DUSTIN UHRIG: LIGHTING GURU, STAGE MANAGER & PERFORMER
- Jodi Testerman
- Apr 11
- 2 min read
Updated: Apr 18
MoonGroove is more than just a festival; it's a carefully curated experience, shaped by the dedication and vision of its founders. Among these pivotal figures is Dustin "Dusty" Uhrig, whose multifaceted role as Project Manager, Lighting Designer, and Artist & Sponsor Relations liaison has been instrumental in crafting the event's unique atmosphere.
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From Micro-Festivals to MoonGroove's Genesis
Dusty's perspective on MoonGroove's origin highlights its organic evolution. He explains that the festival emerged from a series of events that were "naturally turning into micro-festivals." This organic growth led to the necessity of curating "a unique event consisting of artisans and performers that initially formed this community. MoonGroove Nude Music & Arts Festival, in his view, was a natural progression.
"It was a way to celebrate and showcase the talent that was already present."
Navigating the Challenges of Outdoor Production
The path to creating MoonGroove was not without its hurdles. Dusty acknowledges the inherent complications of organizing an outdoor festival noting that, "funding, technical solutions, site operations, and exposure to the elements are never an easy feat." However, he emphasizes the strength and resilience of the team, stating, "but we have pulled off this event year-after-year with minimal challenges and have fostered beautiful partnerships and experiences along the way."
MoonGroove's Evolution and Dusty's Pride
Dusty expresses immense pride in MoonGroove's growth and impact. He notes that it "has become the most anticipated event of the year from our team, attendees, and performers alike." His words convey a deep respect for the team's perseverance.
"I've always held MG and our team to the highest regard, the growth of the event and perseverance of our team never ceases to amaze me."
Musical Highlights and a Unique Festival Identity
As someone deeply involved in the production side, Dusty has a unique appreciation for the musical performances at MoonGroove. He shares that "getting to run audio and lighting for bands like Solar Circuit and Worldtown SoundSystem has brought me more joy than I ever could have imagined." He emphasizes the power of the raw talent of up and coming artists as a defining characteristic of MoonGroove. Looking ahead, Dusty envisions MoonGroove maintaining its unique identity. He highlights its "anomaly consisting of grassroots look and feel, yet strong industry connections that allow this festival to thrive." He believes that MoonGroove's ability to combine large-scale production and high-profile acts at a micro-festival is unparalleled.
The Rewarding Power of Teamwork
For Dusty, the team is one of the most rewarding aspects of MoonGroove. He appreciates working with a group that defies the "typical 'industry standard' breed of 'omit foul language.'" He values the team's dedication to making MoonGroove bigger and better each year. Ultimately, Dusty says, "Seeing our people shine, expose their talents and skills, get to create something beautiful together," reminds him of why he entered the industry.
A Testament to Collaboration
Dusty's insights offer a glimpse into the collaborative spirit and hard work that fuel MoonGroove's success. His dedication to production, artist relations, and fostering a strong team has been crucial in shaping the festival into the extraordinary event it is today.
