Renowned video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall are preparing for what will be a one-of-a-kind Video Games Live performance. Video Games Live features music from the most popular video games performed by top orchestras and choirs around the world, combining exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, and unique interactive segments to create an explosive one-of-a-kind entertainment experience. The show will take place on Saturday evening August 5th at 8pm and is being presented by Wizard World as part of their 10th Anniversary celebration in Chicago. Wizard World Conventions serve as the foremost authority on everything pop-culture, showcasing the best in comic books, anime, toys, video games, collectibles, and entertainment. Wizard World Chicago 2006 will be looking to top last years attendance record of over 65,000.
This special performance is taking place at the renowned Rosemont Theatre, located directly across the street from the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center where Wizard World will be held from August 3 – 6. Video Games Live is once again opening the doors early to present a pre-show festival from 7:00pm – 8:00pm which is FREE to all ticket holders. Promoted by Live Nation, tickets ($35 – $55) are on sale now at all Ticketmaster locations or online: http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/04003C4FF7FE7421?artistid=1015096andmajorcatid=10005andminorcatid=105, or by calling (713) 224-7575.
The pre-show festival will include a competition sponsored by RedOctane featuring the yet to be released Guitar Hero II. A classic arcade game competition will also be held on the newly released Video Games Live Classic Arcade cabinet courtesy of DreamAuthentics. Competitions will also be held at the Video Games Live booth during the Wizard World Convention (Booth #646). Other pre-show festivities include a costume contest where audience members will come dressed as their favorite video game characters to compete for speaker systems from Logitech. Finalists will be judged on stage by the audience.
Other prizes throughout the evening include a $2,500 Ferrari laptop courtesy of AMD which will be given away on stage during the Interactive Symphony segment, starring one of the most beloved classic arcade games of all time, Frogger, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Two audience members will compete for 90 seconds while the orchestra plays along, changing the musical score on-the-fly depending on what the contestants are doing on screen. This unique interaction with a live symphony has only ever been attempted and performed at Video Games Live.
The audience will also be treated to a special solo performance by pianist Lee Ann Leung who will be performing her special Final Fantasy piano arrangement consisting of over ten Final Fantasy favorites. The post-show meet-and-greet where fans can interact with renowned game composers and designers will consist of industry luminaries who have worked on projects such as Halo, Halo 2, Halo 3, Dance Dance Revolution, God of War, Myst, Riven, Splinter Cell, Metroid Prime, Tony Hawk Pro Skater, Madden Football, Earthworm Jim, Unreal, The Sims, Zoo Tycoon, Blitz Football, and many more! Also featured in the meet-and-greet will be legendary game designer Eugene Jarvis who created and worked on such classics as Defender, Robotron, NARC, Cruis’n USA, and Smash TV. Also joining him will be industry superstars Ed Boon and John Tobias known for their creation of the Mortal Kombat series.
