Countryman’s “Moog-Tastic” Pays Tribute
Moog-Tastic: A Tribute to Moog Instruments, Albums and Pioneers
By Dana Countryman
I am absolutely delighted to donate 20 copies of Moog-Tastic!, my new CD tribute to the many Moog synthesizer albums that inspired me when I was young, to the Bob Moog Foundation. It is my thank-you gift for your donation in support of this organization’s great work to ignite creativity at the intersection of music, science, history and innovation. After all, the Moog synthesizer had been a huge influence on my musical life since I’d been in high school (early ‘70s.)
In addition to Moog-Tastic! CD, you will also receive, thanks to my friends at Oglio Records, Destination Space, which I wrote and recorded with Jean-Jacques Perrey. PLUS, while supplies last, you will receive a color photo, personally autographed by Jean-Jacques and myself. Guaranteed to be a collector’s item! The entire Bob Moog Foundation Moog-Tastic package is my thank-you gift for your donation of $75 to support their work to educate and inspire through electronic music.
Moog-Tastic! Collector's Package: "Moog-Tastic", "Destination Space", Signed Photo
Click here to support the Bob Moog Foundation and get your Moog-Tastic Collector’s package today!
Moog-Tastic! features original melodies for synthesizer, composed especially for this project. The styles run from rock to ragtime to filmscore to classical. Guest stars include Morgan Fisher (Mott the Hoople), Fay Lovsky (theremin), Vinnie Bell (guitar), and Jean-Jacques Perrey (crazy tape loops!) Sound samples can be heard at http://www.reverbnation.com/danacountryman.
It had been a 30-year dream of mine to someday own a “Moog”, and in 2002, I was finally able to put together my own modular synthesizer, thanks to several new manufacturers who’d sprung up, making “tribute” synthesizers to the original Moog that Bob Moog pioneered in the ‘60s.
Dana's Rack Mount Minimoog Voyager and Moogerfoogers
It all came full-circle when Moog Music finally released the minimoog Voyager, and I was able to buy a rack-mounted version of it. I also purchased all the Moogerfooger pedals as they came out, and mounted them all together in a rolling studio rack. Once I actually owned all these magical instruments, something even more magical happened to my musical life. I was asked by electronic pop music pioneer legend, Jean-Jacques Perrey to collaborate on an album with him! Unbelievable! I’d been a huge fan of his, since the late ‘60s.
To cut a very long story short, our Happy Electropop Music Machine album came out on Oglio Records in 2006, and that led to Jean-Jacques and I touring all over Europe and America. Two years later, we released our “Destination Space” album, and we played two special concerts in NYC and Montreal to announce its release. Also, just this summer, Comedy Central’s “South Park” used one of the tunes that Jean-Jacques and I recorded, for one of their crazy episodes.
The importance of my great friend, music partner, and French electronic music genius, Jean-Jacques Perrey, really cannot be understated. Before he and Gershon Kingsley recorded their The In Sound from Way Out! in 1966, electronic music was anything but popular. In fact, most of it was downright unlistenable. The academia-minded enthusiasts of early electronic music, chose to record mostly noises and strange sounds – but not much that could be considered recognizable music. Perrey (with arranger Kingsley) harnessed electronic music’s melodic possibilities, and built an extremely lucrative career, recording four classic albums, and scores of commercials with the Moog. Perrey’s Moog-fueled songs were grabbed up by ‘60s TV shows, such as The Ed Sullivan Show, The Tonight Show, Sesame Street and countless children’s programs.
Perrey and Kingsley’s Kaleidoscopic Vibrations – Spotlight on the Moog album was actually released before W. Carlos released the Grammy award-winning Switched-On Bach. Perrey and Kingsley’s original song from that album, Baroque Hoedown, managed to mix classical, Moog sounds and even a little Country! The tune was snapped up by Disneyland, and to this day can still be heard as part of the theme park’s delightful Main Street Electrical Parade.
