Gamer Symphony Orchestra

So, as I mentioned in my previous post we went to Washington, D.C. for "The Art of Video Games" exhibit.  We also, went to see the Gamer Symphony Orchestra perform in the Kogod Courtyard in the Smithsonian American Art Museum.  After our, disappointing, visit to the exhibit we made our way down to the courtyard to enjoy a concert composed of video game music.
Truth, we didn't stick around for the entire performance.  In fact we were only there for three songs.  Now let me say this we didn't leave because the orchestra was bad.  In fact, they were amazing.  I have eight school band years under my belt I know when something doesn't sound good.  They were great.  Had a great array of musicians and very elegant pieces that they selected to perform.  We stuck around long enough to hear the Sonic piece they played.  They brought out their vocal performers just to do the "Sega" note the games use to play.  Rather funny actually.
We didn't leave because of them we left because of the set up.  This courtyard is massive and yet they didn't even fill it with chairs.  The group is actually pretty local and there's this small group of people known as family of the performers that attend the shows.  Needless to say nearly all the chairs were filled with the orchestra's family, people who have seen them perform.  And since there wasn't enough chairs I found myself seated on a overgrown planter.  Not comfortable.  The room was packed every chair was filled and people were both standing and sitting on the floor.  It really aggravates me some days when people underestimate the power of geek.  The fact that I couldn't see the orchestra didn't bother me.  It's music.  I need to hear them, not see them.  The only reason I like to see is to watch the composer make his/her funny expressions and over exaggerated motions.  The issue was we were in a giant covered courtyard.  The acoustics did not compliment the group at all.  This was not their fault.  We both were however impressed that we are planning to make a trip up to one of their future performances and hear them in a better environment.

Cream, sugar, brains?

Since I didn't really stick around for the whole thing I can't make an accurate opinion but the fact that I want to go watch them is a plus side.  Now, onto a funny note.  On our walk from the Metro station to the museum I ran into this lovely sign (left).
That's right, zombie coffee.  I tried to google and find more info on it and I found this page on the Fro-Zen-Yo website.  I drink coffee and almost never buy a cup at coffee places because they never do it right.  For some reason the barristas I come across don't understand the words "fill the cup half with coffee and half with milk."  Some places put cream.  Others spin/stir the milk in, creating an obnoxious foam layer on top.  Then I meet some that warm the milk up then pour it into the coffee.  If I wanted to drink a beverage that resembles the feeling of lava on my tongue, I would.  I ask for milk to drop the temperature of the HOT coffee so I can chug it in less than ten minutes.  Not sip it like a child for an hour.  Okay, I'll get off my high horse.  If I lived in the area I would probably make an effort to get coffee here just because the thought of walking around with a cup labeled "Zombie Coffee" sounds awesome.