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
• 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.

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!

An Incredible Night of Celebrating Bob Moog’s Spirit

On May 27^th, the Bob Moog Foundation presented Moogus Operandi, a benefit concert featuring synth wizard Erik Norlander and an ensemble of Asheville musicians. Playing to a packed room at the Orange Peel, Asheville’s premiere music club, Norlander knocked Asheville on its musical ear with music from his latest release The Galactic Collective and from his extensive back catalog.

With his newly re-configured “Wall of Doom” custom Moog modular synthesizer providing the sonic and visual backdrop, Norlander explored the boundaries of the legendary Moog sound and captured the creative, analog-based vibe that is Moog. One Moogus Operandi attendee summed it up when he was asked by another “What do you think of the music”? to which the response was simply “Goosebumps”.

Enjoy these images from Moogus Operandi, the musical memory of which still lingers in the minds of the attendees and participants alike. Many thanks to our Rockstar photographer, Jon Leidel, for capturing the evening so beautifully and to Erik and all the participating musicians who donated their time to make this evening possible. Thanks also to our sponsors whose support allowed us to bring the Wall of Doom in for the event, and to all of our volunteers, who make our work possible.

You can see a photo gallery of the Moogus Operandi rehearsals here.

Stay tuned for the upcoming audio and video recording of Moogus Operandi!

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.

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.

Erik Norlander, synth guru and ardent supporter of the Bob Moog Foundation, is known for his Moog-laden symphonic rock. At the heart of Erik’s music is his massive custom Moog modular synthesizer, affectionally referred to as the Wall of Doom by his roadies. You can get a glimpse of the WOD, situated behind Erik, below.

Erik Norlander with his custom modular synthesizer in the background

Here’s how Erik sums up the synths unique attributes:” My modular synthesizer is a unique creation that started out life as a Moog IIC in 1967, grew to a IV-C in the late 90s and then was repackaged as the first “Wall of Doom” in 2001. All of the audio modules are original Moog modules from 1967 – 1972 except for three custom 16x2x1 oscillator mixes that use the identical circuit topology as the original 1967 (pre-CP3) Bob Moog design to mix the system’s 22 oscillators. Many other custom control modules have been added including 8 channels of MIDI to Gate/CV along with additional processor modules from Roger Arrick’s Synthesizers.com in Texas. The control elements are extremely modern and offer state of the art flexibility; The sound is pure Moog.”

Recently, Erik and the Bob Moog Foundation joined forces to make this historical synthesizer more accessible to fans and students alike. The idea was to reconfigure the massive instrument in to six large rack mount cases that Erik could take on tour and expose his audiences to modular synthesis, and to bring in to schools in his area to teach the science behind synthesis to kids, thus helping the Foundation fulfill its mission and extend its MoogLab reach.

With the generous help of a few crucial supporters, we are delighted to announce that the re-configuration was completed on the eve of Bob’s 76th birthday. We couldn’t have accommplished  this without:

In-Kind Donation of Gear

• OSP Worlwide – OSP Worldwide is a distributor of all kinds of super high quality audio gear. They donated six 16-Space ATA Shock Mount Flight Case Effects Racks to the Bob Moog Foundation for this project. We simply couldn’t have done this without their generosity. The quality of the cases they provided has well exceeded our expectation;they are  extremely well-made. The six OSP cases provide an ideal home to this unique modular synthesizer.

Rockstar Engineering Volunteers

• Amos Gaynes and August Worley-  To many of you, Amos Gaynes from Moog Music needs no introduction. He is well-known in the synth community for his clear and insightful articulation of all things that involve a Moog tech. Amos understands the contemporary Moog gear inside and out as a tech and  as a creator of firmware for some of the newer products. A student of mechatronics at UNC-A, he is well on his way to becoming an engineering force at Moog Music, Inc.

August Worley is an electrical engineer who shares a unique qualification with Bob Moog. August is the only person to have worked at Moog Music Buffalo, Big Briar, Inc. and Moog Music Asheville. He was part of the engineering team who helped Bob develop the Voyager.  August was uniquely qualified to work on this modular project, as he formerly toured with ELP as the keyboard tech for Keith Emerson’s Monster Moog Modular. He also developed the pyrotechnics for Keith’s Moog ribbon controller.

