Looking ahead, the weather for Moogfest 2012 seems much more forgiving than its 2011 edition. With temperatures expected to hover around 70° and rain a relative impossibility, even the skimpiest of Halloween ensembles will keep attendees protected as they wander through the festival’s six venues and countless area-wide attractions.
Unlike the majority of festivals that curate entertainment beginning around noon, AC Entertainment didn’t schedule a show until 7 p.m. for Moogfest 2012. This festival isn’t just a celebration of the legendary Bob Moog, and the many bands and genres that his technology helped develop, but is a two-day fete across the artistically-minded city.
Never been to the city, and just don’t know how to kill that much down time? Go to your local coffee shop and just ask around, because the “Land of the Sky” has become a magnet for creatives. Even easier, take a look at the following pages for the advice of some experts. Okay… maybe not experts, but a collective of individuals that have visited the city, conquered the festival, and generally fallen in love with Asheville’s eateries, dives, picturesque horizon, and the energy of its locals.
From the buzz of the alarm through last call, we have you covered. Please remember to bookmark and share, but take this simply as an introductory guide, as Asheville’s flair extends well beyond the beaten path.
-Derek Staples
Senior Staff Writer
“Early Bird”
Good Eats
The Junction – 348 Depot St. – A classy, modern bar down near the River Arts District, The Junction is a “slow-food” inspired eatery that culls from local ingredients to create seasonal American fare. Now offering brunch on Saturdays & Sundays, they’re a good destination for any meal of the day. For of-age Moogers looking for a good drink, look no further. They offer freshly-squeezed cocktails, along with a broad selection of wine and microbrews. Enjoy a freshly-ground burger or a hearty soup to fuel up for a long night of shows.
Sunny Point Cafe – 626 Haywood Rd. – Sunny Point is the Tupelo Honey of West Asheville; if you’re willing to wait a bit, you’ll be treated to a lovely meal. They serve breakfast all day, and use ingredients grown fresh in their own gardens. Whether you’re staying in West Asheville or not, Sunny Point is worth a trip if you’ve got some free time. Order the huevos rancheros or the Mighty Good Breakfast and you won’t be disappointed.
Tupelo Honey Cafe – 12 College St. – Brunch here is an absolute must for all Moogers. Its location makes it a perfect destination for festivalgoers, right downtown near most of the Moog venues. Make sure to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to eat because you’ll have to wait. Though, Pritchard Park (the triangular space between College St., Patton Ave. and Haywood St. that is right across the street) proves to be a nice waiting area, and there’s always something happening there during the festival. Once you finally do get a table, however you’ll be treated to a glorious southern feast no matter what you get. The lunch and dinner menu is top notch, but the breakfast is the main attraction. They also provide a gluten-free menu for health conscious Moogers.
West End Bakery – 757 Haywood Rd. – In West Asheville, but looking for something quicker than Sunny Point? Look no further than just down the street for West End Bakery: a perfect blend of coffee, breakfast, and baked goods. More of a coffee shop than a sit-down restaurant like Sunny Point, West End is a great place to get a quick bite with your morning coffee. The cinnamon rolls and pastries are to die for, and their porch is a lovely place to relax before a big day of Moogfest shows.
Also keep an eye out for specials and discounts up and down the strip from the U.S. Cellular Center to the Orange Peel – from special Moog-themed beers to discounts specifically catering to Moog-goers.
Good Fun
Blue Ridge Parkway – While you’re in Ashville, be sure to take advantage of the gorgeous scenery of the Great Smoky Mountains by taking a drive down the Blue Ridge Parkway. The end of October is the perfect time for the ride – the fall foliage is in perfect form right now. There are plenty of places along the road to explore, from overlooks and waterfalls to picnic spots and even the Folk Art Cente. Give yourself some time to take one of the most beautiful drives you’ll ever experience.
Green Man Brewing – 23 Buxton Ave. – As one of North Carolina’s oldest and best breweries, Green Man is a must for beer-loving Moogers. Located just a block from Moog venue The Orange Peel, Green Man’s tasting room is the perfect place to catch a beer before the show. The complimentary pretzels – served with the Lusty Monk Spicy Mustard – are a delectable compliment to the various beers they have on tap. The brewery doubles as a laid-back place to just hang out, with a comfortable atmosphere and an outdoor patio to enjoy the day.
The North Carolina Arboretum - 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way – Beautiful places are plentiful in Asheville, but this just might take the cake. With over 400 acres of public gardens, the NC Arboretum is the perfect place for a relaxing mid-afternoon stroll. Moogers attending the festival with their significant others – take note. There’s a parking fee, but with miles of trails, indoor and outdoor exhibits, an education facility, an amphitheatre and more – spending a day there is worth the small price.
“Shaping Hits with Moog Synths” – Saturday, 1:30 p.m. at Diana Wortham Theatre - Grab a light lunch, then learn how to integrate analog gear into live sets with legends Orbital and Chad Hugo of N.E.R.D.. We may not all be producers, but this info session is an opportunity to better understand what producers actually do while performing live, and how to better critique analog musicians apart from the world of laptop producers and DJs.
