The Bob Moog Foundation proudly announces the launch of a pilot program of its hallmark educational project,Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, at Asheville City Schools’ (ACS) 2^nd grade classrooms.

Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool (formerly known as MoogLab) ignites the creative and innovative spirit by teaching children the science of sound through the magic of music. The experiential curriculum, which meets state and national standards, integrates intuitive, engaging electronic musical instruments to teach the physics of sound to young students. For the pilot phase of the program, the 2^nd graders are using theremins, which were donated to the BMF by Moog Music, Inc. In addition to an introduction to the physics of sound, students are taught about scientific method using examples from Bob Moog’s science notebooks, as well as examples from other seminal inventors.

Images from prior SoundSchool outreach (Photo credit: www.sicimages.com)

The SoundSchool curriculum was developed over the summer of 2011 by a team of music and science educators  along with music technologists. Jonna Kwiatkowski, PhD, Assistant Professor at Mars Hill College and experimental psychologist specializing in creativity, coordinated the curriculum team.

Following the development of the curriculum, the BMF collaborated with eight participating 2nd grade teachers from ACS, teaching them the necessary background knowledge regarding the concepts of sound in preparation for successful teaching of the SoundSchool curriculum. This professional development was conducted in the Fall of 2011.

Teacher training in fall 2011: Learning the priciples of sound (Photo credit: Tracie Acreman)

The pilot program will run for 10 weeks during the winter and early spring of 2012, after which an assessment measuring science proficiency and creativity will be issued to participating students as well as to a control group who will use a state provided kit-based curriculum.

The curriculum development and teacher training have been guided by Donalyn Small, Instructional Coach for Science at ACS. “This unique opportunity has been an honor for our district. It gives our students a chance to learn the concepts of sound using lessons that have been designed using a constructivist approach. They are innovative, authentic and promote creativity as well as 21st century learning skills. This partnership was timely as the state has recently adopted New Essential Standards for Science. The SoundSchool curriculum reflects these new standards,” Small explains.

Following the assessment of Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, the BMF plans to seek grant funding to grow the program nationwide. Currently, the Foundation is conducting a fundraising campaign on IndieGoGo.com in an effort to raise $50,000 for the program.

The last in a series of kickoff events will take place on Tuesday, January 31 at Vance Elementary School. BMF volunteers August Worley and Ben Hovey will explore ideas, invention, sound, and music with 2^nd grade students as an introduction to the course work that will ensue over the next 10 weeks.

At the center of the campaign is a short, beautiful video about the power of Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool. The video, produced by Flying Pig Studio, features Bob Moog’s own voice. Take a look:

Donation levels on the campaign range from $5 to $5000 with incentive perks being offered at each level. Rewards range from special downloads to CDs, with two centerpiece incentive perks including:

• A chance to win the 2011 Moogfest Minimoog Voyager synthesizer signed by over 25 Moogfest artists!  This gorgeous Select Series synth was donated by our friends over at Moog Music, Inc. and features whitewashed cabinet and a blue backlighting.

• A chance to win a VIP 2012 Moogfest Weekend  including 2 VIP tickets to Moogfest 2012 and a three night “Bed and Breakfast” stay at the beautiful and historic Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa, located just outside downtown Asheville.

Support the Indiegogo Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool campaign by donating at any level!

Make your involvement more powerful by sharing through this direct link on your Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/tRmQdu

The 2011 Moogfest Minimoog Voyager, which has since been dubbed “The most valuable Voyager in the world,” was signed by a legion of superstars and legends including:

• Amon Tobin
• Beak>
• Brian Eno
• Chromeo
• Dick Hyman
• Edgar Froese (Tangerine Dream)
• Ghostland Observatory
• Holy F**k
• Joel Cummins (Umphrey’s McGee)
• Moby
• Passion Pit
• Suicide
• STS9
• Terry Riley
• TV On the Radio
• Wayne Coyne (Flaming Lips)

You can enter to win the Voyager by visiting our Indiegogo campaign here.

Check out this cool gallery of the signed synth and many of the artist signings! Many of these photos were taken by Micah Mackenzie (http://micahmackenzie.wordpress.com/).