Almost 30 years after it was written, Perrey’s 1970 song “E.V.A.” stormed the charts via a remix by Fatboy Slim. It hit Number One in England. Numerous hip-hop artists grabbed the same tune, and at last count it has been sampled by over 70 artists, including Ice T, Dr. Dre and A Tribe Called Quest. Guess you could say that Mssr. Perrey was truly ahead of his time. And he’s still with us, at almost 82 years of age. My biography of Jean-Jacques Perrey has just been released and is available here. I really feel that his life and legacy need to be preserved for the future generations to come.
In the same way, the Bob Moog Foundation is continuing the legacy of Bob Moog. I’m just one of many, whose lives have been touched by Bob, and I’m honored to be able to give something back.
In case you’re wondering, the Bob Moog Foundation is completely separate from Moog Music, Inc. and relies on donors and grants to carry the Moog legacy forward.
I am excited to offer the Moog-Tastic! Collector’s Gift Package to those of you who click here make a donation of $75 to help carry Bob Moog’s legacy forward to future generations.
My favorite part of the Foundation’s goals is their program to put teach through synthesis, to reach children with electronic music at an early age. A pilot program has already begun in the Asheville, NC area. It’s proven to be a successful way to engage children and excite them about the science behind sound and behind electronic music. Instead of the normal brass band instruments, usually found in traditional schools’ music programs, they get to play around with real Moogs! I can only imagine what an impact it would have had on me, if only the grade school I attended sat me down at a Moog synthesizer when I was ten!
Another compelling part of the Foundation’s mission their work to save and protect Bob’s archives. Many of Bob’s rare schematics and synth prototypes are being preserved, as well as voluminous notes and scores of his detailed notebooks. Long range plans include an interactive “Moogseum”, where people can learn about electronic music, and experiment with synthesis.
I hope you’ll consider making a $75 donation to the Moog Foundation, and receive my “Moog-Tastic!” Collector’s Package.
Your dollars will go to helping bring the Bob Moog Foundation’s mission to life. The future of electronic music is now, and the legacy of Bob Moog’s musical genius is alive.
Please support the Bob Moog Foundation.
Thank you,
- Dana Countryman, synthesist, composer
Oglio recording artist
VOTE Today to Help Bob Moog Foundation win $250,000
Bob Moog Foundation’s MoogLab Up for $250,000 Grant! YOUR daily vote is needed!
The Bob Moog Foundation has made it to the voting round of this month’s Pepsi Refresh Everything Project, and online grant program where the winners are determined by popular vote. The Foundation has set forth a grant application for $250,000 to support its innovative MoogLab educational outreach program. MoogLab brings electronic musical instruments such as theremins and synthesizers into the schools to ignite children’s creativity through the intersection of science and music.
Please help us win this grant by voting daily both online and by text.
- Vote online daily at this link: http://www.refresheverything.com/bobmoogfoundation.
- Text a vote daily by texting 104827 to Pepsi (73774)
Here are other ways you can help:
- Share this link on your Facebook page and encourage your friends, family and colleagues to vote http://www.refresheverything.com/bobmoogfoundation.
- Tweet on Twitter and attach this “tiny” link to our voting link: http://tiny.cc/3jlsz
Pepsi Refresh Everything Project (http://www.refresheverything.com/) gives away $1.3 million per month to fund great ideas that refresh our communities. The MoogLab application specifies beginning curriculum development in Asheville, NC and growing the program to Los Angeles, Washington, DC, Atlanta, Minneapolis and Detroit within a years’ time. In MoogLab, children play electronic instruments and learn the basic physics that makes them work. It’s fun, engaging, enlightening and IT WORKS!
