Our thanks to our good buddy Erica Jackman Gattis from the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra for giving us this heads up on what to expect from their upcoming Video Games Live: Bonus Round show coming up on Saturday, May 6th.

We’re excited to partner with the HSO again to make this a great event, we’d love to see you there.  Be on the lookout on our Facebook page, we’ll be giving away some VIP tickets to the show in the coming week!

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Looking for an explosive, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience to attend on Saturday, May 6, 2017?

You should check out Video Games Live: Bonus Round, presented by the Huntsville Symphony Orchestra.

The concert starts at 7:30 PM – but you won’t want to miss the Pre-concert Events starting at 6:00 PM, including a costume contest, Guitar Hero competition, prize giveaways, and interactive game demos.

Tickets are on sale now, starting at only $15! Get yours today at hso.org, or by calling 256-539-4818. Also available is a VIP experience package that gets you backstage access, hosted by video game legend Tommy Tallarico.

Here are the top 5 questions all about VGL:

1. Is this the same concert that was here two years ago?

Yes and no. It’s the same production company, but this is an all NEW SHOW created for Huntsville by VGL Executive Producer Tommy Tallarico. He likes to keep people on their toes. He even took recommendations for the set list on the Facebook event page

2. Will this concert only appeal to gamers? Can I bring my kids?

VGL is not just for gamers.  Some people have misconceptions about what video game music is.  It is NOT a bunch of bleeps and bloops. There is a section of the show dedicated to the old retro arcade classics, but there is modern music as well as older, more memorable pieces that no one has ever heard played live.

This music will most definitely appeal to gamers, families, moms and dads, and to the symphonic crowd. The video game music of today is just as significant and notable as any movie score. Combine a full choir and amazing immersive visuals like synchronized video screens, interactive segments, special effects, synchronized lighting, lasers, and stage show elements, and you get Video Games Live! This is a unique event and experience that EVERYONE will enjoy.

Although the video game industry sometimes gets a bad rap for violent and mature content, this concert has nothing considered mature. The video game industry currently monitors itself with a rating system set up by the ESRB (Entertainment Software Ratings Board). They have a wonderful website dedicated to educating families and parents on the self-regulated system that all video game publishers abide by.

The Federal Trade Commission recently praised the video game industry, saying that “there is much in the game industry’s rating disclosure requirements that merits duplication by others.”  Although a few games in the show do carry a “mature” rating, they make certain that the visuals for those particular titles are appropriate for the entire family. VGL intends to create a celebration that can be shared by everyone, no matter how young or old. VGL is very sensitive in making sure they are promoting the industry in a good light.

3. What is Video Games Live?

Video Games Live is an immersive concert event featuring music from the greatest video games of all time. It is created and produced by industry veterans and world famous video game composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall; top orchestras and choirs around the world perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussion, live action, and unique interactive segments to create an explosive, one-of-a-kind entertainment experience.

The best way to describe Video Games Live? Picture the excitement and energy of a rock concert mixed with the power and emotion of a symphony orchestra – combined with the technology, interactivity, stunning visuals, and fun that only video games can provide. Completely synchronized cutting-edge video screen visuals, state-of-the-art lighting, and special on-stage interactive segments dazzle audiences of all ages – gamers and non-gamers alike.

Special events surround the show, including a pre- and post-show festival.  Guests will enjoy interactive game demos, prizes, a costume contest, game competitions, and the very popular meet-and-greet with top game composers and designers

4. Who started VGL?

Video Games Live was founded in 2002 by video game composers and game industry veterans Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall under the parent company Mystical Stone Entertainment, LLC. Tommy & Jack have over 35 years of experience in the game industry and utilize all of their personal contacts, friends, and knowledge to help create the show.  When creating a segment for Video Games Live, the actual game composers, designers, creators, artists, producers and marketing teams all join in to help produce and ensure the highest quality.

The main goal for creating Video Games Live was to show the world how culturally significant and artistic video games have become. Aside from being a celebration of the entire gaming industry, we also wanted to create a unique entertainment experience for non-gamers and/or casual gamers as well.  By utilizing incredible visuals and interactive segments in such a unique way, we are drawing in an audience that may not normally be interested in attending a game music production. Some of our greatest letters and e-mails have been from non-gamers who felt their eyes had been opened to a completely new form of entertainment and music.

Another goal of Video Games Live is to usher in a whole new generation of people to experience an orchestra performance. Many people who attend our show are seeing a symphony for the first time. Video Games Live is constantly being credited as helping to rejuvenate symphonic music, similar to what opera did hundreds of years ago.

5. I want more than just a ticket. Is there a VIP pass?

Are you the ultimate gamer? Do you want special backstage access to the most popular video game concert in the world? How about a tour of what goes on behind the scenes, led by VGL Creator/Executive Producer/Host and video game legend Tommy Tallarico? Are you interested in NO WAITING, special front-of-line access to the post-show meet & greet with our performers and special guests? How about a laminated backstage pass and a VIP package of exclusive merchandise?

Then here’s your chance! The Video Games Live Ultimate Gamer VIP Backstage Experience includes the following…

• Video Games Live backstage laminated tour pass
• Pre-show production tour, Q&A, and special personal meet & greet with VGL creator and game music superstar Tommy Tallarico
• Free download card for the top selling Video Games Live: Level 3 album
• Official vintage Video Games Live poster
• Video Games Live Temporary Tattoos
• Special FRONT OF LINE access to the Video Games Live post-show meet & greet
• Signed 1st page conductor sheet music from the performance

The VIP Pass is a ticket add-on package, and does not include a ticket to the concert. VIP Passes are available online at hso.org or 256-539-4818.

Come join us for all the action Saturday, May 6, and bring your whole crew! You won’t regret it!

Erica Gattis
Marketing Director
Huntsville Symphony