ELI PORR: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

At the heart of this unique MoonGroove experience is a team of dedicated individuals, led by Executive Director, Eli Porr. Eli is a life-long nudist born just outside of Philly, and raised at Penn Sylvan Health Society. He's the founder of the Tiki Tomba nudist volleyball group and a champion for body positivity and promoting family naturism. In this special feature, we delve into Eli's vision and the journey of creating MoonGroove.

From Volleyball Tournaments to Festival Dreams

The seeds of MoonGroove were sown in a rather unexpected place: nudist volleyball tournaments. For over a decade, Eli and his Tiki-Tomba volleyball crew travel the east coast, hosting & participating in competitive tournaments at various nudist resorts. To enhance the tournament experience, they began adding DJs and bands, injecting a dose of musical energy into the scene.

"We started adding DJs and bands to all of these events to spice it up and make it more fun for everyone when volleyball ended each day."

Eventually, the abundance of talented musicians and DJs outgrew the volleyball setting. This led to a pivotal suggestion from friends - running a music festival. With a spirit of innovation and a passion for community, Eli and the team worked out the logistics, laying the foundation for what would become MoonGroove. Now, the festival is entering its fifth year.

Overcoming Challenges, Staying True to Vision

Like any ambitious endeavor, MoonGroove's early days weren't without their challenges. Establishing a solid operational foundation, navigating venue contracts, and initially persuading artists to join were some of the initial obstacles.

"We experienced the usual growing pains," Eli explains. "This included building the core operations team slowly, coming to agreements with the venue, and, initially, facing the barrier of convincing musicians to come." However, the festival's unique appeal and vibrant atmosphere soon attracted attention, and now, MoonGroove boasts a reputation that readily attracts talent.

Despite its growth, MoonGroove has remained true to its core vision: creating a space for people to be their most authentic selves, enjoy music and friends, and have the option to do so nude. Eli emphasizes the importance of authenticity, connection and the freedom of self-expression.

"With each passing year, the festival has become more professional and organized, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved."

Musical Highlights and Future Aspirations

When asked about his favorite musical and artistic moments, Eli's enthusiasm shines through. He lists a selection of talented performers who have graced the MoonGroove stages, including Worldtown SoundSystem, Gabriel Mireles, Declan, Steal Your Face, Solar Circuit, Keegan Tawa, and Carter Fox.

"The list keeps going with such good performances. I get to book it all so I enjoy every artist!"

Looking ahead, Eli shares the aspirations for MoonGroove's future. "We want to keep growing slow and steady. We aren't rushing towards anything specific. We want to make sure that we host a high-quality event and are creating a wonderful and inclusive atmosphere for everyone. And of course, we want to keep bringing in the best music possible."  We'll continue to focus on making MoonGroove a great nudist music and arts festival where everyone feels welcome.

The Magic of the People

For Eli, the most rewarding aspect of creating and sustaining MoonGroove is the people. The positive feedback and profound impact the festival has on attendees are what truly make it special. "It's the people," Eli expresses. "Hearing what this event means to people is what makes it truly magical for me."

He eloquently captures the essence of MoonGroove as a shared experience, where individuals embark on personal journeys while simultaneously connecting as a community.

A Labor of Love

Eli concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of the immense effort required to bring MoonGroove to life. "It is a tremendous amount of work year-round to put on something like this," he shares.  He emphasizes that MoonGroove is a labor of love, driven by a passion for nudism, naturalism, and the spirit of the community. He also expresses his gratitude to those who make it happen, "everyone who is involved in running this event, whether staff or volunteer, deserves appreciation," Eli emphasizes.

"Please show them your gratitude and thank them for their time and energy."

Eli's dedication and vision have been instrumental in shaping MoonGroove into the extraordinary naturist festival it is today. His story is a testament to the power of community, the beauty of self-expression, and the magic that happens when people come together to celebrate music, art, and freedom.

MoonGroove Nude Music & Arts Festival Stage