Makayla Dawson @ Xanadu Beach Club 19/09/2021

There is something special about this time of year for many of us folks here in SL that reside in the upper hemisphere of the real world. It’s the end of summer for us and the beginning of autumn. Leaves are changing color, nights are cooler, days are growing shorter, and there is a certain sweet aroma in the air that spells pumpkins and spice. So why am I headed to a beach - Xanadu Beach Club? Well, for one, that sweet country girl, Makayla Dawson, is singing there. The beach! Who doesn’t want to savor the last days of summer at a warm and sunny beach? And Xanadu is the place to get your warm fuzzies on before the country grows colder. Xanadu is a beach club owned by SHAME CUDDIHY, Lovely Night and Bruce aka DJ Stroker. The name “Xanadu” comes from the magical club of that 1980’s American musical movie, and one can see that these three owners have put a lot of work into the area to create magical sparks. Not only do they have the friendliest staff working there, but they also have this amazing pizza bar of which I had quite a few pieces.

So here is this northern, city born girl off to listen to another southern country singer again. Why you ask? (I think, perhaps, my momma dropped me off on a doorstep somewhere in the north because I believe I really have southern genes somewhere out there. Just kidding 😊) I just love the stories that country southern music tell, and Makayla Dawson told many stories with her song choices that evening. Makayla has that sweet clear country voice, and her diction is perfect. Every word that came out of her beautiful mouth I could understand. When she speaks, that southern drawl is just so delightful, and it makes me smile. Adding to her beauty on stage were her guitarist and violinist which created the perfect picture to see and also listen to.

Makayla has quite a variety of country songs on her list and sang many of them. “Down at the Twist and Shout” - Mary Chapin Carpenter, “It's a Little Too Late” - Tanya Tucker, “Don't Close Your Eyes” - Keith Whitley, “Every Little Thing” - Carlene Carter, “Wink” - Neal McCoy, “Your Love Amazes Me” - John Berry (Neo to Me), “Fancy Like - Walker Hayes - cute song, “Baby Likes to Rock It” - The Tractors, “Dear Future Husband” (all you single ladies need to hear that one) - Meghan Trainor, “Let Me Be There” - Olivia Newton John, “The Rodeo Song” - David Allen Coe, “Folsom Prison Blues” - Johnny Cash etc.

My favorite tune Makayla sang was “Making Memories of Us” – written by country artist Rodney Crowell and sung by many. The song tells of a man loving a woman so much and wanting to make memories with her by earning her trust and love. Any of you have that desire to make memories with that special someone? I know I’m fortunate to have that someone, however, we can also make memories with many different people: children, friends, coworkers and even animals! As the saying goes – Life brings simple pleasures to us every day. It is up to us to make them wonderful memories. Makayla just gave me another wonderful Second Life memory while dancing with Neo and listening to her breathtaking voice!

Makayla Dawson was so very friendly and thankful to all her fans, greeted them happily and talked warmheartedly between songs so that we got to know her personality a little better. Closing her set was her “signature” song, “I’m from the Country” by Tracy Byrd, and Southern Louisiana is where Makayla calls home.

Stated in her profile, “Some of Gods Greatest Gifts are Unanswered Prayers”. That is certainly true, but also one of God’s greatest gifts is a beautiful singing voice, and that is an undeniable blessing that Makayla has received. Look for her in events…Beautiful show Makayla!! Loved it!! Thank you….