Moogfest History and Technical Panels Draw on Deep Legacy and Industry Connections

The Bob Moog Foundation is bringing together top minds in history, technology and education for this year’s history and technical panels. Experts, ranging from Bob’s colleagues in the seminal days of synthesis to the more contemporary sound sculptors of today, are coming from around the country to share their ideas and vast experiences. The Bob Moog Foundation will be responsible for the historical content at Moogfest, including items from Dr. Bob’s Archives such as rarely seen vintage photographs and historic audio clips from recently restored reel-to-reel tapes.

All panels, demonstrations, and workshops will take place between Noon and 6:30 PM EST at the Moogaplex, located at the Haywood Park Hotel complex at 1 Battery Park Avenue in downtown Asheville, just a stone’s throw from many of the music venues. They are first come, first serve for those who bought either weekend passes or have a pass for that particular day.

Convergence – Hardware and Software Integration in the 21st Century & The Award of  OMG-1 One-Of-A-Kind Synth (Friday, 3pm)

The One-Of-A-Kind OMG-1, designed by Eric Persing

The creation of electronic music has always relied on exploring all technologies available. In the modern context, that often means transcending the divide between the tactile experience of hardware devices and the ever-increasing capabilities of computers.  An incredible panel of sonic explorers moderated by Spectrasonics’ founder Eric Persing will investigate the challenges of how electronic instruments can reach their ultimate potential through the convergence of multiple technologies.

During this panel, Persing will be awarding his one-of-a-kind OMG-1 synthesizer to the winner of the OMG-1 Contest, Torley Wong.  You won’t want to miss this historical moment!

Panelists:

• Eric Persing (moderator)
• Torley Wong
• Diego Stocco
• Tara Busch
• Marc Doty
• Amos Gaynes

When & Where: Friday, 3:00 @ the Moogaplex

Mavericks of Sound Design (Saturday, 12pm)

In this extraordinary panel, some of today’s most innovative sound sculptors will share insights into the visionary techniques and ideas behind their craft. Listen in as this meeting of the minds compares and explores cutting edge sound creation concepts they use in their work.

Panelists:

• Eric Persing (moderator)
• Diego Stocco
• Richard Devine
• Scott Gershin

When & Where: Saturday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

The First Moog Rep – Remembering Walter Sears’ Pivotal Role in the Moog Legacy

(Saturday, 4:30)

Walter Sear’s impact on Bob Moog’s early career cannot be overstated. He was Bob’s first representative, selling theremins and a little known run of R.A. Moog, Co. amplifiers. Based in NYC, he helped Bob grow his theremin business in the mid-1960s and quickly transitioned into pioneering the sale of Moog Modular synthesizers in the late 1960s.  You may recognize Walter’s name from his conversation with Bob in the “Moog” documentary or from mention of his legendary studio, Sear Sound. Walter Sear passed away in April 2010. His fascinating legacy will be explored through incredible documents from Bob’s archives other collections.

Panelist:

• Brian Kehew
• Herb Deutsch
• Dick Hyman

Where & When: Saturday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog in Live Performance (Sunday, 12pm)

Ever thought about what it was like to play a Moog Modular synthesizer or an early Minimoog live back in the late 1960s and early 1970s? It was nothing less than a creative adventure. Our panelists are all pioneering musicians having forged the path of synthesis in live performance when it was in its infancy. With no chance for edits or do-overs, raw talent, knowledge, and a healthy dose of the innovative spirit were the guiding factors as these musicians blazed new trails for music and music lovers alike.  Don’t miss the unforgettable stories and reflections that will be shared in this panel!

Panelist:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Herb Deutsch
• Dick Hyman
• David Borden
• Larry Fast

When & Where: Sunday, 12:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Journey to the Center of the Theremin with Neon Indian, Dorit Chrysler & Albert Glinsky (Sunday, 1:30)

Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo is joined by theremin goddess Dorit Chrysler, and Leon Theremin biographer Albert Glinsky to take you on a time traveling voyage to the epicenter of the theremin past, present and future.

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Alan Palomo (Neon Indian)
• Albert Glinsky
• Dorit Chyrsler

When & Where: Sunday, 1:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Sun Ra and Beyond: Exploring Rare Recordings from Bob’s Archives (Sunday 3pm)

Delve deep into the depths of Bob Moog’s historical archives and explore newly restored vintage recordings from the reel-to-reel tapes in the collection. Thanks to two grants from the Grammy Foundation, the Bob Moog Foundation has spent the past two years lovingly and carefully restoring nearly 100 tapes from the archives, including a tape from jazz fusion legend Sun Ra playing the prototype version Minimoog Model B. You’ll hear some astounding music as well as early recordings of Bob and his colleagues forging their way in educating people about the capabilities of the brand new sonic contraption called a synthesizer. Sit back and open your ears – -these recordings will blow your mind!

