If you've never been to an anime convention, you may have missed things like massive dealer rooms (import games!) and partially nude costume play (once I saw a female Pikachu cosplayer that wore only black bloomers, a yellow halter top, a painted face, and a cardboard pikachu tail - I'm still looking for her). These massive events really have some relevance to the gaming world as they're considered more of an otaku gathering than just an anime one. One thing con newbs may not realize is that these conventions often have musical performances as a focal point, and large concerts are not uncommon. While they're usually Japanese bands covering anime and J-pop music, the musical highlight of the upcoming
Otakon in Baltimore, MD will appeal to gamers and anime fans alike.
Attendees of the July 20-22nd event will get the pleasure of hearing the
Eminence Symphony Orchestra's String Quartet. If this group sounds famliar, it should - their '
Destiny' concert sold out in both Sydney and Tokyo, and they are now coming to America to play this exclusive set at Otakon. The performance, called 'Destiny -Reunion', will be peformed by a string quartet, and will include songs from
.hack series,
Gundam Seed, Princess Mononoke, Laputa, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Noir, My Neighbor Totoro, Chrono Cross, Xenosaga, Romeo x Juliet and many more.
One of the special guests for the event is closely associated with some of the music performed, namely this spring's hit anime
Romeo X Juliet. His name is Hitoshi Sakimoto, and you might know him better as the composer of
Final Fantasy XII and Final
Fantasy Tactics. He will be in attendance to hear his music performed as well as to meet his American fans.
If you're going to be in the area, and you enjoy quality game and anime music, then you owe it to yourself to make it to Otakon for this performance. Also, keep your eyes peeled as several Destructoid writers (including myself) will be there to cover the convention. I hear there's a party somewhere...
Dale's coming? Kickass. I encourage anyone in the area to come check this out, the merch room they have at this every year is insane.
I'll definitely be there. I've been going for years and Otakon is just amazing!
My Kami! I need to go to this.
yes you do, sir
I've been going to Otakon for years and I will NOT miss this! Who from the D-Toid crew is coming besides Dale?
Mmm, RxJ had some good music. Too bad this con is on the opposite side of the country from where I live.
Party?
I've gone every year since '97, when it was in a tiny hotel in Hunt Valley (god, have i really been doing this for 10 years? I'm seriously old...). The amount this con has grown every year just astounds me.
Anyway, this year is no exception. How shall i identify myself as a dtoid-er?
I've been working at Otakon since 1999 and 2007 will be the second year that I've missed it since then. :-(
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