Harvest Records – 415-B Haywood Road – Are you a crate digger who seeks out the best record stores everywhere you travel? Look no further than Harvest Records – the best Asheville has to offer, possibly the best store in all of the Carolinas. Whether you’re looking for records, CDs, DVDs, magazines, books or more, you’re bound to find it here. In past year’s they’ve also played host to some in-store performances by Moogfest artists, so keep your eyes and ears open.
“Never fear you’re safe with me. Well, maybe…”
Friday
Killer Mike – 7:30 p.m. at The Orange Peel - This Atlanta-based rapper may not bring to mind the electronics of the Moog, but the rapper’s foray into political lyrics are imminently relevant given the General Election that occurs less than two weeks after Killer Mike drop the mic at Moogfest. No promises, but with later sets by R.A.P. Music producer EL-P and current tourmate GZA, keep your eyes on this hour for possible live collaborations.
Squarepusher – 10:30 p.m. at Thomas Wolfe Auditorium - Despite promoting his new album, Ufabulum, this U.K. producer proved to be a rare sight in the U.S. during 2012. Developing a massive LED display connected with the sound sequencing, this performance epitomizes the synergies that are becoming more possible when fusing music with technology. But don’t worry too much about the tech, because Squarepusher will consume you with his ambient acid.
Black Moth Super Rainbow – 11:30 p.m. at The Orange Peel - The only downside of hitting up this Tobacco side-project is that fact that you’ll be forced to leave Squarepusher a bit early. Utilizing a myriad of analog equipment, this enigmatic outfit blend progressive beats, psyche-rock, and elements of pop for a continually evolving musical adventure. Known to perform live with porn videos playing on the backdrop, you just never know what to expect from Black Moth Super Rainbow. And that is one reason they are a must-see.
Saturday
Cold Cave – 8:30 p.m. at The Orange Peel - Before this New York-based Darkwave collective release their follow up to 2011′s Cherish the Light Years in 2013, catch them in the intimacy of The Orange Peel. It’s hard to avoid the comparisons to New Order, in large part due to frontman Wes Eisold’s vocals, but the group doesn’t just exist in the realm of digital nostalgia, poised to fuse melancholy with a youthful eye toward dysfunctional beauty.
Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin – 10:15 at Diana Wortham Theatre - Moogfest 2012 marks the live debut of ambient-guru Tim Hecker and Daniel Lopatin (aka Oneohtrix Point Never). The result may be dark atmospheric sound collages, heavily influenced by old-school instrumentation, or a demonstration in broken, multi-tempo loops; a chance that you must be willing to take during a Halloween Asheville adventure. At worst, if the outcome is too dissonant you can easily swing over to the deep house bass-lines of Disclosure or the analog set of Orbital.
Prefuse 73 with Teebs – 12:30 a.m. at Asheville Music Hall – Asheville may be quite a distance from L.A.’s Low End Theory, but that club’s energy is arriving at Moogfest in the form of Prefuse 73 and Teebs. Previously united under the alias Sons Of The Morning, the duo are at the forefront of disorienting loopwork and sample-based IDM. Teebs also has a knack for visual artistry, a skill that will hopefully be shared during this hour long set.
“Energy Wizard”
Late Night Hang Outs
The festival doesn’t end until two in the morning, but with ample time to recover there’s really no reason not to make the most out of the weekend and close down a local establishment. Thanks to the cooperative nature of Asheville, many of the following locations offer discounts to Moogfest attendees.
Asheville Pizza and Brewing Company – 77 Coxe Avenue – If you don’t plan on staying through to the festival’s conclusion, check out Western North Carolina’s #1 pizza joint and brewery. Open until two, the bar is offering a 15% discount off food, and promises a special drink selection in honor of Moogfest.
Grove Arcade – One Page Avenue – Housing both Burgerworx and Carmel’s Restaurant and Bar, the Grove Arcade is a great location to snag some late night eats.
51 Grille – 51 Merrimon Avenue – Open until five in the morning on Friday and Saturday, this is the place to fix that hangover before it comes on with a Reuben, Philly Cheese steak and/or sweet potato fries. Prices are modest, and being close to downtown, can be reached via inexpensive cab ride.
Rosetta’s Kitchen – 116 North Lexington Avenue – Vegans unite! Lunch, dinner, late night, and Sunday brunches — they do it all and they do it well for you. They also may be your only refuge (depending on how late you’re out), as they keep their doors open until three in the morning on Friday and Saturday. This means you can grab a bowl of vegan pad thai, chow down on a veggie burger, or savor a tempeh reuben.
MG Road Lounge – 19 Wall Street – With no listed closing time on Fridays and Saturdays, MG Road may be the last hope for a cocktail following the day’s festivities. Touting a wide selection of local beers, unique libations, and creative desserts, it may be difficult for the management to clear this place out Saturday evening when out-of-towners are still enjoying the mignardises dessert sampler. If you spot long red dreads, you have found me. Don’t hesitate to buy me a beer.
Club Metropolis - 38 N. French Bread Avenue – Asheville’s premiere dance club will be hosting a special costume party Saturday evening to celebrate the conclusion of Moogfest. Running until four in the morning, the party features the talents of DJ Gon and costs just $5 for those 21+ that attended the festival.