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew
• Seva Ball

When & Where: Sunday, 3:00 PM @ the Moogaplex

Pioneering Moog from the Tech Perspective (Sunday, 4:30)

Techs are the heart of any touring band as they are responsible for making sure all of the gear is in top working order. In the early days of synthesis, this was a much more complex task then it is now. This panel discussion will lend insight into what it took to make early tours with such bands as ELP, Herbie Hancock, Peter Gabriel, and Nektar a success.

Panelists:

• Brian Kehew (moderator)
• Bryan Bell (Herbie Hancock, Santana,  John McLaughlin)
• August Worley (ELP)
• Larry Fast (Peter Gabriel, Nektar)

When & Where:  Sunday, 4:30 PM @ the Moogaplex

Moog Music is featuring several fantastic product related panels in the Moogaplex throughout the weekend. You can check them out here.

Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation are proud to announce the release of the second limited edition of Moog Filtered Ale, a pale beer named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. The two organizations partnered in 2010, releasing the first edition to international acclaim. The Ale will be available October 6, 2011, through November 7, 2011. Proceeds from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their mission of igniting the innovative and creative through science, music and history. The timing of the beer’s release coincides with Moogfest, the three-day electronic music festival to be held in Asheville, N.C., on October 28, 29, and 30, 2011.

Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It will be distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville’s Bruisin’ Ales and will be distributed locally by Budweiser of Asheville at various locations throughout Western North Carolina, on draft and in 22-ounce bottles.

Asheville Brewing has been making outstanding craft beers since 1998 and has won several awards for its beers. As an active supporter of local non-profit groups, they are thrilled to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation, whose work is innovative and historical. Through Moog Filtered Ale, Asheville Brewing aims to support the interactive educational programs that the Foundation is developing to teach science through music, as well as to support the eventual creation of the Moogseum.

Asheville Brewing Company President Mike Rangel says, “We are honored to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation again this year to help keep Bob’s vision and legacy alive. By donating the profits from Moog Filtered Ale, we will be supporting innovative science education through the Foundation’s Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool outreach program. Moog Filtered Ale is absolutely the most exciting project our company has been involved in, and after the success of last year’s collaboration, we couldn’t wait to do it again this year.”

The Bob Moog Foundation is extremely proud and grateful to be partnering with Asheville Brewing Company again this year. The funding from last year’s sales of Moog Filtered Ale was of tremendous assistance in helping us reach our goals. As a result, our programs are thriving and our organization is stronger than ever. Purchasing Moog Filtered Ale is a very tasty way for people to support both the work of the Bob Moog Foundation and Asheville Brewing Company, a small business that supports many local non-profit organizations all year long.

The label for the Ale is an original design by Asheville artist Phil Cheney. Featuring vibrant shades of purple, green, and orange, the label shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with musical notes, synthesizer knobs, and patch cables floating above his head.

A line of t-shirts and other merchandise featuring the label will be available through www.shop.ashevillebrewing.com beginning October 10.

Marc Doty

When people in the synth community want to brush up on their  knowledge of a range of  iconic and esoteric vintage synthesizers, many of them turn to Marc Doty’s Automatic Gainsay YouTube Channel. Over a period of five years, Marc has posted 100-plus educational videos in which he teaches the audience about the characteristics of a variety of vintage synthesizers. His enthusiasm, passion, and dedication to the functionality and sonic integrity of these instruments is a compelling part of every video, as is the clarity with which he presents the subject matter at hand. Marc’s videos are not only educational assets to synth geeks everywhere, but they touch and inspire millions of  viewers around the world. From his most-watched Demonstration of the Moog Minimoog with over 800,000 views to his exploration of the more esoteric Wersi Bass Synthesizer with over 300,000 views,  Marc’s teaching prowess has been enjoyed by a total of nearly 4 million viewers.

When the Bob Moog Foundation needed a graphics designer with a deep knowledge of synthesis to assist our Dr. Bob’s  SoundSchool curriculum team this summer, Marc was an obvious choice. He joined our staff for a six week (mid July through end of August) period as our Artist-In-Residence. This position blended his graphics, educational and history expertise. It didn’t take long before Marc became an indispensable member of our team, filling the roll of graphics artist,  education and history consultant, videographer, video editor and more.