| How will the 250K be Used? | |
| Budget Notes: This budget does not include Foundation infrastructure already in place. The Foundation’s Executive Director is already in place; funding delegated to her will allow her to visit MoogLab teaching sites, pursue further development opportunities, and provide thorough project oversight. | |
| $ 6,000 | Purchase of 20 Theremins for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 20,000 | Purchase of 20 keyboard synthesizers for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 20,000 | Purchase of 40 electronic music effects pedals for MoogLab classes. |
| $ 4,000 | Purchase of 20 oscilloscopes (used or donated) for teaching toolkits. |
| $ 10,000 | Purchase of road cases, cables, misc. materials for teaching toolkits. |
| $ 7,500 | Purchase of 1500 mini-Theremin toys for students to take home. |
| $ 5,000 | Design and printing of custom posters and handouts for all classes. |
| $ 3,500 | Shipping and insurance for 20 teaching toolkits. |
| $ 6,000 | Creation of online instructor education materials. |
| $ 85,000 | Funding for MoogLab teachers, videographers, and curriculum writers. |
| $ 6,000 | Funding for educational and music consultants. |
| $ 42,000 | Funding and infrastructure to hire full-time Project Coordinator. |
| $ 35,000 | Funding for Foundation Executive Director and associated operations |
Bob Moog Foundation Announces Music Industry Innovator Bryan Bell As New Chair of Board of Directors
New Board Chairman Brings Music, Technology and Industry Experience
In a recent Board meeting the Board of Directors of the Bob Moog Foundation elected Bryan Bell as its new Chairman. Bell, President and Founder of SynthBank, LLC and 30-year veteran of the entertainment industry, is best known for his long relationships with Herbie Hancock, Carlos Santana and Neil Young. He is also well regarded for his work as a pioneer of the integration of the personal computer and networks into the music industry. During his tenure with Herbie Hancock, Bell and his team were responsible for 14 technology innovations. As a live audio engineer he was house mixer for some of the largest concerts in history. As a recording engineer Bell has received multiple platinum awards for his client’s projects.
Bryan Bell, Evan Brooks (Founder, Digidesign), Bob Moog, AES 2004
In addition to his current technology consulting practice, which provides businesses with outsourced Chief Technology Officer services, Bell has written articles on music and technology and has given speeches internationally. He has also maintained a high level of community service through several non-profit organizations including The Bridge School. Bell’s strengths in technology innovation, infrastructure, team building and non-profit management will be a great asset to the Board of the Bob Moog Foundation.
Bell states, “Bob Moog has been a true inspiration for me and many of my clients over the decades. Like Bob, my entire career has been focused on the intersection of science and creativity. It is an honor to be elected Chairman of the Board of the Bob Moog Foundation. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to their very important mission”.
Michelle Moog-Koussa, Bryan Bell, Winter NAMM 2009
The Bob Moog Foundation was launched in 2006 after Moog’s passing with a mission to educate and inspire people through electronic music. Its work is manifested through educational and historical projects focusing on teaching children science through music, preserving Moog’s extensive archives and creating a future interactive center, the Moogseum.
The Board of Directors of the Bob Moog Foundation would like to thank Steven Heller for his three years of service as a member, Thomas Beckett and Stu Zonder for their service as members and interim chairs and to Sean McDonald, who remains a member, for his four month service as interim co-chair.
The Bob Moog Foundation is encouraging qualified professionals with proven fundraising experience and relationships within the music, technology and education fields to apply for Board membership. Please inquire at info@moogfoundation.org.
The Bob Moog Foundation is an independent 501 (c) (3) and is not affiliated with Moog Music, Inc.
Erik Norlander’s Galactic Incentive
For a Limited Time Only
Receive Erik Norlander’s New The Galactic Collective With $25 Donation
Erik Norlander is many things to the world of synth-driven symphonic rock. He is a maestro at the keys, a composer, producer, synth designer and a sterling bandmate and colleague to many in the music industry. To the Bob Moog Foundation, Erik is a rockstar advocate for our cause, raising his voice (and synths) for us time and time again:
- Catch him in this YouTube video talking about Bob’s legacy,
- Listen to the original song, The Princely Hours, that he composed for the Bob Moog Foundation on all Moog instruments here
Audio clip: Adobe Flash Player (version 9 or above) is required to play this audio clip. Download the latest version here. You also need to have JavaScript enabled in your browser.