Between the two, Amos and August have donated over 60 hours of time to the completely reconfiguration of the Wall of Doom in to its new home. They have planned, inquired and researched in order to re-wire Erik’s system. Working well into the wee hours of the morning on more than one occasion, this highly skilled team has completed the transition of this extraordinary synth just in time for it’s first appearance at Moogus Operandi on May 27th.

Many, many thanks to Amos and August — we couldn’t have done this without you! Your generous donation of talent and spirit is a tribute to the Moog legacy itself.

Musician Open to the Possibilities

• Erik Norlander – Not only does this guy rock musically, but he rocks as an open, creative spirit who is excited by new possibilities. Not every owner of a priceless custom synthesizer would agree to submit their musical centerpiece to be shipped across the country for a complete metamorphosis. Erik agreed to take the project on and he was an invaluable source of information, guidance and encouragement.

We cannot go without thanking Lana Lane, Erik’s lovely wife and musical partner.  With Erik away on a consulting trip, it fell upon Lana to pack and ship over 300 pounds of modules with a considerable time constraint thrown into the mix.

This project is a tribute to the historical, musical and technical legacy of Bob Moog. Many thanks to all involved!

Over the coming months, we will be asking Amos, August and Erik to write blog posts from their unique perspectives about the Wall of Doom reconfiguration. Keep your eye out for those insights into this project.

The Beastie Boys have been rocking crowds the world over for more than 25 years; they are the undeniable innovators of both hip hop and rock and roll.  Known for looking forward and backward, the Beastie Boys were among the first to embrace the phat analog Moog sound in the late 80s and early 90s at a point when the world of synthesis had gone largely digital.

How fitting it was to have the Beastie Boys swing through town and perform a ribbon cutting ceremony on the Foundation’s MiniMoogseum installation in the Orange Peel, once again championing the Bob Moog and his legacy of pioneering synthesis. Check out  the Beastie Boys performing the ribbon cutting ceremony here:

Here’s the embed code to share this video via Youtube:
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Dubbed the “MiniMoogseum,” the eight foot high showcase serves as the first permanent installation of Bob Moog’s archives, including one of his Grammy awards and relics from the early development of Moog synthesizers. Michelle Moog-Koussa, who serves as the Executive Director of the Foundation named after her father, explained that “Over the decades to come, hundreds of thousands of people will see the installation as they visit the Orange Peel…” which was recently voted in the top five in the country by Rolling Stone magazine.  The “MiniMoogseum” can be thought of as a small scale version of the future “Moogseum“, coming soon to the Asheville area.

Beastie Boys join a growing group of celebrity musicians, including Stevie Wonder, Keith Emerson, and Billy Corgan who have all voiced their support of the Foundation’s mission to teach science to children using musical instruments. In the video the band expresses that they are “…proud and happy to be here at the beginning of this beautiful thing…..the Moogseum.” They continue by saying “There should be a Moog synthesizer in every classroom.”

This video marks the first in a new series of videos and blogs that the Foundation is calling “Voices” — reflections and ideas from the wider Moog community, focused on how Bob Moog inspired their creativity.

Making the MiniMoogseum a Reality: Volunteers and Sponsors

The MiniMoogseum was designed and built by a team of  volunteers and sponsors—the foundation playfully refers to them as “Rockstars”–including Gene Felice, Chris Perryman, Steve Dunnington and Mike Pieo.

Materials for the project were donated by Cormark International, Speed Graphics, Moog Music, Asheville Hardware and Henco Reprographics. This project is the first step in an iterative process for the Foundation. The full-sized Moogseum, scheduled to open in four years, will feature interactive and experiential exhibits that inspire the next generation of “Bob Moog” like innovators, as well as an intimate performance area, where musicians from around the world can participate in the Foundation’s programming.

Special thanks to Meg Lauzon, Rhino & Jon Leidel for capturing this even on both video and photo! And a special thanks to the Orange Peel for hosting this amazing event.

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 27^th 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

In the spirit of creative community that unites Asheville and Bob Moog, we are thrilled to  confirm a remarkable lineup of Asheville’s talented musicians who will come together May 27 to perform with symphonic rock keyboard virtuoso Erik Norlander at the upcoming fundraising concert, Moogus Operandi. Norlander, a long-time Moog aficionado, will perform songs from his new album, The Galactic Collective. His massive custom modular synthesizer, affectionately known as The Wall of Doom, will provide the musical centerpiece for the evening.

