PAX 08: The illegal sidewalk concert

1:06 AM on 08.30.2008   |   Niero

28 comments

Confirmed once again: Video games are the new rock and roll.  Here's the memo that we almost missed:

August, 29
ILLEGAL SIDEWALK SET 2 (Lo-Tek Resistance) @ PAX  | Cost : free

Lo-Tek Resistance for this event includes the following: Fighter X McFiredrill Circles Completely inspired by the now long gone Tsuji Techno team of Japan, I plan on setting up both of my studio monitors and both of my Game Boys w/LSDJ on a street close to the Penny Arcade Expo. You will see me sitting there jamming some chiptunes for everyone to hear, whether they like it or NOT!!! So after enjoying PAX come and find me outside!! 

Luckily the guerrilla-style performance went strong without any significant PAX security intervention or we would have been robbed of a raw dose of gamer culture. There was simply no way to miss them once they got started: I was on my way to the hotel when an explosion of chiptunes music hit me at the door of the convention center. One more video and an explanation of that cryptic memo follows!

Luckier still, I happened to stumble into someone that knew exactly what the hell was going on. CrunchyCo shed some light on the aural phenomena: Every year a group of artists like Fighter X conspire to perform an impromptu sidewalk concert at PAX. This year approximately five bands were lined up to play and their timing was spot on: Several PAX attendees found themselves without a wristband to attend the evening concerts so this filled the void quite nicely. 

If you're not into the chiptunes scene this video might give you the itch.  Go spend some quality time here.  Can someone illegally scribble the musician sidewalk schedule on the PAX program template next year before it goes to print?