May 31, 2007

By By Ken Tucker, Nashville

Dierks Bentley will become the first country star in the four-year history of Second Life to stream a live concert performance to the virtual community's nearly 7 million residents. Other artists who have appeared on Second Life include Suzanne Vega, Duran Duran, Jay-Z and Regina Spektor.

The June 4 performance comes as Bentley kicks off the "Superstars of the Bluebird" series, which is part of the legendary club's 25th anniversary celebration. The Bluebird has been streaming songwriter shows to Second Life for the last several weeks.

"The Bluebird experience is so unique for both the listener and the performer," Bentley said in press release. "It's cool to have the opportunity to share that with people who have never even been to Nashville."

Bentley and co-writers Brett Beavers and Deric Ruttan will headline the sold-out 9 p.m. show, with all proceeds benefiting the Vanderbilt Childrens' Hospital.

Second Life, which opened in 2003, is a 3D virtual world entirely built and owned by its residents. Members, who create avatars of their virtual selves, can find a place to live, start a business, buy and sell goods and services and otherwise build relationships with other members.

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