You can read the announcement of  that residency here:

http://www.moogfoundation.org/2011/synth-guru-marc-doty-summer-residency-at-the-bob-moog-foundation/

and a few of Marc’s blogs from  his time with the BMF here:

http://www.moogfoundation.org/?s=marc+doty

BMF Historian Brian Kehew and Marc Doty considering a special piece from the archives

Shortly after Marc returned home to Washington State we reached out and invited him to return, this time for a six month period, as our Archive and Education Specialist. We are delighted to announce that he accepted the position, which he refers to as his “dream job” and will begin work in this capacity on October 5th. This time around Marc will be working on a special project that will bring the education and history parts of our mission together in an exciting, interactive platform that we will be able to share with all of you.  Stay tuned for more about that near the end of the year.

We welcome Marc Doty to our team here in Asheville, NC and we are grateful to have someone with such diverse and mission-relevant talents helping us push our projects into the future.

Keep an eye out for Marc’s future blogs. He’ll have a lot to share!

That spooky time of year is quickly drawing near…it’s almost Halloween and time for Moogfest 2011

Moogfest is a weekend celebration of the creative vision of sonic pioneer Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer. The Flaming Lips, Moby, Passion Pit, STS9, Tangerine Dream, TV on the Radio, Special Disco Version: James Murphy and Pat Mahoney, Umphrey’s Mcgee, Amon Tobin: ISAM, Chromeo, Crystal Castles, Flying Lotus, Suicide, Ghostland Observatory, Childish Gambino, M83, Neon Indian, and St. Vincent are just some of the mind-blowing artists gathering for this epic weekend, October 28th-30th in Asheville, NC.

Plus, in what can only be described as a Moogfest coup, musician / producer / artist / visionary / thinker and all-round renaissance man Brian Eno will be coming to Moogfest this year.  His amazing video installation, 77 Million Paintings, will be exhibited for the first time in the USA outside of the West Coast and Eno will also present a mind expanding “Illustrated Talk.” (Separately ticketed events, specially priced for Moogfest attendees. Learn more here.)

Also, Moogfest 2011 is expanding in a big way.  In addition to concerts at the Asheville Civic Center Arena, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, and the Orange Peel, new venues for the weekend will include the newly renovated Asheville Music Hall (formerly Stella Blue), the beautiful and intimate Diana Wortham Theatre and…we’re going outdoors this year! That’s right…stay tuned for more information to come via moogfest.com.

Weekend passes are still available while supplies last.

Can’t come for the whole weekend? Check out the daily schedule and pick up your single day tickets here.  These are currently being offered at a special price.

Visit www.moogfest.com for complete lineup, tickets, & more!   And don’t forget your costume…

Duke signed the back of the synthesizer after his November performance at the exhibit with the inscription “Keep Playing” and his signature. Herbie Hancock signed the iconic curved side panel of the instrument. Duke and Hancock are both considered synthesizer pioneers, making heavy use of the innovative Moog instruments in the 1970s and 1980s.

You can bid on the Little Phatty here.

The Little Phatty® synthesizer was donated to the two organizations by Moog Music, Inc. pursuant to their joint exhibit, Waves of Inspiration: The Legacy of Moog, which was on display at the Museum of Making Music until April 2010. The Bob Moog Foundation and the Museum of Making Music, which both convey inspiration from music, history, and innovation, will share proceeds from the auction.

“The Moog story is an important element of our museum,” said Carolyn Grant, executive director of the Museum of Making Music. “In fact, a quote by Bob Moog is prominently displayed in our interactive gallery: ‘Music instruments have always, from the very beginning of human history, used the most advanced technology of their time.’”

“In our work at the Bob Moog Foundation, we ignite the innovative and creative spirit,” said Michelle Moog-Koussa, executive director of the Bob Moog Foundation. “This auction, through the incredible instrument, groundbreaking artists, and wonderful collaborative partnership with the Museum of Making Music, encapsulates various facets of Bob Moog’s legacy. We are enormously proud and grateful to all who have participated.”

