Video Games Live in Houston

Despite being forced to cancel the final leg of last year's tour in the United States due to poor sales, the organizers of the Video Games Live concert--a touring ode to video-game music--remained optimistic. "We clearly overestimated the demand for a concert that relatively few people understand at this time," organizer Jack Wall said in October. Now, their fortunes apparently have changed: Today the organizers, Wall and Tommy Tallarico, announced they are teaming with the Houston Symphony Orchestra on July 14 to deliver a day's worth of game music, tournaments, and other contests to the Texas city.

The festivities include a special piano arrangement by pianist Lee Ann Leung, who will perform 10 Final Fantasy songs. Before the live music begins, Red Octane will sponsor a competition of the upcoming Guitar Hero II. Elsewhere, the organizers recently announced two concert dates as part of the Gen Con convention in Indianapolis, Indiana. For more information, visit the official Video Games Live Web site.