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Moogfest 2018 continued with an epic second day. Friday, May 18 saw loads of talented artists take downtown Durham stages and venues by storm. Check out Moogfest 2018 day 2 highlights!
Among the most unique acts, and a gig I was particularly jazzed for, theremin guru Armen Ra played a captivating show at First Presbyterian Church. The Persian-Armenian artist delivered a gripping theremin performance comprised of classical music. As Ra joked on Twitter that his “devastating set of classical music” would be “a funeral.” Of the shows I’ve seen at Moogfest 2018, Armen Ra’s benefited from what might be the most dedicated crowd. Respectful during songs, the audience erupted into applause in breaks between playing, and even convinced Ra to return for an encore. Shoutout to the stage managers for the impromptu lighting effects which complemented the music wonderfully. With its union of classical music and electronic instrumentation, Armen Ra’s show reminded me of The Well-Tempered Synthesizer.
I have prepared a devastating set of all classical material. It’s going to be a funeral. Get ready… https://t.co/hZ62b9Mi1z
— ARMEN RA (@ARMENRA) May 15, 2018
Though Moogfest 2018 boasts a well-rounded lineup, there’s certainly an emphasis on electronic pioneers. Jon Hopkins packed an energetic crowd into Carolina Theatre’s Fletcher hall. The IDM artist played a superb set which combined visuals with industrial electronica for a hypnotic multimedia experience. Even in the second balcony, seasoned Hopkins fans came prepared with headphones, ready for an onslaught of vibrating bass tones.
While I’m a fan of most genres, I’m a big hip hop head. As such, the Shabazz Palaces concert on Moogfest 2018 day 2 was a highlight for me. The duo comprised of Ishmael Butler a.k.a. Butterfly of jazz rap group Digable Planets and Tendai “Baba” Maraire rocked the Armory once again. Shabazz Palaces garnered a much-deserved crowd, among which were many individuals rapping along with Butler, proving their loyalty to the hip hop group. A video compilation accompanied the music. At its core, the best rap delivers a message, and though many Shabazz Palaces songs ooze an abstract vibe, Butler touched on relevant topics such as gun violence in the May 18, 2018 show.
Stay tuned for more Moogfest 2018 coverage on Cup of Moe!
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