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Check out the photo gallery from his recent performance at our spring fundraiser Moogus Operandi, which took place on May 27th.
The Galactic Collective
For a limited time only, thanks to Erik’s generosity, we are able to offer his new CD, the very Moog-centric The Galactic Collective, with a donation of $25.00 to the BMF. Erik enthusiastically supports our efforts to teach science through electronic music, and to restore Bob’s archives, and to create a Moogseum, a hallmark interactive facility where these two goals will converge.
Please join Erik in supporting the BMF by donating today.
Not only will you be supporting the Bob Moog Foundaiton’s mission to educate, inspire and innovate through electronic music, you will receive Erik’s excellent CD which includes insightful liner notes from Michelle Moog-Koussa where she speaks to Erik’s connection to Bob Moog. Here is a sampling from those introductory notes :
“It is said that in hands of the highest caliber, the use of technology becomes magic. Not pull-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat magic, but awe-inspiring transcendental connection. Bob handed off his technological, musical baton and Erik Norlander has cradled it in his hands, skillfully, lovingly exploring the limits of sonic expression and incorporating it into his expressive, epic music. Magic.”
To read more about The Galactic Collective, check out this great review on Ystejam.
Have You Been Filtered? Moog Brew Ends August 15th
Moog Filtered Ale, on Sale Until August 15th, Creates a Buzz in Its First Month
Our limited edition Moog Filtered Ale, which went on sale on May 27th, has had a great first month! Thanks to all of you from around the country and around the world who have ordered and enjoyed our very special brew. Every bottle sold goes tot benefit our mission to teach science through music! In these tough economic times, it’s great to have creative ways to support our mission! Many thanks to the Asheville Brewing Company — they have made this effort possible.
Moog Filtered Ale will be sold only through August 15th, after which it will no longer be available. It is distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville’s Bruisin’ Ales. It’s also sold in bottles at Greenlife Grocery, Earth Fare, Hops & Vines and it is available on tap in various locations throughout Western North Carolina, including Asheville Pizza Company, the Orange Peel, and Lucy Otter.
Asheville artist Phil Cheney designed the bottle’s original label, which shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with his head surrounded by knobs, cables, and musical notes. The beer has been getting rave reviews not only for its taste, but for the benefit it supports:
“We love the idea of paying tribute to a great pioneer like Bob Moog with a beer. What higher honor is there? Moog Filtered Ale is a good session beer for drinking with coworkers after a hectic day of work. And that session can be made even more enjoyable by admiring the awesome label.”
–Wired.com
“I can’t recall shipping any one beer to so many states before. Clearly the bond between musicians and beer speaks volumes with the sales success of Moog Filtered Ale.”
–Julie Atallah, Owner, Bruisin’ Ales (RateBeer 2010’s #3 Beer Retailer Worldwide)
“Moog Filtered Ale is definitely the fastest selling beer we’ve ever produced, a testament to Bob Moog’s connection with people all over the world and to the beer’s great taste. The high volume of sales confirms that synergistic combination. Add the fact that it supports an essential non-profit organization, and it’s a win-win for all.”
–Mike Rangel, President, Asheville Brewing Company
“This stuff is really tasty. I’d better stock up so I have plenty on hand before it disappears in a few weeks.”
– Geary Yelton, Contributing Editor, Electronic Musician
“My father would have loved the taste of this beer, and the concept behind it. He’d be delighted to have a brew all his own.”
– Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director, Bob Moog Foundation
HAVE YOU BEEN FILTERED? Click here to make it happen!
Thank you Moogus Operandi Sponsors!
Putting on a big show like Moogus Operandi is a major endeavor. We couldn’t have pulled it off without the support of our sponsors! We would like to thank:
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Company – For the financial sponsorship of the event, the assistance planning the promotion, the copious amounts of delicious food that helped feed the hungry musicians and for brewing that amazing Moog Filtered Ale!