The Little Phatty Stage II is a monophonic analog synthesizer manufactured by Moog Music since 2006. It puts the performer in control of 100% analog signal path, two Voltage Controlled Oscillators and the Voltage Controlled Filter. Other versatile features include external audio input, CV and KB gate input, full MIDI controller, MIDI over USB, MIDI Clock Sync, an arpeggiator and Tap Tempo. The Little Phatty Stage II brings true analog synthesis to contemporary performance and production, making it modern music powerhouse.
George Duke is a highly acclaimed keyboardist, synthesist, and vocalist who has enjoyed a prolific career as an R&B, funk, jazz, and rock musician and as an accomplished composer and producer. He has worked with an array of including: Jean-Luc Ponty, Frank Zappa, Stanley Clarke, Billy Cobham, Dianne Reeves, George Clinton, Anita Baker, Miles Davis, Denise Williams, Jeffery Osborne, Regina Belle and others.
Herbie Hancock is an award winning pianist, bandleader, and composer who is considered to be a true icon of modern music. Throughout his decades-long career, he has transcended limitations and genres while still maintaining his unique, unmistakable voice. Herbie’s success at expanding the possibilities of musical thought has placed him in the annals of this century’s visionaries. He is the winner of 14 Grammy Awards.

The Museum of Making Music, a division of the NAMM Foundation, has become a cultural destination with interactive and educational programs and exhibits since opening to the public in 2000. The Museum showcases the evolution of musical instruments from the late 19th century to present day in five galleries, and regularly hosts intimate concerts and hands-on workshops to introduce the public to the history of American music products. Its recent half-million dollar renovation encourages hands-on music making through state-of-the-art interactive displays and highlights music making around the world. The Museum of Making Music is located at NAMM’s international headquarters in Carlsbad, Calif.

To celebrate the fifth anniversary of the Bob Moog Foundation, we are sharing the first installation of the Moogstress blog.  Michelle Moog-Koussa will continue to write about the more personal side of her work with the Foundation throughout the year. Here, she shares insights into the creation of the Foundation itself.

My father was a quiet, introspective, cool, quirky, funny guy. He worked, and traveled for work, a lot so I got to see less of him than the average kid. While I silently longed to spend more time with him, even as a child I acknowledged that he functioned on an uncommon intellectual plane and that this attribute drove him to pursuits that were well outside the fathering realm. Dad was a great teacher, had a rambunctious laugh and sense of humor, loved chocolate and good food of all sorts, had a passion and attachment to nature and had the deepest, wisest, rarest presence that I have yet to experience. I loved him and respected him deeply, as you would expect, but he was still just my dad.

I have three siblings. We all grew up knowing that our father had done something remarkable, but it was rarely talked about in the house. Dad didn’t talk about work much and when asked, he often gave uncomfortable, short answers. There are probably many reasons for this for which I can only surmise, but one of them is surely that he wanted a place where he could just be Dad, and not be viewed through the big, and sometimes overwhelming, “Bob Moog” filter.

On April 29, 2005, my dad called me at work to tell me that he had a brain tumor. As I sat in stunned silence, my entire worldview shifted. This was my paternal rock – my voice of reason, the person I would go to as an adult to help me sort through life’s complications. He seemed infallible. At 71 years old, I didn’t expect him to die. But that day I knew he wouldn’t be around for much longer. My Dad died three months and three weeks later on August 21, 2005.

The time of my father’s illness and death was the most devastating of my life. But in the midst of my melancholy and despair I was awakened to the man the rest of the world knew as Bob Moog. Through thousands of testimonials that were sent to my family during his illness and passing, I came to learn for the first time, at 37 years old, that my dad was also Bob Moog: the genius inventor and synthesizer pioneer whose work has touched and even transformed people’s lives all over the world.

This awareness at this time was like the sun filtering through the sky of a raging, vicious storm. It was the dawn of my understanding of Bob Moog’s tremendous legacy. My father was dying at the same time that the birth of my understanding for his professional legacy took place. It was a deeply sad, beautiful time in my life.

From this new found understanding of Bob Moog’s powerful legacy, my family created the Bob Moog Foundation with the aim of continuing his legacy of technological brilliance and creative warmth. Just as he gave people a powerful new creative voice  through his innovations, the Bob Moog Foundation ignites the innovator in people through exposure to interactive educational experiences based in electronic music.

