Modal Kombat to Present Multimedia Performance Sunday

Buffalo State music lecturer and classical guitarist Evan Drummond has elevated the idea of dueling guitars to a multidisciplinary art. Drummond and fellow Yale School of Music graduate Dave Hindman use their classical-electric guitars as video game controllers in the multimedia musical performance Modal Kombat, described as “the first-ever guitar-controlled video game battle.”

Founded in 2004, Modal Kombat has performed throughout the country. The duo will appear on the “Geek Stage” at the renowned South by Southwest (SXSW) musical festival in Austin, Texas, March 15–20. Along with a host of musical luminaries, the festival lineup includes President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama who will deliver keynote addresses.

Before that happens, Buffalo has the chance to see Modal Kombat in a free concert on Sunday, March 6, at 3:00 p.m. in the Ciminelli Recital Hall in Rockwell Hall. 

During the performance, video games are projected onto a giant screen. Each game character responds to various pitches produced by the musicians who use software-equipped instruments. Drummond and Hindman integrate their music into such classic games as Pong, Mortal Kombat, and MarioKart.

“It’s all real-time music that we are creating,” said Drummond. “Nothing is pre-recorded.”

It’s also an interactive performance in which they invite volunteers to try out the guitar/controller for themselves. “It is meant to appeal to audiences of all ages,” added Drummond.

For more information, contact the Music Department at (716) 878-6401.