Snowy Chi-Town

Going to Chicago for four days. I’m very excited to be there at Christmas time, seeing store windows all decorated with lights and the city all abuzz. Although, Chicago’s always all abuzz.

 

Will visit a few museums, the Shedd Aquarium (if ever in Chi-town, don’t miss the Shedd!) and someplace called Christkindlmarket. I’ll most likely freeze my tush off walking around outside in the windy city, but it’s a Christmas German outdoor festive market filled with kiosks after kiosks of goods and goodies. I’m told it’s quite fun.

 

The thing I’m looking forward to most--and the main reason we’re going--is to attend the Final Fantasy concert. Nobuo Uematsu will be performing. It’s my hope to meet him. I admire his work and look forward to seeing him in action. Even got great seats. I’m very excited.

 

I’m a big video game music fan. One of my passions is imported video game soundtracks. Some favorites are Final Fantasy Prayer, Final Fantasy Potions, Zelda OOT Orchestrated, Castlevania  Symphony of the Night, Valkarie Profile Orchestrated, Chrono Cross and ICO. ICO is haunting and wondrous to listen to.  (If you like adventure/puzzle games and haven’t played ICO, give yourself a treat and play it. ICO is a top five on the PS2… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSXwreNIuYE&feature=related.)  And, just about any Mario soundtrack, esp. the old stuff.  

 

Also love game concerts. Play Symphony, Final Fantasy, and Video Games Live. Each one is different and brings its own unique style. Final Fantasy and Play Symphony are more elegant and traditional. It’s one of the rare times the concert hall allows cheering at an orchestrated event. Exciting and the orchestra really enjoys the ecstatic attention.

 

Video Games Live is a wild non-stop fun ride. The VGL atmosphere is charged, the air is filled with hoots and hollers. The fans always go wild watching their fave game music being played to CG cut scenes on giant TV screens. You can always count on some kind of explosion and funny things happening at a VGL concert. Tommy Tallarico knows how to work his gamer audience. His vivacious personality is infectious, his fans can’t help but feel wooed by his charm. It’s game nerd heaven. I was able to meet Tommy and his conductor after the show. He’s genuine and sincere. He gives every fan his personal attention. The best part, he really loves what he’s doing and he loves his fan family. If you like game music and a good time, this is a must see.

 

As you can tell, I’m looking forward to this trip. Now, if the weather will just behave. 

                                                                          

Now, if you’ll excuse me while I sing…Chicago, Chicago, it’s my kind of town…