PERFORMANCES AND TALKS

“When Machines Rock” was a program held at Cornell University from March 5 to 7, 2020, in association with the opening of the exhibition “Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog.”

When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music

March 5 to 7, 2020
Various locations on and off campus

Join us for a three-day celebration of Robert Moog PhD ’65 and his pioneering invention of the Moog synthesizer, which electrified music and sparked a revolution in sound. When Machines Rock: A Celebration of Robert Moog and Electronic Music features panels and performances by a wide array of electronic music artists, including renowned synthpop and electro-industrial artist Gary Numan; singer-songwriter, beat-maker, and producer Suzi Analogue; and electronic music composers David Borden, Herb Deutsch, and Suzanne Ciani.

Other events include an opening reception for the Cornell University Library exhibition Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog, a DIY synth-building workshop, a concert by Cornell’s Electroacoustic Music Center, and shows at the Haunt by the punk-inspired electronic group ADULT and Suzi Analogue.

THURSDAY, MARCH 5

Panel: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog
4:30–6:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Panelists:

Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Concert: Cornell Electroacoustic Music Center
8:00 p.m.
Sage Chapel, Cornell University

Directed by Kevin Ernste, associate professor of music at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

FRIDAY, MARCH 6

Presentation: Moog Stories
3:30–4:15 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Featuring Brian Kehew, Los Angeles-based musician, record producer, keyboard technician for The Who, and co-author of Recording the Beatles

Moderated by Roger Moseley, associate professor of music at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Keynote Interview: Gary Numan
4:30–5:45 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Featuring the creator of the 1979 hit singles “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” and “Cars,” a pioneer of electronic popular music, and a recipient of the Ivor Novello Inspiration Award

Moderated by Judith Peraino, professor of music at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Exhibit Opening: Electrifying Music: The Life and Legacy of Robert Moog
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Hirshland Exhibition Gallery, Level 2B, Carl A. Kroch Library, Cornell University

Drawing from Cornell’s rich archive of materials that traces Moog’s lifelong fascination with electricity and its musical possibilities, this exhibit features instrument prototypes, design schematics, photographs, correspondences, and audio recordings. It also provides viewers with an opportunity to play a theremin and Minimoog supplied by Moog Music Inc.

This event is free and open to the public

Concert: ADULT
9:00 p.m.
The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY

Dark electronica and dance punk band from Detroit, Michigan

Tickets: dspshows.com

SATURDAY, MARCH 7

Synth-Building Workshop
10:00 a.m.–noon
B20 Lincoln Hall, Cornell University

Led by Trevor Pinch and Jordan Aceto

This event is free and open to the public

Panel: Moog’s Collaborators
1:30–3:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Panelists:

Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Interview and Workshop: Suzi Analogue
3:30–5:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Part 1:

Part 2:

Featuring the prolific singer, songwriter, beatmaker, electronic musician, and founder of Never Normal Records

Moderated by Catherine Appert, associate professor of music at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Lecture and Concert: Suzanne Ciani
5:30–7:00 p.m.
Klarman Hall auditorium (KG70), Cornell University

Featuring the five-time Grammy Award-nominated electronic music composer, inducted into the first class of Keyboard Magazine’s Hall of Fame alongside Robert Moog and Don Buchla

Moderated by Trevor Pinch, Goldwin Smith Professor of Science and Technology Studies at Cornell

This event is free and open to the public

Concert: Suzi Analogue
9:00 p.m.
The Haunt, 702 Willow Ave., Ithaca, NY

Featuring the prolific singer, songwriter, beatmaker, electronic musician, and founder of Never Normal Records

Tickets: dspshows.com

SPONSORS

These events are made possible by the following Cornell co-sponsors:

Off-campus concerts are co-sponsored by DSP Shows.