City Mac Asheville – A gold level sponsor, City Mac also donated an iPod Touch for our raffle and provided 3 Macs for our art auction at the event itself.
Echo Mountain Recording – This world-class studio hosted Erik and the ensemble of musicians for almost a week. The generous staff lent physical and technical assistance before, during and after the long days of rehearsals.
Grove Park Inn – This gorgeous landmark hotel graciously hosted Erik Norlander and Lana Lane with a donated room during their Asheville stay. Needless to say, Erik and Lana were delighted with the accomodations, which provided a much needed respite from 12+ hours of rehearsals each day.
Gould Killian CPA Group – This group of Asheville accountants supported the event with a silver level sponsorship. They were Bob’s accounting firm for many years.
Moog Music, Inc. came on as a silver level sponsor and donated a Muli-Pedal for our raffle. True to form, they also lent us plenty of great Moog gear for our MoogLab interactive experience at the event.
Mountain Xpress – Asheville’s favorite independent paper lent their mighty voice with a donation of ad space, which was immeasurable helpful to us spreading the word about our event. Outside of their sponsorship, the MX also featured a cover story on Moogus Operandi.
RBC Centura – Our local bank is always there with words of encouragement and support. They put their money where their mouth is and came on with a silver level sponsorship.
98.1 River – How can you go wrong with a radio station who’s slogan is “Different is good?” 98.1 The River rocked the promotion of our event with daily announcements and a couple of great interviews. Super cool DJ Ashley “BadAsh” Davis stepped up as our MC for the evening – she was terrific!
Additional thanks to: Smashing Guitars, The Piano Emporium, Early Girl Eatery, Chef in Motion, Asheville Wine Gallery, Colorful Palate Catering, Collapsable Studios.
Moogus Operandi Rehearsals – The Photo Gallery
Moogus Operandi, a benefit concert featuring Erik Norlander and a host of Asheville musicians, was an amazing evening of musical and visual celebration. You can read more about it and see a gallery of photos of the event here.
Leading up the the event itself, Erik spent weeks arranging his music for the new musicians/instruments that were to be included for the concert. He flew in a week early and set up rehearsal space at Echo Mountain Recording, where he rehearsed with local musicians for three 12-hour days before the event. Below are some of the images captured at those rehearsals; they are courtesy of Jon Leidel Photography.
Many, many thanks to all of the musicians who lent their time and talents, which made the evening a huge success.
Moog-Inspired Art Auctioned on eBay
The Bob Moog Foundation Launches Auction of Moog-Inspired Art
Asheville Area Artists Donate Moog-inspired Art to Pay Tribute and Raise Funding
The Bob Moog Foundation announces the launch of six eBay auctions featuring visual art inspired by the legacy of Bob Moog. The link to the auctions can be found here.
The eBay auctions will run for 7 days, and will end during the Foundation’s spring fundraiser, Moogus Operandi, to be held on May 27th from 7-11pm at the Orange Peel in Asheville. The event will feature local musicians performing with a virtuoso synthesist from California, Erik Norlander, and a legendary Moog modular synthesizer from 1967, the release of Moog Filtered Ale from Asheville Brewing Company, and a MoogLab interactive exhibit. Those who attend the event will have the opportunity to see the Moog-inspired art in person, as well as to bid on the items via computer workstations provided by City Mac. The unique format of the auction gives the participating artists an opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience of Moog enthusiasts. Featured items range from large scale paintings to smaller pen and ink designs and mini-synth sculptures.
All proceeds from the auctions and the event will go to benefit the projects of the Bob Moog Foundation, which is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Through this opportunity artists are given a chance to become part of the Bob Moog Foundation’s effort to bring innovative science and music programs into the schools and to create a Moogseum in Asheville, NC.
Many thanks to all of the participating artists who are donated their works of art to help us further our mission. It’s wonderful to see visual artists who are inspired by the intersection of music, technology, innovation and creativity that Bob Moog represents. We love seeing this creativity help us raise funding to teach science and music in the schools!
