8-Bit Symphony

The connection between videogames and music goes back to the monophonic bleeps and bloops of the earliest games. But by the 1980s, some of the catchiest music ever recorded (well, programmed) came from videogames. Anyone between the ages of 20 and 40 could hum the theme to Super Mario Bros.,...

By Jesse Hughey

July 9, 2009

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The connection between videogames and music goes back to the monophonic bleeps and bloops of the earliest games. But by the 1980s, some of the catchiest music ever recorded (well, programmed) came from videogames. Anyone between the ages of 20 and 40 could hum the theme to Super Mario Bros., The Legend Of Zelda or Metroid. Nowadays, videogame makers often license current hits, which seems like a cop-out even if it provides revenue to musicians who aren't banking on recordings lately. But there are still videogame composers working today, and you have the chance to hear two of the biggest live. Video Games Live is an interactive multimedia concert produced by industry giants Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall, who will also conduct and perform. Music includes songs from Zelda, Halo, Castlevania, Tron and more, along with a classic arcade medley featuring music from Dragon's Lair, Tetris, Gauntlet, Space Invaders and more. There'll be opportunities to nerd out before and after the concert, with costume contests, game demonstrations and more. The concert is 8 p.m. Tuesday at Bass Performance Hall, 525 Commerce St. in Fort Worth. Tickets are $49 to $470. Call 877-212-4280 or visit basshall.com.
Tue., July 14, 8 p.m., 2009

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