Microsoft is holding its annual “MIX” conference for Web developers this week in Las Vegas. It’s the place to be if you want to attend a seminar called “Developing Data Driven Applications Using ASP.NET Dynamic Data Controls.” It turned out that it’s also the place for aspiring rockers - well, virtual rockers.

One of the more popular attractions here is the Rock Band stage where Microsoft is holding an Xbox 360 tournament for the rock music video game. Highest score wins a Fender Stratocaster and four Xbox 360 Elite consoles for the band. A woman working at the stage said “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, “In Bloom” by Nirvana and “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash are getting the heaviest rotation. I guess this isn’t an Air Supply crowd.

When asked if this was corporate synergy at work, Dean Hachamovitch, general manager of Microsoft’s Internet Explorer team, said “I think it’s just because geeks like Rock Band.”