Music can be such an uplifting experience when it comes to motion pictures.  It can help your heart soar and it can bring forth tears as you watch the story unfold. But there are some musicians out there who have a freakish talent when it comes to composing a score for film.  These are the artists who not only evoke an emotion out of you while you watch, but their music sticks with you and infects your mind for days on end. 

These are scores you find yourself humming on a regular basis simply to remind yourself of that perfect moment in film where everything came to life.  This is the kind of music that Danny Elfman puts together on a regular basis. This long time collaborator with director Tim Burton has created some of the most memorable scores in film and the good news is, a celebration of his work is coming to Denver next Friday, February 6, 2015 at 7:30 p.m., courtesy of the Colorado Symphony.

Yes, the Symphony is once again playing host to incredible childhood memories as they bring Elfman's work to life on stage at the Boettcher Concert Hall, and to sweeten the pot, the event will feature the music Danny has composed for Tim Burton's captivating motion pictures, allowing the memories of these emotions to surge forth.  The thrills we felt when Batman took to the sky in the Batwing will shiver down our spines once again. The sadness we felt for the Penguin at first will return and of course the fun and adventure of traveling through Beetlejuice's world will bring back that sense of childhood wonder.

Having enjoyed the Symphony's last two tributes to Comic Con I can say without a doubt that this will be a incredible event. This is an orchestra that understands the beauty of music, the importance of it moving you and that is the foundation for a good show. The fact that it happens to be the music of one of America's finest composers just sweetens the deal if you ask me.  So of course, the big question on your mind is likely, where do I get tickets? 

That's easy, just follow the link here and snag your tickets to this concert before they sell out. Either way we will be there to cover this wonderful show and we look forward to sharing this experience with all of you! 

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! 

One half of the experience of viewing our favorite movies and shows, is the music. It is the triumphant themes of superheroes that inspires us and lets our spirits soar while at the same time it is those somber and dulcet tones that often move us to tears.  Either way, music is a huge deal and last year The Colorado Symphony hosted an amazing event for all of us to celebrate the tunes from our favorite stories with a Tribute to Comic Con. 

It was an incredible night, one filled with beautiful memories and equally as beautiful music and one that quite frankly I think we wished would have never come to an end.  The Symphony understood how special a night that was for everyone which means only one thing...it's time for another tribute to Comic Con!  Yes, coming this November 15th, The Colorado Symphony is hosting A Symphonic Tribute to Comic Con 2.0.

After all, there are so many scores from movies, television and games to enjoy and this year we can expect music that inspires thoughts of Gotham City, a mischievous ghost named Beetlejuice and if we're lucky music about busting ghosts can help put him out of mind.  As an added bonus, Austin Wintory who performed a piece from the score to Journey last year will return with pieces from his score for The Banner Saga. 

This is simply a show that you cannot miss, and to help you experience this amazing performance, we have a special ticket discount for all of you out there and trust me, this is an amazing deal.  How good a deal you ask? Well how would you like to get the best seats available, for only $25?  Yes, you read that right, tickets that would normally cost you $88, for only $25! That's a $63 discount! So how do you get this amazing deal? That's easy. 

1. Head to the Colorado Symphony's link for the event here.  
2. When you're buying tickets, enter the promo code: GIRLSOFGEEK12

It's just that easy! Please bear in mind that a $8 per ticket service charge does apply and the offer is not valid on previous purchases and is subject to availability.

Outside of that, we cannot wait for this amazing show.  So please, get your tickets as soon as you can, take advantage of this awesome deal and we will see all of you on November 15 at 7:30 p.m. for this wonderful event. 

What's interesting about fandoms and the things that we geek out about, is the sheer need to be able to share them with others.  We are inspired and enlightened by the things we watch or read over and over again and it almost becomes necessity to have our love validated by those who share in our joy.  

Often times these events are limited to conventions, so we only get to see our fandom buddies once a year and let's be honest, that is simply not enough. There is so much more to celebrate and a weekend is too short a time to express all the joy that is bottled up within. It's a fact that the amazing folks at Denver Comic Con have figured out and that's why you are seeing them reach out to do new things again and again.  

Last month DCC and the SIE Film Center played host to the series eight premiere of Doctor Who, giving Whovians everywhere a chance to celebrate with their friends and fellow fans all in one comfortable place, but DCC was just getting started.  Last night, I had the opportunity to head back down to the SIE Film Center to step into a celebration of film. Yes, Friday night was all about Terry Gilliam's The Zero Theorem and well, while I have already written a review on the film, what has me still pondering on last night, is how awesome the turnout was and how amazing it is that my favorite convention does these kinds of events.  

I overheard several people talking about how neat it was that DCC was hosting this and it was awesome to hear the excitement in their voice and the joy on their faces and quite frankly what better a place to do it than at the home of the Denver Film Society.  This really is just something I have yet to hear of other conventions doing, reaching out to the community and making sure we celebrate year round. 

