Better When We're Together

Max Kleene singing for the kids of Ukraine

Max has been a regular performer and collaborator at our Braided Lives venue in Second Life for more than two years now. Back in 2020, when the pandemic was making it so difficult for folks to gather safely in-person, we hosted weekly concerts entitled, “Hugs Around the World.” Each week we would get together with Max to plan the theme of the week and choose songs we hoped would help people feel connected and supported.

Then, when Russia invaded Ukraine in February of 2022, we all agreed that we wanted to continue making live concerts available as a way to show support for the Ukrainian people. Once again, Max was an integral part of the performances, which were filmed and shared by Linden Lab (the creators of Second Life). The video they produced shows how virtual spaces can be used to not only entertain but raise awareness about important subjects as well. You can watch that video here:

Now, as the anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches, more 1.8 million Ukrainian children have been displaced and are living in countries around the world. Song Flight is an initiative designed to support Ukrainian children and help all kids in the program grown into kind, capable adults.

The program launched on February 13th with 21 Ukrainian children attending the Josyf Cardinal Slipyj Ukrainian school in Toronto, Canada. The Valentine’s Day concert, held the following day on February 14th., was our way of celebrating the kids and spreading awareness about the project.

Thank you Max for being part of our efforts from the start. Your set on February 14th was wonderful.

Max was singing for Sylvestr, Alina, and Melany