We are immensely proud of the progress we have made as a small non-profit in the past five years of economic challenge. Through Dr. Bob’s Sound School (formerly MoogLab), we teach kids and adults science through music. You can see a beautiful video about that project HERE and you can read a report from our Sound School Project Coordinator later in the week. Our efforts to preserve Bob’s extensive and historic archives have been recognized by the Grammy Foundation, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, NAMM’s Museum of Making Music, and the Cantos Museum, to name a few.  We will be working this year to bring more of those archives to life in an online setting and beginning work on a traveling exhibit.

As we celebrate our fifth anniversary this week, there is a palpable sense of Moogmentum here at the Bob Moog Foundation. We are inspired to ignite the innovative and creative spirits in us all through interactive experiences rooted in Bob’s pioneering legacy.

The Moogstress blog was created to give you personal insight into the Bob Moog Foundation. Through this unique insight, I hope to share with you a greater understanding of our projects, the dynamics around the Foundation and the future we are forging.

In honor of the 5th anniversary we’ve created a special download for subscribers to our free eNewsletter. The newsletter will  keep you posted about updates to this blog as well as our progress in Dr. Bob’s Sound School and the Archives and their eventual convergence in the Moogseum in Asheville, NC.

The Bob Moog Foundation is pleased to auction off four hand painted Moog Etherwave theremins by Miami artist David ‘LEBO’ Le Batard.

A long time supporter of the Bob Moog Foundation, LEBO painted these theremins while visiting Asheville during the Halfway to MoogFest weekend in April, 2011. All theremins were donated to the Bob Moog Foundation by Moog Music, Inc.

LEBO explains, “Working with the Bob Moog Foundation seems like a great fit, as I feel we share the same approach of blending fine craftsmanship, creative exploration, and a keen interest in unique technological applications.”

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, notes, “LEBO’s integration of music and visual art speaks to the transcendental nature of creative expression, the very expression that guided Bob Moog’s career. LEBO, like many visual artists, has told me that Bob Moog’s legacy inspires his work. Through LEBO’s painting, we celebrate the inspirational value of creativity across genres.”

Thank you to Flying Pig Studios for producing this beautiful video!

Click here to go to the eBay auctions!

David “LEBO” Le Batard

www.lebostudios.com

David “LEBO” Le Batard is a Cuban-American artist who is recognized for his murals, paintings, sculptures, and wide spectrum of creative media. LEBO represents the self-proclaimed movement of “Postmodern Cartoon Expressionism,” the application of cartoon imagery combined with richly saturated balances of color and unique linear composition. Ranging from abstract to highly narrative, his aim is to evoke emotion and create layers of meaning.

Born in New York City (November 19, 1972) to Cuban émigré parents and raised in South Florida, LEBO’s formal training in the arts began at Florida International University in Miami, Florida (BA degree, 1995) and culminated in his residency at the International Museum of Cartoon Art in Boca Raton, Florida, where he lectured on the practical and technical approaches of illustration.

Please join us for our closing reception this Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m.

Help us release Pushing the Envelope at its final event of the month-long exhibit at the Artery. Dancer Janice Lancaster Larsen will perform in R. Brooke Priddy’s earthen dress that captivated so many of you at the opening event.

Join us for an evening of music and dance, while reflecting on the pieces inspired by Bob Moog’s sonic legacy.

Public Opening Reception: Saturday, July 9th at 8 p.m.

Workshops (All Ages):

Wed. July 13^th
Bridget Elmer at 6 p.m.

Wed. July 20^th
Chris Stack & Steve Wager at 6 p.m.

Tue. July 26^th
River Guerguerian & Gene Felice at 6 p.m.

Closing Evening of Performances: Saturday, July 30th at 8 p.m.

Artery Hours: 11 a.m. until 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday

Pushing the Envelope: ADSR is a forthcoming multimedia art show melding the historical roots of electronic music with the creativity of Asheville artists who have been inspired by the connections between analog synthesis and visual and performing arts. Bob Moog’s pioneering work will serve as inspiration for the exhibit. The show will be held at The Artery in Asheville’s River Arts District from Saturday, July 9, through Saturday, July 30. The Asheville Area Arts Council and the Bob Moog Foundation are cosponsoring the three-week exhibit.

Artists involved in the show will interpret the concept of shaping sound through an “envelope,” drawing inspiration from the synthesizer parameters attack, decay, sustain, and release. Pushing the Envelope‘s participating artists are:

R. Brooke Priddy, Janice Lancaster Larsen, Adam Larsen, and Kima Moore — A  fashion/movement/installation/sound collaboration

Jason Daniello – Exploring interactive, analog sound

Gene A. Felice II & David McConville – An interactive, cymatics/analog sound collaboration that will allow viewers to visualize sound waves.

