Michael Stipe will showcase audiovisual installation at Moogfest 2017

BY MELISSA RUGGIERI/AJC Music Scene

Michael Stipe will unveil an artsy solo project at this year's Moogfest, the annual gathering of musicians, entrepreneurs, designers, inventors and artists that began in 2004 as a tribute to synthesizer pioneer Dr. Robert Moog.

Stipe’s audiovisual installation will be “an exploration of desire and movement” that uses footage he shot over the years in New York City. The project also includes a soundtrack – billed as a rare solo composition - created by the former R.E.M. frontman using Moog gear.

Moogfest enters its 11th year with a four-day festival in downtown Durham, N.C., where it moved last year from its former home in Asheville. All events take place in more than 20 venues within a one-mile radius across downtown.

Also newly announced for the festival are keynote speakers Dr. Kate Shaw of Atlas @CERN and artist-scientist Joe Davis of MIT Media Lab.

Some of the dozens of musicians participating this year include Animal Collective, Flying Lotus, Suzanne Ciani and Gotye.

Tickets are $249 for a three-day general admission pass and $499 for three-day VIP. Visit www.moogfest.com to purchase and for more information.

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