Guitar Hero Is Never Not Funny

Right now, my orchestra is presenting the 2008 JoAnn Falletta International Guitar Concerto Competition. It’s quite a production. Ten Semi-Finalists were chosen from around the world to come to Buffalo, and after a round of competition, the field was narrowed to three. The three finalists will perform their concertos tomorrow night with the BPO, after which a winner will be crowned. This is the third time I’ve participated in the event (we have it every two years), and I’ve really come to look forward to the drama of a live competition.

Janz and I have been joking about starting a International Guitar Hero Competition for quite some time. For some reason, Guitar Hero is never not funny to us. The joke took on a life of its own this afternoon, when Janz officially entered the field of competition.

Here is his story:

Janz nervously warms up backstage

Janz discusses his tempos with JoAnn before the rehearsal

Janz fulfills his dream of being an International Guitar Hero with a Symphony Orchestra.

Special thanks to JoAnn Falletta who was a great sport about our goofy scheming this afternoon. She didn’t bat an eyelash when Janz and I knocked on her dressing room door holding a plastic guitar.

3 Things Having Nothing To Do With Hockey

1. I finally made it past the hard level of “Before I Forget” by Slipknot on Guitar Hero. This accomplishment represents a lot of hard work and dedication, and I would like to thank everyone who patiently stood by me as I attempted to fufill my dream of “You Rock”ing. It hasn’t been easy, but we did it. Hopefully, I will never hear that song again.

2. I just saw the Sex and the City movie and this will contain some SPOILERS. Now, I loved the show. Yeah, it’s silly and frothy and not really based in reality, but I thought it was frequently funny, and every once in awhile, even I, a crusty old spinster with a heart of cold steel, had to admit, “I’ve been there, sister. Well, not THERE (in those dumb shoes and making that annoying cutesy squeally noise), but I’ve totally been in the vicinity of that relationship problem.” So there I was, cruising along, loving the movie for a solid two hours, when all of a sudden it took a turn for the hideous. Young people of TWC, please listen to me. If someone leaves you at the alter after years of on-again off-again turmoil, you should NOT go to Mexico, dye your hair, and then get back together with him one year later. You should go to Mexico, dye your hair, and then one year later realize that while it was horrible at the time, you are ultimately grateful for the fact that you did not wind up married to a total tool. M’kay? Then, on your way out of the movie theater, you should make a mental note of when the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants 2 is coming out, because you KNOW those sassy girls are going to go on a journey of self discovery where they do NOT wind up married to a bunch of tools. Those pants won’t steer a girl wrong. You can take that to the bank.

3. It’s too hot, yo.

VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Guitar Hero is not to be trifled with. Seriously.

I had never played Guitar Hero until an hour and a half ago, and I just played Guitar Hero for an hour and a half non-stop. I don’t think I even blinked. When I relinquished the guitar, I tried to play it cool (like I was ready to quit), but honestly, I’m feeling a little itchy already. I need a fix.

I wonder how the Ookies would feel about playing Guitar Hero instead of watching the Devils tonight? *shifty eyes at Ookies*