SOAR "Exceptional Performance"

by tracy serra

I was feeling like having a bit of an adventure so I decided to head over to Nudist Paradise to see Somerset, Oh & Rhode. SOAR is a relatively new band consisting of Charles Somerset on guitar, backing and lead vocals, Bright Oh on guitar, lead and backing vocals and Experiment Rhode on keyboards. This Australian group has been playing for about six months in Second Life® and performs original songs mostly written by the group’s members. They mentioned that as they get more familiar with Second Life®, they will start doing some covers. If they continue to write songs like the songs performed tonight, the covers can wait!


Their songs are mostly the ballad type in an acoustic style that is thoughtful and sincere which showed through when they performed “Brand New Day” for all the recently partnered couples in the audience. Their songs told stories of people, emotions, places and events.

They started the night by playing “Can't Forget the Day” after which Bright introduced the band members. Two more original songs followed then we were told that Charles was having internet stream problems. (Charles was the only person who did not rez on my screen). Charles eventually got the issue sorted out.

The interaction with the crowd was okay but not exceptional. It consisted of thanking everyone, introduction of the band and giving song titles with an occasional tidbit about the songs. I would like to have heard a little more but then I liked their Australian accent. While their crowd banter may have been a bit off this night, their sound as they played made up for it. With a set of around 10 songs, I had to agree with what someone said at the venue, "EXCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE".

While this has nothing to do with the performance, I had to laugh at the venue's random prize ball which gave out prizes every 15 minutes all of which were clothing! I am sure you are wondering about my attire for the evening. All I will say is that April nights do get chilly on the beach!

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For an enjoyable evening of original song, I recommend seeing Somerset, Oh and Rhodes. You will be hearing more of them as they get more accustomed to SL.