ʀǟʋɛռ (Raven Zenoria) @ Helle's Angels 17/02/2023
Its no secret my tastes in music tend toward 70s and 80s pop. And hence, I'm often found at venues, listening to singers who sing that. Part of my goals for my SL in 2023 is to get out of my habitual ruts, particularly with respect to music and venues. Tonight, was a great addition to both. Just about the time the first sip of scotch started to warm my fingers, I scooped up my DTS issued camera and notebook and headed off to Helle's Angels, a fantastic venue where everyone is welcome, except ABBA for some reason. This venue, with its large stage and larger dance floor, recalls the best of the outdoor concert experiences from RL. The Harley's flanking the stage (which also serve as tip jars) are amazingly detailed. Helle's has been around for 15 years, which is forever for a venue in SL. This venue is the labor of love of SL resident Helle Mensing, who honors her sister with a sweet display on the far side of the dance floor.
Tonight's artist was ʀǟʋɛռ (Raven Zenoria). I had no idea what to expect my first time hearing this amazing singer. To say that I was delighted is an understatement. Her voice recalls some perfect combination of Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin and Angie Harmon, each aspect applied perfectly in exactly the right moment, to create a captivating entertainment experience.
Raven's first song was the toe tappin' "No Rain" from Blind Melon. With the first note she sang, I knew I was in for an auditory treat. I was distracted from my blogging duties and at the edge of my hearing range for the second song. It seemed familiar, but I couldn't quite place it. When my attention returned, I realized I was listening to the most ass-kicking, rockin-est version of "Beat It" I've ever heard. I can imagine when Eddie Van Halen laid down the guitar solo, he was hearing Raven belt the words. Next up was "Gotta Get Through This" by Daniel Bedingfield. This was something more like a growly form of Viagra than song. Fortunately, I was current on my blood pressure meds and survived this incredible performance.
Not missing a beat, Raven launched into a version of "Bed of Roses" from Bon Jovi that would have sounded perfect in any bar in New Jersey in the mid-90s. You know those working class places where the singer is part blues and all soul. Yeah. That kind of place. The next number to grace my ears was from Collective Soul, "Heaven Let Your Light Shine Down". I don't know about heaven, but Helle's Angels was certainly shining, and singing along. Next up was the first of two Billie Elish tunes, "Bad Boy". Raven picked this SL staple up, turned it around, spun it back to the audience like only a practiced vocalist can.
The next tune *might* make next year's Valentine's list. Nickelback's "Never Again" was another showcase of this amazing talent. Raven shared a song I've heard more in the past month than in my past 17 plus years in SL. Rhianna's "Take A Bow". Which was really, just an auditory diversion that pulled my mind just far enough off balance that when the next song started, I caught my breath. In what I can only describe as amazing, Raven sang an almost mournful version of "Free Fallin'" by Tom Petty. Next up was a masterful version of Fiona's "Fast As You Can", in which Raven used to her voice to pull the audience inside the song.
Pausing, Raven shared the next song was particularly meaningful to her in the context of an RL relationship. Adele's "Setting Fire To The Rain" clearly connected with the audience, each of us with our own relationship scars. It was then that I really noticed the connection, she had made with each of us. I'd just come to catch a new singer, and here I was having an experience. As the top of the hour neared, she delighted us with "Never Ever" from All Saints.
This is the part where you usually read about the singer, and I close with some pithy remark. We'll get to that. However, being the last show of the evening at Helle's Angels, Raven just kept singing, and waxing poetically between songs, to remind us how important each of us is. The encore started with her second Billie Elish song "Ocean Eyes", then a powerful delivery of K's Choice "Not An Addict". She followed up, almost thematically, with "Numb" from Linkin Park. This incredible 90 minute set ended with a pair of Coldplay songs, "Yellow" and finally, "Fix You"
You can rest assured I'll be at future Raven shows to see where she tugs my mind, willing or not. I hope to see you there (the show, not inside my head).
Born and raised in Georgia/USA, at the age of 42, Raven has been a stage performer since the age of 6. With a wide variety of genres, Raven has a voice and character that will make your heart sing. Some of her Real Life experience includes 30 years of musical stage performances, both solo and with various well known artists. She is a live singer, song writer, and recording artist.
Raven loves to take you out of your comfort zone with the types of music she performs. Most of her live singing events are very up close and personal. She is also an “Unplugged” type performer. Her style will reach out to wide varieties of crowds all in one performance. Raven is not tied down to any one specific genre and loves song requests during her shows.
