also written a book of poems that is soon to be published and three of Luc's new compositions are being featured on a new album due out in August 2009.

www.lucfloreani.com

Ham Rambler is owner of Dublin Virtually Live, Gathering Place For The World - possibly the most well-known and visited location in Second Life - and proprietor of The Blarney Stone, Best Irish Bar In Virtual Reality.

In real life, Rambler is John Mahon, Director and Pilot at Astraeus Airlines aircraft provision and leasing. His professional life is as surprising as his virtual life, including ferrying pilgrims and rock bands around the world and helping moderate a worldwide online network of professional pilots.

www.dublinvl.com

Respond Academy is a youth project dedicated to the well being, creative development, and economic independence of all young people in Hastings and Rother UK. Staff include Youth Involvement Consultant, Pablo McFee; Project Manager, Jc McFee; Arts Coordinator, Marie-Louise Cousin, and Event Manage, Lauren McFee

www.respondacademy.com

Second Life® is a virtual worlds platform operating in the US, UK, Australia and more than 100 additional countries worldwide. It is the first 3D Internet available to the general public to build and share their own virtual worlds. Basic accounts are free. A good graphics card and fast internet connection are all that are required to access events.

www.secondlife.com

Breathe is a song written by Luc Floreani to inspire people around the world to care for the planet. Luc Floreani has gifted the song to The Prince's Rainforests Project.

Breathe
By Luc Floreani

chorus:
What about the world we live in?
Who's gonna'' change today?
Cause when I breathe in your name
You breathe mine the same
The world is in our hands

I’m gonna' change, gonna' change
The shackles that constrain me
I’m gonna' stand, gonna' stand
For what I believe
My voice, my voice is calling out

(chorus)

I'm gonna' stand, gonna' stand
For the air that I breathe
I'm gonna' move, gonna' move
Be all I can be
My voice, my voice is calling out

(chorus)

What you do, has an effect on everyone
Every time a butterfly spreads her wings
Every time a person starts to sing
It ripples change
Your change
Can start a revolution

(chorus)

(chorus)

My voice will be heard
My voice will be heard