At some point over the years, we were all told that magic simply doesn't exist. That all the tricks we have witnessed so many times during our youth were nothing more than illusions.  The dove was in his hat all along, that never ending ribbon was hidden inside of his suit coat, the disappointment went on and on. 

But I've come to realize that that kind of magic, is the kind we should have never worried about, because real magic, the kind that leaves you full of wonder and awe is all around us and last Saturday I was privy to it myself when the Colorado Symphony put on its second tribute to Denver Comic Con. 

Yes, this new fall tradition has quickly become one of the premier events in town when it comes to live performances, and it is an event that manages to get better every single year.  The first Tribute to Comic Con was mind blowing enough and this year the Symphony figured out how to actually top it.  This go round the Symphony added a choir to accompany this performance and they actually managed to involve the audience along the way.  

In fact, the symphony even brought out special guests if you will.  We had Ghostbusters on stage, Darth Vader himself and we even enjoyed a live lightsaber battle between Darth Maul and Obi Wan Kenobi during an epic performance of "Duel of the Fates".  Actually, it was during that particular piece that I came to realize that this whole evening was something truly magical. Because shortly after that performance, I took some time to break away from the experience and watch the audience closely and every person that I saw, from every age group had a glimmer in their eye, and a smile on their face. 

The Symphony managed to transport our imagination and our spirits to the first time we ever heard that particular piece of music.  By asking everyone there to participate, by having special guests on stage and letting us enjoy that lightsaber battle, they managed to recreate everything that made that moment so perfect in our minds.  That my friends, is real magic.  The ability to allow us to forget about everything but that perfect moment of music, where nothing else mattered but sounds that sent chills down our spine.  

It was truly a shared experience, whether you were singing along, dancing in your seat or simply soaking in the moment, we all shared in the wonder and the awe of this incredible performance.  It's a shame it had to end, but at least we have next year to look forward to.  Until then. 

What better way to end a long-LONG season than to just sit back and listen to some music that has helped shape our lives.  That is something that the Colorado Symphony has been able to deliver to us for two straight years now, and I would not have it any other way.  When attending this show last year, but when I left I was blown away, and this year…well, dare I say it? It was even better!

Entering the Boettcher Concert Hall this year, I was happy to see that a majority of the symphony was dressed in what I hope were there favorite geeky characters.  Along with a massive choir that I never expected to see sitting in the back, I had a feeling that it was going to be a special night once again.

With conductor Scott O’Neil at the helm once again, I knew it was going to be a great show but seeing him taking part of the geekyness being dressed as Neo, I knew that the show was going to surpass my highest expectations. Opening up with the theme from Halo and then mixing into the theme from The Matrix, it was going to be a great night.  Utilizing the choir and bringing chills down everyone’s spines, each musical compilation brought everyone in attendance to a place in their life that they never should have left, their childhood.

As music from Beetlejuice made it to the set, it was the first time I have ever heard a crowd be invited to sing-a-long with any music at the symphony before.  For the fans to know that they are the reason behind such an event is what this is all about and the Colorado Symphony did not hesitate to let everyone enjoy this show to the fullest.

As the intermission hit, I was trying to listen for some of the feedback about what people were enjoying the most about the show to this point.  But the costumes were the talk of the night since people noticed that the percussion section was headed off by Iron Man, Thor and the Hulk and several people had taken notice as three of The Avengers were truly controlling the tempo of the concert.  That is all I caught as I had to run back up to my seat before the second half of the show started and I did not want to miss a second of what was coming up next.

As a huge surprise, Lego Batman came out on stage and made sure that everyone in attendance knew that "Everything is Awesome."  With a couple of locals coming out to rap along with the song, and the choir in full effect, this set the pace for the second half of the show.  With Batman conducting the theme for Superman, I could not help but laugh as Batman is the leader of the DC Universe.  With the Imperial March being played next, we were able to see the 501st in full effect as they all made their way to the stage.  With Darth Vader being in charge of this, it was known that everything would go his way, even when a couple of storm troopers stayed back to dance.

Hometown hero Austin Wintory came back for the second year in a row. Although he was not dressed in costume, it was amazing to see him take the conductor role once again, bringing forth this time he score from The Banner Saga.  This will have to be a game that I pick up at some point since the game Journey he scored was just great and the music from The Banner Saga seems to be even more epic.  Even without using the choir, Austin’s music is something that will leave you wanting more, and even tearing up after it plays, it is just that good.

