Event!

On May 29, 1913, Igor Stravinsky's "Rite of Spring" premiered in Paris. The crowd at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees, confounded and angered by the atonal, primal nature of the music and the racy theme of Nijinsky's accompanying choreography, descended into a riot that could not be quelled even by the Paris police force. Stravinsky's ballet itself, of course, is now recognized as a milestone in classical music and perhaps the gold standard against which all modern classical music is judged.

Everyone knows that the classical music scene has been mad boring since then, with the only excitement coming from the occasional theater fire or recital at Stonehenge. For the last 96 years, palms have been sweating, hearts have been palpitating with anticipation for anything that would compare even in the slightest to the epochal event that took place that day in 1913.

That's why, if you live in the Richmond, VA area, do not even THINK about being out of town on April 25, 2009; that is when VIDEO GAMES LIVE is coming to the Landmark Theater.

REAL TALK:

Video Games Live is a spectacular concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Join the Richmond Symphony and Richmond Symphony Chorus for exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments that create an explosive entertainment experience!

Don't even call yourself a member of the human race if you miss this opportunity.

Ok but seriously though what is the deal with this phenomenon? How can anyone love video games so much that they need to experience what was once just a midi file blown up to ridiculous proportions and synchronized with lights and dancing I guess? Maybe I just don't understand because I'm not a big video game guy (except Goldeneye; if anyone knows how to beat the Aztec level btw, hit me back).

But wait! I like other things!

Like movies, for example. Like Bernard Hermann, for example.



The man created some of the greatest film music of all time. But for me, personally, like speaking from my heart, I would never go to a recital of his music in any form. I think that in removing his music from the context of the films in which they appeared, something is inevitably lost; something not worth forking over like 50 bucks to see performed live. Why wouldn't it be the same for video games?

So I dunno, if you want to get high on Sour Patch Kids and go see Video Games Live, do it. But you won't find me in the Landmark Theater on April 25! I'm getting fitted for new dentures that day.