If you’re free the evening of Dec. 9, you might want to consider heading down to the Ümloud! fundraiser at DNA Lounge, 375 Eleventh St. in San Francisco.
The event, a joint effort between Harmonix Music Systems and some Bay Area games industry veterans, is a “Rock Band 2” concert whose proceeds go to Child’s Play, a charity that donates video game equipment to children’s hospitals and pediatrics wards.
There’s no cover charge, but a donation of $10, which enters you in a raffle, is encouraged. (What kind of person shows up to a charity event without making a donation?) Once inside, you’ll be able to mingle with other gamers and play around with “Rock Band 2” on the second floor. It’s worth noting that, thanks to Harmonix, every one of the 1,000-plus downloadable tracks released so far will be available to play.
For $35, you and three friends can hop up on a stage and flail away at fake instruments while strangers cheer you on.
Visit umloud.org for more info.