Moogfest 2012 in Asheville This Weekend!

We know what you're thinking. What fest? Yes, we said Moogfest. It might help if we explained a little bit of its history, especially if you're not too familiar with Asheville, North Carolina. 

The Man Behind Moogfest
Moogfest is named after Bob Moog, inventor of the Moog synthesizer in 1964. His invention led to new forms of musical expression that many say changed the sonic world of music irreversibly. Today his legacy lives on at Moog Music, a company he originally formed in 1954 in Asheville. Moog Music continues as the leader in the production of synthesizer analog music as well as effects pedals.

Photo Courtesy of Moog Music

Big names such as The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, Pink Floyd, Parliament-Funkadelic, and others of various genres used Moog synthesizers to alter music as we know it. It's more than 50 years later and Moog instruments continue to define and innovate the modern sounds of music. They're used by artists including Daft Punk, Kanye West, Gorillaz, Radiohead, and U2. Bob Moog is credited with being the catalyst and innovative force behind the boom of sonic expression and having undoubtedly changed the sonic landscape of the music world.

If you're in Asheville, head on over to 160 Broad Street to the Moog Factory and take a free tour or browse the store. It's your chance to experience the world of Moog and the only place where you can try your hand at every Moog instrument in production.

What Exactly Is Moogfest
Moogfest is a two-day festival that takes place this year on Friday and Saturday October 26-27 at various venues throughout downtown Asheville including the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, The Orange Peel, Diana Wortham Theatre, and more. These venues host more than 30 artist performances during this music-packed weekend. Whether in the mood for Nas, Primus 3D, Black Moth Super Rainbow, the Blondes, or Killer Mike, festival-goers have a full lineup of scheduled performers from which to choose. So much music, so little time!

Moogfest Festival Details
If we leaving you wanting to learn more about Moog and the details of the festival, that's good! Though we can't cover it all here, the Frequently Asked Questions on the Moogfest website are the perfect resource for you. There you can find the nitty-gritty on your most pressing questions including ticketing information, parking, what you can bring in to the concerts, and which type of cameras are and aren't allowed, just to name a few. Another way to stay up-to-date on the most current information is download the Moogfest App (and yes, there's an app for that....). One final note, Moogfest has partnered with Slacker Radio, so you can listen to your favorites and tide yourself over until the concert begins this weekend.

Moogfest Accommodations

Photo Courtesy of Asheville Connections

Asheville is going to be bustling this weekend, so start making your plans now. Make Moogfest easily accessible by staying locally right in downtown Asheville. Or if you prefer to stay amidst the fall foliage, there are cabin rentals in some of the most beautiful areas of Western North Carolina. Getting a group of friends and family together for the festival? Make sure you look into our larger accommodations in and around Asheville to suit your every need.

In addition to Moogfest this weekend, there are a host of Halloween activities happening as well. If you'd like more information on those, please visit the events calendar page on ExploreAsheville.com. They'll give you the full run down.

Have you been to Moogfest? Tell us about your favorite artists you saw perform there. Are you going to Moogfest this weekend? Tell us about that, too. We always love hearing from you. Cheers to Bob Moog and his continuing legacy and contribution to music as we know it!