Elisa Faires – Sound performance/installation

River Guerguerian – Virtuoso percussionist presents sound performance and workshop

Bridget Elmer – An analog sound-inspired letterpress print series

Shaun Hollingsworth – A Bob Moog Foundation photo print series exploring vintage circuitry

Gabriel Shaffer – This sculptural theremin exhibit will allow attendees to interact with metal art, light and analog sound

The work of these artists will surround a small selection of analog electronic instruments, schematics, notes, and ephemera from Bob Moog’s archives, illustrating the connection between innovation, electronic sound, and creativity in the arts. A focal point of the show, the archives will illustrate both the history and the technology behind the Moog sound. This includes the envelope generator, a major component in music synthesis that controls changes in a sound’s loudness and spectral content over time. Most envelope generators control four parameters—attack, decay, sustain, and release—commonly referred to as simply ADSR.

In addition, the show will give the Asheville Area Arts Council and the Bob Moog Foundation opportunities to highlight their respective missions and pay homage to art, music, and technology as intertwined mediums of expression that were all expressed in Bob Moog’s work.

There will also be a series of all-ages workshops focused on the show’s theme and on community outreach and education. Participants will have opportunities to learn about electronic synthesis, sound visualization, and art in a hands-on environment.

Workshop Schedule and Descriptions

All Pushing the Envelope workshops have a suggested donation of $5 to attend.
Workshops all start at 6pm and run approximately 90 minutes.

Bridget Elmer – July 13

This workshop will explore sound visualization through the processes of printing and bookmaking. Each participant will experiment with translating sounds into hand printed images and transforming their prints into a variety of book forms. No experience necessary.  There is a materials fee of $5 per person.

Steve Wager and Chris Stack – July 20

We Have Fallen Into The Place Where Everything Is Music

Don’t worry about writing down these songs!
And if one of our instruments breaks, it doesn’t matter.
We have fallen into the place where everything is music.
~Rumi

Ever wanted to know what was happening in a synth that creates those amazing noises? What is the difference between analog and digital (and why do some people think analog is better?) Steve Wager, long time BMF Volunteer and synthesizer enthusiast,  will explain the foundation of electronic music in easy to understand terms utilizing the Bob Moog Foundation’s new educational synth, the Novitiate. Participants will then have the opportunity to expand upon their new knowledge with a workshop by Chris Stack of ExperimentalSynth.com fame. Chris will explore the basics of experimental patches and sound design and will treat attendees with a short performance.

Chris explains “It’s an amazing time to be a musician. We can now make music on everything from traditional instruments, computers and synths to tablets and even cell phones. In this workshop, I will weave all this together and explains the connections and technologies that make it possible”.

Gene Felice and River Guerguerian – July 26

Gene Felice is a rock star multi media artist. River Guerguerian is an internationally acclaimed virtuoso percussionist. The have teamed up in this unique workshop to explore the elements of sound, frequency & matter, via a timeline of ancient to contemporary sources of analog sound (singing bowls, gongs, theremin, water & sand) with participants.  Through cymatics they will illustrate both sides of how matter affects sound, and how sound affects matter.

“We are delighted to be collaborating with a breadth of Asheville’s talented artists. Inspiring creativity, be it sonic, visual, technical, or intellectual, is at the heart of the Foundation’s work. It’s very exciting to see Bob Moog’s work come alive through the exceptional talent that exists in our unique city.”

– Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bob Moog Foundation’s Executive Director

“Through the various forms of synthesis, we control the spectral content of sound and image as it changes over time. Through the modes of attack, decay, sustain, and release, we influence the sonic character of our work. The ADSR envelope will control the amplitude and frequency of creation. From nil to peak, subsequent rundown, the key is released, leveling to zero.”

– Gene Felice, Collaborating Artist & Curator for the show

“The legacy of Bob Moog and his impact on the creative community here truly cannot be overstated. We’re honored, not only to have the opportunity to pay tribute, but also to engage several of the area’s most vital emerging artists who continue to build upon Moog’s ingenuity.”

– Graham Hackett, Interim Executive Director of the Asheville Area Arts Council