It made for a wonderful evening and when the lights went down in the theater, we were all transported to that special place where only fans can go.  Thanks again to Denver Comic Con and the Denver Film Society/SIE Film Center for hosting this wonderful event and evening.  

Qohen Leth is a reclusive computer genius living in an undetermined future, who works as a programmer for the Orwellian organization Corporation ManCom. He resides in an ancient derelict church, awaiting a phone call that will give meaning to his life. When the mysterious 'Management' summons him to crack the Zero Theorem, a formula that could answer everything, and the seductive Bainsley and the turbulent Bob barge into his controlled universe, Leth's existence is set to irrevocably change.

If that plot seems intricate, fascinating and downright amazing then it means only one thing, Terry Gilliam has a new film coming out.  Only Terry could handle such detail and thankfully, The Zero Theorem arrives this week at the SIE Film Center in Denver and for those of you out here who love Terry and his work, there is only one convention that would help present this film to celebrate the wonder of Gilliam's career...Denver Comic Con. 

Yes DCC is once more hosting a premiere event for all of us to enjoy and of course, they have plenty planned for the evening.  Everything kicks off this Friday, September 26 around 5:30 p.m. The SIE Film Center will be featuring happy hour drinks for anyone of age to enjoy while the clock counts down to the big event. 

But before the movie kicks off at 7 p.m. there will be a costume contest.  Yes, ladies and gents, cosplay is completely encouraged, and if you're wondering what will win you the grand prize, all you have to do is dress up in your most creative costume from a Terry Gilliam movie.  Of course after the movie, you can hang out with your friends and fellow movie buffs and discuss the film you just witnessed.  

Tickets for this event are still available and you can order them right here. Oh and if you use the code DCCZERO while ordering, you save $2 off the non member price.  So grab your tickets now, pick which costume you want to wear and enjoy The Zero Theorem this Friday night!  

There were few things as important or as enjoyable during childhood than afternoon cartoons.  The bell would ring, we would grab our backpacks, say goodbye to our friends and head home as quickly as possible for a full afternoon awaited us.  Sure we would take time to say hi to any parents that were home and tell them how our day was but there was only one thing on our minds...cartoons.  

While Saturday morning was reserved for sugary bowls of cereal and that sense of wonder as we pulled ourselves from any lingering sense of sleep to enjoy cartoons, Monday through Friday is where the real magic happened.  It was here that we settled in for amazing cartoons that would captivate and entertain.  

One such cartoon that I know everyone in my household made time for was Animaniacs. Yes, the adventures of Yakko, Wakko and Dot were the stuff of legend in my home and since it hit in the mid 1990's, my little brother and sister and I were able to enjoy this hilarious cartoon filled with musical numbers.

But we were not alone.  So many people I know look upon that show with incredible fondness and with good reason. It was hilarious, entertaining and the musical numbers performed by the Warner Brothers and Dot have stuck in our brains over the years.  But like all good things, the show came to its end, and we were left with the fondest of memories.  Until now that is.  

Once again, Denver Comic Con has pulled together an incredible event with the Colorado Symphony's help and come next Friday, September 26, the Symphony and DCC are hosting Animaniacs LIVE! an event that features many of the incredible songs we all grew up with from this amazing show.  But to make this event even more breathtaking, there is an added bonus; Yakko, Wakko and Dot will be there as well! 

Yes, Rob Paulsen (Yakko), Jess Harnell (Wakko) and Tress MacNeille (Dot) will be reprising their roles on stage as the symphony brings our childhood back to life.  This is going to be an amazing event and if you're free, and a fan of the show, or just want to enjoy an incredible evening, get your tickets here.  

If anything, this event in principle alone has blown me away with the sheer awesomeness of having the cast reunite to sing their old songs and I cannot wait to walk down memory lane with all of you. See everyone there next week!  

There are few things in this life as noble as sacrifice.  We have all given something up for our friends, or our family or those we hold near and dear.  There simply comes a point when we have to help others, and we know that by giving something up, we have done something special for the greater good in someone's life. 

But there are those in this world who go above and beyond when it comes to sacrifice.  They are the men and women who choose to serve our country and put themselves in harm's way for absolute strangers.  They don't know many of us out there but they are willing to put their life on the line in the name of all the freedom we enjoy, and sometimes they need help. 

So many soldiers face incredible decisions and terrifying situations and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not uncommon for our veterans returning home from combat overseas.  With all that in mind, it's good to know that there are people out there looking for new ways to help these veterans cope and you have the opportunity to see it in action this upcoming First Friday. 

Yes, on September 5th, the Hall of Justice Gallery off of 841 Santa Fe in Denver will be host to a fundraising and science fiction themed event, The Art of War. Now the Art of War Project is designed to help veterans cope with PTSD by way of creativity. They help teach veterans the value of art and how they can leave some of the negativity effecting them on canvas.
  
So by all means please swing by the Hall of Justice on Friday, take a look at the incredible work from this project and help out our veterans.  Plus to make this as much fun as possible,  if you have a sci fi cosplay, wear it, we here at Girls of Geek will certainly be in costume and we look forward to seeing all of you at this amazing event.