The artists participating in the auction include:
Gabriel Shaffer - www.gabrielshaffer.com
Gabriel Shaffer is a visionary artist who is internationally recognized for is attention to detail, vibrant color palette and intriguing concept.
Auction Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140409639580&ssPageName=ADME:L:LCA:US:1123#ht_611wt_1139
Phil Cheney - www.dynamicartgallerie.com
Phil Cheney is a musician and an artist who is known for his whimsical, eclectic designs. He designed the label for the Foundation’s Moog Filtered Ale, which was based on the image that is being auctioned.
Auction Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140409621113&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_560wt_1139
Dustin Spagnola – www.dustinspagnola.com
Dustin’s striking image of Bob Moog is inspired by the contemporary urban landscape. His images reference the texture, depth, and color of structures in decay and the visual language of graffiti.
Auction Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140409631595&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_729wt_1139
ArtYes / Marie Knight – www.artyes.net
Marie Knight combines flattened, distorted, embellished, and scaled-up representations of all manner of life forms with scaled-down signmaking to make arresting and occasionally nerdy graphic art.
Auction Link:http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140409636486&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_639wt_1139
Seja Vogel -www.etsy.com/shop/pulsewidth
Recently referred to as the “synth whisperer” by Mess and Noise magazine, Australian Seja Vogel is probably better known as a musician more than anything else. However her recent solo album features a cover of handmade felt synthesizers created by Vogel. She is the only artist represented in the auction who does not call Asheville home. Her donation of two felt synths to the foundation was the inspiration for the art auction.
Auction Link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=140409637689&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT#ht_643wt_1139
April 2010 – Minute with the Moog Foundation
[help us promote this on Twitter & Facebook! short url: http://bit.ly/dqnuD2 @moogfoundation #moogfoundation]
Check out the photo galleries [1, 2] on our Facebook page.
Sean McDonald, one of the BMF Board Members, put together this first in our new series, “A Minute with The Moog Foundation”. Features content from:
- Erik Norlander and THE WALL OF DOOM Synthesizer
- HATCH Asheville
- Laura Escudé
- Ben Mason / NEB.cinema
- photos Jen Lepkowski Photography
- music by Your Mama’s Big Fat Booty Band (available for purchase at our store)
A few quick notes from Sean (me):
It was truly an honor to install select pieces from Bob Moog’s Archives at the HATCH Design & Technology Gallery. We were able to use the fantastic space at the Asheville Area Arts Council, and had lots of help from Rockstar Volunteers Alex Hornbake*, Greg Bliss and Allen Davis. (We named Allen the honorary curator of the installation after his game-changing volunteer work the night before opening.)
Laura Escudé rocked my world, again, at HATCH Asheville 2010. We met her at HATCH Asheville 2009, where she performed with Scott Pagano, who was a HATCH mentor. This year, Laura came back to Asheville and performed on her own, in collaboration with Ben Mason’s NEB.cinema project and along with Scott, again, but this time with a recorded video he animated. All of it was…extraordinary.
Ben Mason rocked it all over HATCH this year, just like last year. Ben sees the world through a different set of lenses than most of us, and his unique worldview results in an intensely creative, innovative set of interactive audio / video experiences. Freakin’ rad.
We were also lucky enough to share the gallery space with Rajeev Kulkarni from 3D Systems who brought extraordinary three-dimensional print out’s from his company’s technology. Inspiration! As was the John Lennon Educational Tour Bus, which we got to tour.
HUGE thanks to HATCH Asheville and HATCH Bozeman for hosting the Bob Moog Foundation. HATCH is a platform — the more you put into it, the more you get out of it — and the BMF has put a lot into, and built a network of world-class contacts who inspire, guide & empower our growing organization. It’s an honor to be a sponsor — to be part of the team.
We’ll be back in May with another Minute with The Moog Foundation!
Thanks!
Sean McDonald [email me]
*You’ll be hearing more about Alex soon…check back for details on a new project!
