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Moogfest 2018 kicked off on Thursday, May 17 2018 in Durham, North Carolina. The four-day conglomeration of music, arts, and culture featured loads of superb music, events, and installations. Check out Moogfest 2018 day 1 highlights!
Shabazz Palaces, comprised of Ishmael Butler, better known as Butterfly from legendary jazz rap group Digable Planets, and Tendai “Baba” Maraire, rocked The Armory. This spatial sound event saw Ish and Baba performing a set with incredible surround sound. With a mix of a hip hop vibe and multi-cultural musicality, electronic elements and live drumming from Baba, Shabazz Palaces delivered a hypnotic performance. If you missed it, or simply wish to see Shabazz Palaces again, the group is slated to grace the Armory stage in a Friday, May 18 show.
Durham’s own sister,brother is a self-described noise/punk duo. Their show at Pinhook in downtown Durham proved unique, and definitely a gem of Moogfest 2018 day 1 and arguably the entire festival. Comprised of Alison Martlew and Mark Hanley, it was a mixture of genres unlike anything I’ve seen. Hanley, a Massachusetts native, began his music career as a battle DJ in the 90s. Later, he embarked on several music projects and eventually ended up in Durham where he met Martlew. Alison hails from England, was reared in the Bahamas, and migrated to the US for university. Her calm, collected bass playing paired well with Hanley’s uptempo vocals. There’s something of an early Beastie Boys aesthetic, with a rap meets punk melding of genres. Aside from musicality, sister,brother presented a theatrical show with Mark arriving dressed in an 80s looking jacket and ski mask with brightly-flashing colored eye pieces.
Easily one of my favorite segments from Moogfest 2018 day 1 was Suzanne Ciani’s live scoring of “The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari.” The seasoned, five-time Grammy nominated composer scored the influential silent horror film live, a festival highlight. With “It Follows” soundtrack composer Disasterpiece attending Moogfest 2016, and SURVIVE featuring Kyle Dixon and Michael Stein, composers of the “Stranger Things” soundtrack, Moogfest maintains a focus on music and arts in general, including the intersection of cinema and sound. A rarity for Moogfest gigs, and concerts in general, Ciani’s live scoring saw most of the audience sitting.
Over at Carolina Theatre of Durham, Jamila Woods rocked historic Fletcher Hall. Her crooning, soulful voice echoed throughout the theatre. Woods belted out her own material, as well as covers such as “Say My Name” and “Smells Like Teen Spirit.”
Following Woods, Kelela melted the mic in Fletcher Hall with her lovely vocals. Opening with fan favorites including a gripping “Frontline.” Kelela’s poignant, thoughtful, grounded lyrics combine with a captivating electronic soundscape and the artist’s soul-tinged, velvety vocals for a majestic experience.
Overall, Moogfest 2018 day 1 was filled with what makes the festival so enjoyable: diversity. In programming, talent, and events. Stay tuned for more Moogfest 2018 coverage on Cup of Moe!
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