The Bob Moog Foundation

The Bob Moog Foundation

Making the world a better place, one module at a time

Robert Moog was a child with a passion for electronics that grew up to invent the most revolutionary musical instrument of the 20th century. The Bob Moog Foundation is dedicated to inspiring kids and adults with music and science, bringing electronic instruments to schools and teaching interactively. Created in 2006, a year after Moog’s death, and headed by his daughter Michelle Moog-Koussa, the foundation is dedicated to carrying on Robert Moog’s of legacy innovation and outreach.
At Moogfest 2010, the foundation partnered with Moog Music Inc. and Redbull to put on a series of panels and discussions with artists, engineers, and icons. The workshops ranged from history panels with the people who helped Robert Moog create the first synthesizer to discussions with Moog engineers. Kevin Kissinger and Dorit Chrysler each gave a Theremin performance followed by a short lesson on how to play the first electronic instrument ever invented. Within the same room the foundation set up MoogLab, filled with synthesizers, modules, and theremins to be played and experimented with by any curious festival goers. Throughout the weekend the Lab was filled with people curious about synthesis and the foundation.
Studying music has an incredible affect on a child’s life. In a time when most school programs are cutting back on arts and science education, finding new ways to get children interested in music and technology outside of the classroom is more important than ever.

The Moog Foundation is currently taking the MoogLab to area schools in Western North Carolina and raising funds to build a Moogseum in Asheville, N.C.. The museum will house Bob Moog’s archives in addition to interactive exhibits and a performance space.

To learn more about the Moog Foundation, buy merchandise, or make a donation visit http://moogfoundation.org/

Pictures by Melissa Tarantola

The many faces of Moogfest 2010

Having a music festival over Halloween weekend is a great idea, especially when there is dancing involved. I can't recall the exact number of times I suddenly found myself dancing next to Mario, a fairy, or the collected members of sesame street. It makes for a rather singular experience...

Photos by Melissa Tarantola

 

Making it at Moog

How to have the best festival ever

Photos by Melissa Tarantola

    2 films, 3 days, 5 venues, 11 workshops,  64 shows, all jammed into the 76 hours of Halloween weekend. To the untrained eye, Moogfest may seem like anarchy. Hell, with so much to do in so little time it's a little overwhelming for even seasoned concertgoers. Patrons must decide whom to see and when, accounting for the walk between venues and trying to time it so that they can catch the most of their favorite artists' sets without missing something else incredible. If your band is playing a festival like this, how do you stand out and make an impact?

The First Step is getting on the bill. Many festivals have an application process for bands wanting to play, and the larger ones can be quite competitive. Know the requirements and deadline and give yourself at least a month or two get your press kit ready to send. Moogfest and Bonnaroo are curated by AC Entertainment, a booking agency based out of Knoxville, Tennessee. For these festivals, they don't accept applications, but rather ask the bands they know and like to come and play. If you want to play festivals in the South, make sure you tour in the South, and make some good impressions while you're there.

Once you're in is when the real work begins. Tell everyone you know. Make it a big deal because it is a big deal. Playing a major festival is a big resume boost, start including in press releases and on your social media. As the festival date approaches, find out as much as you can about where and when you'll be playing, who you'll be playing after and before. Ask the festival if they have a press list. Once you get the contact info for the attending media send out a press release telling them how awesome you are and how they can see you at the festival. Mention any recent release and tours you’ve done, include a youtube link, and offer an interview to the lucky ones who get back to you. 


Contact other bands that are playing and try to meet up, this is probably your greatest networking opportunity of the year.


When it comes time to play, Rock the Fuck Out. Don't worry if the crowd seems a little small when you start, at a multi-stage festival there's a lot of bleed between shows, meaning most shows start a little empty and end very full. When local dubstepper Javelin started their set late Friday night I was surprised with how few people were there, but within 15 minutes the place was packed to capacity.


Afterwards, let the world know what a great time you had, what friends your made, and personally thank the people responsible for getting you there. Making friends with the festival organizers is the best way to get invited back (besides putting on a great show). Don't just talk up the bigwigs either, lots of festival staff are involved in the local music scene, make friends and know the best venues to play round these parts next time you tour.

This is just the start, if you're serious about expanding your fan base and furthering your career, festivals are a must. At Moogfest I discovered at least 10 new acts, and every other attendee is sure to have walked away with at least a couple. Make sure you promote your festival showing as much as you can, no one else is going to do it for you. Play nice with the staff and put on a great show. Oh, and have fun too. That's important, right?




-Garrett Frierson


Moogfest 2010
http://moogfest.com/


AC Entertainment
www.concertwire.com