Geeks... Rock... It's Indy!

GenCon - Aug 10th - 13th

First of all, we have GenCon. If you haven't seen classic Star Wars storm troopers walking around downtown Indy in years past, then get out from underneath your rock! GenCon is one of the largest gaming oriented conventions around. We're not talking gaming as in Las-Vegas-Gonna-Wind-Up-Owing-A-Bookie-Money gaming, but rather the old school geek kind! The kind with dice and miniatures and people rambling on about their level 32 barbarian with Ale Steins of Smiting ( 2 even)!

From August 10th through August 13th GenCon will attract numbers equal to a small city as industry giants (Wizard's of The Coast, White Wolf, Mayfair, just to name a few) set up shop in the convention center to display new titles, new gaming systems, even new booth girls (I said new). Board games, strategy games, role-playing games, video games, card games, collectable games, historical miniature games, dice games – if you can play it, someone will be there to play it with you. Tournaments, casual play and demonstration play will be running through out the convention along with sponsored parties, costumes, contests, and impromptu hootenannies. Don't be shocked if any of the aforementioned stormrs wind up at The Mineshaft.

Visit the GenCon website for more information.

Video Games Live - Aug 11th & 12th

In part with GenCon, but wacky enough to receive its own entry, is Video Games Live. Composers Tommy Tallarico and Jack Wall have partnered with Clear Channel to bring their video game soundtracks to the concert hall. The two have created music for titles such as Advent Rising, Splinter Cell, Earthworm Jim and Tony Hawk Pro Skater.

Performances for Video Games Live will be happening at the Hilbert Circle Theater on August 11th and 12th. For more information, visit the Hilbert Circle Theater website or the Video Games Live website.

The Midwest Music Summit - Aug 10th - 12th

And if that weren't enough, the national music industry will be looking at Indianapolis once again as The Midwest Music Summit takes hold of the city August 10th – 12th. Seminars, panels and discussions make up the daylight portion of the summit, as industry professionals convene to discuss the business with musicians of all kinds and network for new contacts.

The nighttime portion of the summit features hundreds of bands flooding Indianapolis nightclubs with new and original music. The potential for exposure is incredible as small time acts pair up with regional heavyweights and label reps scout the stages for new talent. In the past, names like KRS-One, Local H, Rhymefest, Cat Power and Juliana Hatfield have performed and this year looks just as good.

Seeing some of this action is simple. Purchase a weekend wristband from the Summit and gain free access to any of the sponsored clubs around town. I personally have spent past years keeping a schedule of acts and running from one bar to another as though I were at King's Island, eager to get to the next ride. It's truly an overwhelming experience for any music lover.

For schedule, wristband costs and other information, visit the Midwest Music Summit website.

Riding The Coat Tails

And finally, on the unofficial tip, with all of this going on around town over the weekend, you know that local clubs will try to pick up on the business. Expect to see special events at your favorite bars to help bring in the tourist dollar. For instance, The Melody Inn, The Vault and Radio Radio will all be hosting GenCon related music events, with more live music and dance nights. Good luck finding parking!