Moogfest 2011, held October 28–30 in Asheville, North Carolina, remains a landmark event in electronic and indie music festival history. Celebrating the legacy of synth pioneer Bob Moog, the festival assembled a powerhouse lineup that blended pioneering electronic acts with cutting-edge contemporary artists.
Notable Lineup Highlights
- The Flaming Lips
- Passion Pit
- Tangerine Dream
- STS9
- Ghostland Observatory
- Suicide
- Crystal Castles
- Battles
- Umphrey’s McGee
- M83
- Holy F**k
- Matthew Dear
- Toro y Moi
- The Naked and Famous
- Tim Hecker
The event spanned multiple downtown Asheville venues like the Asheville Civic Center Arena, Orange Peel, and Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, integrating workshops, talks, and art installations—including Brian Eno’s "77 Million Paintings" exhibit.
Community Reflections and Challenges
Though beloved by attendees for its eclectic vibe and intimate atmosphere, Moogfest 2011 also faced hurdles. Local concerns over crowd size and incidents related to substance use contributed to tension with the Asheville community, factors cited by some as reasons behind the festival’s pause in subsequent years.
Legacy
Reddit discussions and fan conversations continue to cherish Moogfest 2011 as a special moment when Asheville transformed into a vibrant nexus for electronic music innovation. This edition remains a high-water mark, remembered fondly by those lucky enough to experience its groundbreaking lineup and unique urban setting.
Source: r/festivals