Video Games Live To Play The Kennedy Center

Video Games Live, a concert of live performances of popular videogame music, will be playing at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.

Billed as "an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular videogames of all time," Video Games Live features top-notch orchestras and choirs performing along with exclusive game footage, synchronized lighting, live action and unique interactive segments. The audience is treated to music from a wide range of games, including Mario, Halo, Metal Gear Solid, Warcraft, Myst, Tron, Beyond Good & Evil, Splinter Cell, Everquest 2 and many others. There is also a "Classic Arcade Medley," made up of music from over 20 arcade classics such as Donkey Kong, Tetris, Gauntlet and Space Invaders.

"What an incredible honor for us and the entire video game industry to be playing at such a historical landmark with such a prestigious symphony," said composer and Video Games Live co-creator Jack Wall. Co-creator and game composer Tommy Tallarico added, "We've already started inviting as many local politicians and their families as possible. It's important for us to show everyone how incredibly creative, artistic and significant video games and the culture surrounding them have become."

Designated a national monument in 1971, the Kennedy Center will host the first videogame concert ever performed in the nation's capital. To commemorate the event, Microsoft, ManiaTV and DreamAuthentics are sponsoring the "Xbox Video Games Live Sweepstakes," with a grand prize of a trip for two to the concert, special VIP access, and assorted other loot.

The concerts will take place June 29 and 30 at 8:00 p.m. in the Kennedy Center Concert Hall. A pre-show festival will take place in the Grand Foyer, featuring a costume contest, game demos and competitions, and Saturday's concert will feature a post-show meet-and-greet with various industry luminaries including Civilization mastermind Sid Meier. More information is available at the official Video Games Live website, and tickets are available online at www.kennedy-center.org.