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Wheelies, the first disability-themed virtual nightclub, reopens its doors as Wheelies74 this December 3rd, 2009. Featured are an expanded campus in the Second Life® virtual world including, dance venue, walking green, activities centre, and “Bond of Unity” art work. December 3rd has been designated by the United Nations as, International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The UN’s purpose is to empower individuals and their communities around the world.

Date and Time:
Thursday, December 3rd, 2009
1pm-4pm SLT (9pm-12midnight GMT)

Location:
Wheelies74, Second Life®
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Marybank/172/59/49

Promotional Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uln3ziCcZY
Promotional Image: http://www.fengshuichat.com/wheelies74/images/wheelies74_key_map.jpg

Owner Simon Walsh aka Simon Stevens says, “I am looking forward to a whole new generation of users benefiting from this exciting and innovative club! Wheelies has provided thousands of disabled and non-disabled people around the world with a safe, fun and supportive environment.” Simon’s avatar was the first to use a virtual wheelchair full time in Second Life in May, 2006.

Founded in 2006, Wheelies is a great example for the use of Second Life as a supportive environment for people with disabilities, receiving attention from academia worldwide. In July 2008, Wheelies was awarded the UK Catalyst Revolutionary Award, presented by Gordon Brown, UK’s Prime Minister. Wheelies has also received a huge amount of publicity since its founding, including Newsweek International, BBC World Service, Canadian TV News, and UK Times Newspaper. Says one Wheelies fan, “What I like about Simon’s place is that it’s OK to be disabled or not-disabled. You can feel at ease with someone different while having fun together.”

On December 3rd, 2009, Wheelies will reopen with an expanded campus and sponsorship, treating Second Life residents to a live music concert starting at 1pm SLT (9pm GMT). Featured artists include musicians Slim Warrior and Jaynine Scarborough, and DJ Meka Chaffe, live from the UK, Germany, and US.

Acting as MC will be special guest, Pathfinder Linden, hosting from US (Boston). Says Pathfinder, “I am honored to MC for Simon! Linden Lab is glad to cheer on worthy community activities such as Wheelies74.”

There is no cover charge and all are welcome to attend. Following the grand opening, a regular two-event-a-week schedule of live entertainment begins. For more information, see the Wheelies74 Web Site, http://www.wheelies74.com.

Music Schedule, December 3rd, 2009:
1pm SLT (9pm GMT)
Slim Warrior
Electronica, Club, Down-Tempo
Live From UK

http://www.myspace.com/slimmie

2pm SLT (10pm GMT)
Jaynine Scarborough aka Juliane Gabriel
Acoustic, Folk, Jazz
Live From Germany
http://www.myspace.com/julianegabriel

3pm SLT (11pm GMT)
DJ Meka Chaffe
All Styles And Requests
Live From US