Bob Moog Foundation Issues Call To Local Artists
For Immediate Release
Bob Moog Foundation Issues Call to Local Artists For Moog-Inspired Art
Asheville Artists To Be Spotlighted In Benefit Auction and Event
April 14, 2010, Asheville, NC- The Bob Moog Foundation is issuing a call to Asheville area artists to donate Moog-inspired visual art for the Foundation’s upcoming fundraising event to be held at the Orange Peel on May 27th, 2010. Exciting details about the musical talent for this event will be issued on April 19th, 2010. Artists submissions should be of a theme pertaining to Moog
Original Art by Phil Cheney
instruments, vintage or new, (synthesizers, theremins, sound design elements, analog circuitry, etc), the Bob Moog Foundation, or works inspired by Dr. Robert Moog and his legacy of electronic music innovation. Artists are invited to explore their creative boundaries and the mediums in which they work. Contributors will receive two tickets to the event, promotion on the Foundation website, a mention in a nationally distributed press release, and their submissions featured in an online auction.
The auction will be administered through Ebay, giving local artists a unique opportunity to showcase their work to an international audience. It will be timed to end at the event itself; there, computers provided by City Mac will be available, allowing attendees to participate in the auction which will close at the end of the evening. The structure of week-long eBay auction will allow for local, national and international participation from Moog enthusiasts around the world. All proceeds from the event will go to benefit the projects of the Bob Moog Foundation which is a registered 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization. Through this opportunity artists are given a chance to become part of the Bob Moog Foundation’s effort to bring innovative science and music programs into the schools and to create a Moogseum in Asheville, NC. All donations are tax-deductible. Artist registration ends May 3rd, submissions must be received by the Bob Moog Foundation by May 15 at 2pm; the Ebay auction goes live on May 20th.
For artist registration, please go to www.moogfoundation.org/artist-registration/.
The deadline to register for entry in the auction has been extended to Monday, May 3, 2010.
The evening will feature local musicians performing with a virtuoso synthesist from California, a legendary Moog modular synthesizer from 1967, and a MoogLab interactive exhibit. The Foundation is celebrating the late Dr. Moog’s 76th birthday and is eager to work with community artists and business leaders in making the event a success, as well as to promote the cultural richness of the beautiful city of Asheville.
For further information about the event or about the BMF, please visit moogfoundation.org or send an email to info@moogfoundation.org.
MoogFoundation.org — behind the curtains
Hello to all of you out there in our online community. I wanted to take a minute to give you an update on 8 months of hard work by a small group of dedicated volunteers in building this website. So, I present: a peek behind the curtains of the MoogFoundation.org. First and foremost, thanks to our Rockstar team: Gene Felice, Jeremy Ferguson and Mike Ostrich. These guys have put in countless hours to make this machine work and in doing so, added tremendous value to the foundation and given us so much more capacity to fulfill our mission.
First, a quick tour of the software to give credit where it is due. We use the open source, world-rocking, amazing WordPress content management system, as well as Linux, MySQL and PHP. We use about a dozen free and open source WordPress plugins, which I won’t list for security reasons, but sincere thanks to all of the developers who have made these systems available and open source.
There are several third-party services that expand our functionality. We use iContact for our email newsletter, Groundspring for secure online donations, and we based the original design of the site on a template from GraphPaperPress. The current design of the site is a collaboration of our team, with Gene Felice doing the heaviest lifting.
It would surprise some people to realize just how much we have going on. Did you know, for example, that we have an iPhone and mobile friendly version of the site? Yep, we do.
A few other things people might not realize is that we have a regular blog series that will be expanding across the course of 2010. We maintain a micro-site for the Moogseum at www.Moogseum.com. Beyond that, we have our Twitter account, Facebook page and Facebook Causes page, a YouTube Channel, a MySpace page and an email newsletter list that reaches somewhere around 5,000 people a month.
[edit: I also forgot we maintain a Flickr account with lots of great pictures of Bob's Archives.]
