FORM Arcosanti and Moogfest are both on our radar this year. The former is three days in the high desert of Arizona, appreciating the integration of architecture and ecology, ‘arcology’ brought to life by Paolo Soleri and the dedicated residents of the gorgeous urban laboratory. Hundred Waters’ 4th year brought 1500 creative, environmentally concerned, and curious people out – more than previous years – for their most diverse lineup yet. Among those, Omar Souleyman stood out. He filled the APSE with elated vibrations, each of us connecting differently with rhythms amongst the complex, fluctuating bumps and waves of his tunes, sharing pure joy at his steady, simple gestures of encouragement.
Souleyman has produced over 500 albums and his next, To Syria, With Love, is dedicated to his country and hometown of Ras al Ayn. Keep an eye out for it in June of 2017. With a career like that, his stoicism could be perceived as the resign of experience – but it felt like there was light in his eyes and he carried a knowing smile – that everything and everyone swaying and shaking and popping, were in their rightful place.
A week and a few flights brings us to Moogfest, on the other side of the country, also inspired by an innovative man, Dr. Robert Moog, to explore art, technology, engineering, and philosophy through workshops, lectures, films, installations, and musical performances. Underway May 18 – 21, Moogfest began bringing extra bustle to Downtown Durham, NC in 2016. There’s something for everyone. This year’s themes range from Technoshamanism to Protest to Black Quantum Futurism, all asking vital questions of the potential at the intersections of existence, expression, and electronics.
Check out his performance tonight on the Protest Stage at Motorco Park (along with Pie Face Girls, Talib Kweli and others) from anywhere, at 8 EST at moogfest.com. If you’re in Durham, you won’t want to miss the party!
Footage shot and edited by Cameron Spann of Deadfly Films.
