Thousands of electronic music enthusiasts converged on downtown Asheville last October for a multi-day and multi-venue celebration of synthesizer-based music made on the type of instruments developed by the late musical engineer and Asheville resident Bob Moog.
This year’s Moogfest aims to surpass its predecessor in terms of both attendance and scope. Musicians scheduled to perform at six different venues include The Flaming Lips, Moby, Sound Tribe Sector 9 and TV on the Radio. Throughout the weekend multi-talented musician, artist and political activist Brian Eno will also be in town to showcase what he calls ‘visual music’ in the form of his sound and image art installation “77 Million Paintings” at the YMI Cultural Center.
Moogfest celebrates the legacy of a sonic pioneer who created the Minimoog Voyager, the Etherwave Theremin and the Moog Guitar. His daughter Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the non-profit Bob Moog Foundation which carries on that spirit through educational outreach programs teaching science to children and adults through electronic music, is excited about what the sophomore event has in store.
“Moogfest 2010 certainly accomplished that with nearly 10,000 attendees coming from all over the world,” she said. “This year there is a bit more emphasis on including legacy musicians — those who have been using synthesis and Moog technology for decades. Also, the panels and discussion which take place during the day at the Moogaplex will be expanded to cover all three days, as they were so well attended last year.”
She also stressed that even if you are not familiar with all the artists on the bill, a good time will be had by those in attendance.
“If people are interested in a wide variety not only of electronic music, but music in general, then this festival is for them,” she said. “At any given time during the festival, there are multiple concerts happening at different venues. Moogfesters have their choice of a stunning array of musical talent.”
Moogfest 2011, October 28, 29 and 30, in Downtown Asheville. More info and ticket information at www.moogfest.com.