Bob Moog Foundation booth at last year's NAMM Show

The Bob Moog Foundation has announced its return to NAMM, the global music industry trade show held in Anaheim, CA, from January 22-25, 2015.

Furthering the success of their innovative educational project, Dr. Bob’s SoundSchool, and their preservation efforts of the Bob Moog Foundation Archives, the Foundation will provide NAMM attendees with a rare education and insight into innovative synthesizer technology, past, present, and future.

The Foundation will celebrate strides in innovation as it shares its expanded booth space with bourgeoning new company, ‘Vo. ‘Vo features inventor Paul Vo’s groundbreaking work incorporating Acoustic Synthesis. Best known for his invention of the technology behind the Moog Guitar and the more recent Vo-96 Acoustic Synthesizer, Vo observes, “through Acoustic Synthesis, we can explore the sonic possibilities of acoustic instruments, and even previously unimagined objects of acoustic art, with the same depth we now explore electronic instruments.”

Michelle Moog-Koussa, Executive Director, Bob Moog Foundation

Michael Koehler, CEO of ‘Vo, shares his vision for the company. “The world was amazed in 2007 when the Moog Guitar was released and again in 2013 with the Vo-96. This year, ‘Vo will give NAMM-goers a taste of where Paul has taken his original concept with a sneak peek of our next product.” Koehler goes on to share his feelings on ‘Vo’s relationship with the Bob Moog Foundation.

“‘Vo is about innovation at its core. The Bob Moog Foundation is about innovation at its core. It is natural for our companies to have a mutually supportive relationship. We are extremely proud to be with them at NAMM and are looking forward to where the future will bring us.”

Steve Porcaro and Michael Boddicker checking out the vintage Moog Modular

The Foundation will also be honoring musical history as it hosts Michael Boddicker’s behemoth custom Moog modular synthesizer. Michael Boddicker is a preeminent session synthesist who has worked with artists including Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie, Donna Summer, Quincy Jones, Barbara Streisand, George Benson, Olivia Newton-John, Joe Cocker, and Whitney Houston. A long-time close friend of Bob Moog, Boddicker is also known for his work scoring Flashdance, Buckaroo Banzai, Apocalypse Now, and more.

As a result of his extensive work, Boddicker’s Moog modular is one of the most recorded synthesizers in music history. The instrument will be demonstrated throughout the weekend by the Foundation’s Archive and Education Specialist, Marc Doty. This marks the third year in a row that that Foundation is featuring vintage Moog modular systems in their booth, a representation of their commitment make electronic music history accessible people of all walks of life.

More information: Bob Moog Foundation