DownUnder presented by Denim and Diamonds at The Gathering Place 30/10/21

A double whammy for me today as I haven't been to a DownUnder show in maybe 6 months nor have I seen the new venue that Denim and Diamonds runs out of. Owner Levi (known to many in SL not just for D & D but for his photography) told me he is now operating out of The Gathering Place, owned by HRE Reality who have 111 sims bordering the Blake Sea. As a new boat owner I was keen to take a look.

Nearing Halloween most venues ask that you come along in costume to add to the atmosphere, and as I was still dressed in my costume from an earlier event at Camp Anatine I grabbed the limo and headed on over.

DownUnder was running late so it gave me a chance to take a look around. The venue made me smile as I lived in the same build for quite a while and its a favourite of mine by Trompe Loeil (advertised as the wedding barn) There's plenty of room to dance, just click on the floor, or if you prefer you can sit at a table and chill or in a deck chair outside and admire the views of the Blake Sea....... and what a view it is.

DownUnder arrived maybe 20 minutes later, apologising for the timezone confusion and took to the stage flanked by his gorgeous Downettes, Pam, who is also his Manager, Coreopsis and Goddess (stunning ladies). In true Down style he jumped right in and got the party started. As his voice rang loud out of my speakers I wondered to myself, why haven't I been to see him in so long? He is just sooooooooo damn good. Equally at home belting out rock or singing power ballads and happily accommodating the audience with their requests Down also threw in songs by Aussie bands that had me singing along out loud

For those of you that aren't familiar with him, Down is an icon is SL, he has been singing around the grid as long as I have been in here and his army of faithful followers continues to grow. There is just something about him that you can identify with. Maybe for me its because he is a fellow Aussie, living not far from my hometown or maybe its that he doesn't take shit from anyone....except maybe Pam. He is just REAL and has a take me as I am or not at all attitude. In saying that he also gives his time generously to fundraising benefits in SL and even though I hadn't been to a show for quite a while he made a point of giving a shout out to the blog. Thank You Down.

I wasn't able to stay for the whole show as it was dinner time in Australia but I know for a fact I wont be leaving it so long until I get another dose of The Thunder From DownUnder. So get along to a show, slap on a tag and get Down With DownUnder

Songlist included:

Love me again - John Newman

One Vision - Queen

Take me back - Noiseworks

Angels - Robbie Williams - requested by :Levi to his love Raynne

Closing time - Semisonic

When You're Gone - Matchbox twenty

Live It Up - Mental As Anything

Cool Change - The Little River Band - dedicated to the lovely Downettes

Let Her Cry - Hootie and The Blowfish - my request

Copperhead Road - Steve Earl