As the night finished up there was a standing ovation for the great job the conductors Scott O’Neil and Austin Wintory did, along with the leader behind the Comic Con Choir, Catherine Sailer there are plenty of other people to thank. The 501st Legion Mountain Garrison were in full effect this year, along with a couple of Ghostbusters from Colorado Movie Cars.  Pop Culture Classroom/Denver Comic Con go hand and hand, but the biggest thank you goes to the Colorado Symphony for being able to bring all of our old favorites to life and combining them with the new classics if even for one night a year.  The music from our geeky loves will never die in our hearts and although it might be something that lasts the tests of time, it will always stay within our souls.

Last night I had the opportunity to attend the Colorado Symphony's Tribute to Denver Comic Con. This was the second annual show the symphony put on and was easily just as amazing. I must admit, I've always had a soft spot for classical music. It was something my dad introduced me to when I was younger and ever since its been an inspiration for my writing. Having a chance to see something as amazing as this in person, for a second year in a row, was not only an honor, but one of the best evenings of the year.

The scores varied from video games, to television shows, to the beloved movies that are iconic to all of us geeks. For one evening many of us gathered to hear the songs that have defined generations and inspired me personally. It began with the Halo theme song and ended with Legend of Zelda. In between were several astonishing songs; many accompanied by a Choir. The choir was composed of several school choruses. Among them was a good friends little brother and several talented singers. This was not only a new addition, but took something that was wonderful and made it even better. Was that possible? I didn't think so, it seems I was wrong. Taking things up a notch, the Colorado Symphony has truly set the bar when it comes to these kind of performances. This year they also added audience participation. Asking us to do specific movements, echo fun parts of a song, and even sing along. The connection between us and them was made strong by their desire to make us feel apart of such an amazing night. 

Perhaps the funnest part was seeing many musicians dressed as beloved characters. They were so in character that one of the drummers, dressed as Thor, was using his hammer to strike the drum. It didn't stop there, of course, the wonderful conductor, Scott O'Neil, was dressed in costumes throughout the night. From Neo to Lego Batman; there wasn't a dull moment. To add, many cosplayers were brought into the concert, adding to the performances. When they played the Ghost Busters theme there were Ghost Busters belting out tunes with the Choir. During the rendition of the Imperial March from Star Wars, we had Storm Troopers and Darth Vader himself. Later, we even had a lightsaber battle. Shortly after the audience was encouraged to sing along to the songs of Frozen. And yes, I joined in....much to the amusement of everyone.

Before the end of the show, we got a special treat from Colorado native, musician and composer Austin Wintory, giving us a taste of what he'd been working on for so long, his new score from The Banner Saga. The various scores that are classics to us have been renewed in our hearts and played by the most talented musicians. The Symphonic Tribute to Denver Comic Con was not only a great way to spend a Saturday, but an evening that will live on in my memory. It was amazing to see the concert hall filled with so many fans of all things nerd and geek. Thank you to the Colorado Symphony for such a wonderful night. I can't wait for next year! 

If there is one thing the good people in Denver love, it's their fandoms. Seriously, this town is loaded to the brim with geeky folks and quite frankly it's completely and utterly awesome to know you can chat up The Walking Dead with pretty much anyone you meet on the street. 

But if there something else the geeks in this town love, it's sports. No joke, talk with that very same person about zombies long enough and you'll get into a conversation about one of the sports teams in our fair city.  It makes Denver a wonderful place to live, and it's something that Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom recognize.  

So leave it to those two amazing organizations to bring together a few of our favorite things. Since, on November 29th, Denver Comic Con and Pop Culture Classroom are hosting Superhero Night with the Colorado Avalanche.  

That's right, you get the best of both worlds on this evening as you get to celebrate the wonder of your favorite super hero while taking in a hockey game because well, Denver Comic Con is just that awesome.  Not to mention, 
cosplay is completely encouraged.  Yes, wear your finest Superman costume to the game, or your variation on Iron Man, it doesn't matter, just dress up because cosplay is always awesome! 

Also make sure you make your way to the Pepsi Center at 4:30 p.m. to enjoy all the pre game festivities that DCC and PCC have planned for everyone since there will be giveaways, prizes, plus there will be local comic book artists on hand as well and more importantly, enjoy the game at 7 p.m. when the Colorado Avalanche take on the Dallas Stars. It should be an incredible night, and to top it off, $5 from every ticket sold goes toward Pop Culture Classroom. So snag your tickets here, and we will see all of you at Superhero Night!