Later in the year, I hope that we can be a little more transparent about the traffic to the site, but for now we are not releasing that information.
All of this is in place to help us foster innovation at the intersection of science and music. So special thanks again to our Rockstar team. You guys are amazing!
And thank to you, our friends, donors and allies.
–Sean McDonald, board member
p.s. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention our bloggers–Dave & Seva–and our truly tireless Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. This foundation depends on Michelle for everything we do, and she is remarkable in her commitment!
Thank you. (And happy Thanksgiving!)
This Thanksgiving, The Bob Moog Foundation is thankful for you.
Happy Holidays!
I’m Sean McDonald, one of the board members of the Bob Moog Foundation. Like most people, my attention is turning from my job and day-to-day life, to focus on the things that matter most–the things that make my life rich, meaningful and happy.
The past year has been a great year for the BMF. We have had some huge accomplishments. I want to take the time to highlight a few and express my thanks for all of your support.
First and foremost, the BMF has been blessed to work with our incredible Executive Director, Michelle Moog-Koussa. Most people know Michelle–or “Mimi” to some of you–as Bob’s daughter. But it’s important to understand that Michelle is a talented, tireless and deeply committed individual who has built this foundation from the ground up. Her leadership and determination are among the things I am most grateful for this Thanksgiving.
We launched our effort to build the Moogseum and received a commitment from the Buncombe County (Asheville, NC) Tourism Development Authority for 20% of our total goal. (That’s $600,000 out of $3,000,000 FYI.) That is a great start to building one of the world’s most innovative community engagement and artistic development spaces.
Additional thanks go to the Grammy Foundation, Moog Music–who just donated a Moog Guitar signed by Lou Reed, which will be auctioned off Dec 7th as a benefit to the BMF–and all our donors and other funding partners.
We also hosted our first Bob Moog exhibit with our partner, the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, CA. If you are in Southern California anytime soon (think: NAMM 2010), make sure to visit the space.
We released a new version of MoogFoundation.org, and I am eternally thankful for our Web Development team, one of the many groups of our “Rockstar Volunteers.” (There are too many to thank individually, but we love you all!) In addition, we held several MoogedOut events with the support of actual rockstars, like Umphree‘s McGee and Toubab Krewe.
Most important, and I can say this on behalf of the whole Board of Directors, we are thankful for you: our friends, partners and allies. For your gifts of time, talent and treasure to the BMF. For your creativity and enthusiasm. And for your commitment to our work, fostering innovation at the intersection of science and music.
If you would like to give some time, talent or treasure, email me and we’ll talk directly about how you can help. (If you are interested, we’re accepting applications for board members.)
I hope you and yours have a wonderful Thanksgiving. We’ll be in touch soon.
Sincerely,
Do Something!
Do Something. Donate your time, talent, treasure.
The Bob Moog Foundation wouldn’t exist without supporters like you. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we depend on donations of all kinds to continue our important work and make the foundation a success. Here’s how you can help:
Volunteer Your Time
The Bob Moog Foundation has a variety of projects and therefore a variety of ways you can help. We need administrative, archival, event, educational and museum planning assistance. Want to help? We would welcome your involvement! Please complete our Volunteer Information Form and allow 15 days response time.
Lend us your talent
Are you a musician, artist, teacher, engineer or have other talents and skills that would help our projects or assist in raising funding? Let us hear from you! Fill out our Volunteer Information Form.
Share your treasure
Financial Donations
Money makes the world go around — and it’s essential to making the Bob Moog Foundation function. We accept your donation of any size with gratitude. You can donate online here, or send a donation to: Bob Moog Foundation, P.O. Box 8136, Asheville, NC 28814. The Bob Moog Foundation is a 501(c) (3) non-profit, making your donation tax-deductible.
In-Kind Donations
Donate instruments for the Moogseum, equipment for our outreach program, supplies for our Archive Preservation Initative, food and drink for our events, gifts for our volunteers. Let us know your thoughts at info@moogfoundation.org