Embracing the depth and breadth of Asheville’s homegrown musical talent, Norlander has invited the following local musicians to perform with him on the Orange Peel stage:

Strings

Woody Wood – Acoustic Guitar

Andy Pond (CXS-1) Banjo

Ellie LaBar – Electric Violin

Brooks Butler – Electric Guitar

Percussion

Adama Dembele (Afromotive) – African percussion

Shen Hunt – African percussion

River Guerguerian – percussion

Vocals

Lana Lane – Female Vocal

Oso Rey (Soulgrass Rebellion) – Male Vocals

Woody Wood – Male Vocals

Synthesist

Amos Gaynes – Voyager, MidiMurf

Theremin

Chris Tanfield

By combining the influences of blues, soul, funk, electronica, african and bluegrass  from local musicians into his original symphonic rock compositions, Norlander has at once created a one-of-a-kind musical exploration that is unique to Asheville and serves as a fitting tribute to Bob Moog’s pioneering legacy of unlimited sonic expression.

Moogus Operandi will rock  the Orange Peel on May 27^th, 2010, from 7-11pm. Blind Boy Chocolate and the Milk Sheiks open the show, followed by a set by Woody Wood. The evening includes a Moog-inspired art auction, a multi-media presentation based on Bob Moog’s archives and a raffle for an iPod Touch, Moog Mulit-Pedal, a day of recording at Echo Mountain Studios, 2 tickets to Bonaroo, 2 tickets to the Orange Peel and a case of Moog Filtered Ale. Tickets are on sale at the Orange Peel (www.theorangepeel.net).

Proceeds of Limited Edition Brew to Benefit Foundation

Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation are proud to announce the launch of the limited edition Moog Filtered Ale, a pale beer named in honor of synthesizer pioneer Bob Moog. The beer will be available beginning May 27, 2010 at the Foundation’s fundraising event, Moogus Operandi featuring synthesizer wizard Erik Norlander. All profits from the sale of the beer will be donated to the Bob Moog Foundation to benefit their projects. The beer is being released in conjunction with Bob’s May 23 birthday.

Moog Filtered Ale Label by Phil Cheney

Moog Filtered Ale will be be distributed nationally and internationally in 22-ounce bottles through Asheville’s Bruisin’ Ales and will be available on tap in various locations throughout Western North Carolina. The beer will be sold from May 27 through July 31, after which it will no longer be available.

“Moog Filtered Ale is an American-style pale ale with distinctive notes of caramel and pine. It’s a very accessible beer that reflects the Moog legacy. I’ve been a fan of Bob Moog since college, and I am excited to present a beer in honor of an American pioneer,” says Doug Riley, brewer and part owner of the Asheville Brewing Company.

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 the eventual creation of a Moogseum.

Asheville Pizza Company President Mike Rangel says, “We are thrilled to be working with the Bob Moog Foundation 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 MoogLab outreach project. We are proud to be joining some of the larger beer companies in supporting important educational work in our community. Moog Filtered Ale is absolutely the most exciting project our company has been involved in.”

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director of the Bob Moog Foundation, comments, “Creating Moog Filtered Ale with the Asheville Brewing Company has been a rewarding project. We are very grateful to Mike Rangel and Doug Riley for their support of our innovative projects, which will benefit Western North Carolina and beyond. The unique partnership between the Asheville Brewing Company and the Bob Moog Foundation marks a true match of venture philanthropy and creative fundraising in a economically precarious environment. The proceeds from this project will assist us in continuing our important work.”

The colorful label for the Ale was designed by Asheville artist Phil Cheney. The label, an original graphic in vibrant shades of purple, green, and orange, shows Bob Moog leaning over a keyboard with musical notes, synthesizer knobs, and patch cables floating from his head. In the upper right hand corner of the label, “76″ commemorates Bob’s May 23 birthday.

A launch party for Moog Filtered Ale will be held on May 27, 2010, at the Orange Peel in Asheville. The event, Moogus Operandi, will feature virtuoso synthesist Erik Norlander and his massive custom modular synthesizer, affectionately called “the Wall of Doom.” An auction of Moog-inspired art will be held on eBay a week prior to the event and will conclude the night of the event.

Tickets to the event are $10 in advance and $12 at the door and can be purchased through the Orange Peel.

The Ale will be sold exclusively by Greenlife Grocery, the Orange Peel, and Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company from May 27 through May 30. Beginning May 31, Moog Filtered Ale will be available for international retail distribution in bottles exclusively through Bruisin’ Ales. It will be available on tap throughout western North Carolina.