Musicians Organizing Activist Committee (MOAC)
of Asheville, NC
Musicians Organizing Activist Committee (MOAC)
of Asheville, NC
MOAC Activists in the News!
Adrienne Gail and the Sages Travel to Delaney Hall
Adrienne Gail and the Sages (Gail, Alan Graf, Howie Finkel) made the front-page of the Asheville Watchdog news website for their journey from Asheville to Delaney Hall in New Jersey. This is the notorious ICE detention facility where even elected officials have been prevented from entering. Their aim was to protest by playing their music out in front of the entrance and see for themselves what was going on. Aan described it as "the Gates of Hell," where detainees suffer horrendous conditions and protestors were manhandled outside the facility.
... And yes, they DID play out in front of the detention facility (video coming soon)!
A MOAC project, their expenses were raised through a GoFundMe by MOAC members and their friends.
Here is the link to the front-page article in the Asheville Watchdog.
Celebrate America's 250th with a Day of Protest Music!
"The Pursuit of Happiness" Protest Concert Event Coming July 4!,
New South Noise and Sly Grog Lounge present
"The Pursuit of Happiness' -
A July 4th Patriotic Protest Celebrating 250 Years of Revolution!
FREE FOOD (while supplies last)
On-Site Voter Registration
Community Resources
Performances by Adrienne Gail & the Sages, TRTMNT, The Sun Sippers, Andy Hughes of Broken Sound, The Ruff'tons, OVADYA, Blistering Dissonance, Rock While Rome Burns, and a special Rage Against the Machine Tribute set featuring Drowning Leo and Andy Hughes
JULY 4TH 2026
4PM - 11PM
Sly Grog Lounge
271b Haywood St. Asheville, NC 28801
Tickets: $12 in advance - $15 at the door
Proceeds benefit MOAC
COMING SOON! The MOAC Protest Album!
A Rousing Collection of Protest Songs by MOAC Artists
We're just about ready to release the first MOAC compilation of protest songs. Artists include:
- Elizabeth McCorvey (2026 Protest song contest winner)
- Tom Keever
- Ginny Waite
- Samara Jade
- Drowning Leo
- Melissa McKinney
- Adrienne Gail
- The Peaceful Warriors
- Rock While Rome Burns
...And more! Watch for this exciting release, COMING SOON!
Connect! Blend your love of music with Justice...
Interested? We’re a newer organization, but are already making (good) noise for justice.
In the Meantime...
The New Shoe Kazoo Band—a newly born creature of MOAC is composed of some MOAC musicians prepared to jam and those others that have joined the jam spontaneously. You don’t have to be a musical prodigy to join up and make some creative trouble with the kazoo (and if you play a ukelele, even better!) All are welcome in the Big Shoe Kazoo Band to celebrate life, joy, democracy, our constitution and in particular the Bill of Rights. We oppose fascists with humor and grace! As a band, we love attention,* so find us in public gatherings, occasional protests or just where people will gather. Peace out MOAC!
*We even made the news January 20th on WLOS ABC channel 13 TV.
Check out how much fun we had at the "Never Forget" protest on 1/3!
Pop-Up Protest!
Pop-Up Protest: Moac is on the prowl for a place we can present some of are fine protest songwriter and performance artists. If you know of a venue interested in this, please let us know.
New Comp Album Coming
Comp Album We are currently getting together some of the best protest songwriters and singers in Asheville for a compilation album of protest songs. Get ready for this one. It will make you get up and wave a sign.
MOAC's Second Pop-Up Protest Concert May 2
MOAC at the "Never Forget" Protest 1/3/26
MOAC Protest Song Contest Video!
It's Here! Protest Song Contest Video!
Al last! You can now watch videos of all 14 finalists at the first annual MOAC Protest Songwriting Contest. Plus, an inspirational speech by Asheville City Councilman and local musician Bo Hess.
Protest Song Contest Big Success!
Contest Finals on 11/29 at Smokey Bear Hemp Co.
Songwriters and partisans alike gathered at the Smokey Bear Hemp Company in West Asheville for the finals of the MOAC Protest Song Contest. We were just thrilled with the response - over 50 entries! It was a tough enough time picking the finalists, let alone the winners!
The room was filled with songwriters of all ages and styles, but all of us felt a bond of comradery in the passionate advocacy of our shared beliefs. It was a great feeling to have when things seem to be going to wrong these days.
14 Finalists (chosen from over 50 submissions) competed for three grand prizes. There were lots of different styles and approaches, but all were terrific! Congratulations to the winners:
First Prize ($150, Studio Time, Airplay) - Elizabeth McCorvey
Second Prize ($100, Studio Time) - Tom Keever
Third Prize ($100) - Joe Steil
Click here for videos of all the performances!
Moac member Kate said it best when she posted:
It happened, and I’m quite sure we’ll do it again. MOAC (Musicians Organizing Activist Committee) held by its first ever protest songwriting contest and the response was great, perhaps even better than expected. The original submissions were whittled down to 14 finalists and yesterday afternoon at the Smoky Bear Hemp Co, where all performed their original songs, the judges had the difficult decision to select three winners.
Personally, having been involved in the local music community for many years, I was pleasantly surprised to meet so many talented artists who are also making their names known, if in less obvious places, but most deserving of accolades for their creative endeavors. I’m looking forward to seeing them again.
Thanks to everyone who made this happen, the MOAC members, Smoky Bear, Councilman Bo Hess (who gave the very best speech connecting all the dots in the history of the importance of expression in protest songs), and especially to all the musicians who shared their heartfelt messages, and those who came out to show their support for the same. The winners will be in the photos below. Kudos all around!
Say "Hello" to MOAC-HVL!
Our First "Sibling" Chapter - MOAC Hendersonville!
MOAC is pleased to announce its first satellite chapter has been officially sanctioned under our charter. This "sibling" group, has been working unofficially alongside our Asheville-based group, participating in activism and protests in Hendersonville NC.,
From our beginnings last year, we at MOAC have embraced the axiom, "Think Globally, Act Locally!" With this in mind, it was always our intention to partner with activists in other areas - locally, regionally and - who knows? - maybe even nationally.
"Think Globally, Act Locally!"
From the day we held our first meeting we at MOAC have embraced the axiom, "Think Globally, Act Locally!" With this in mind, it was always our intention to partner with activists in other areas - locally, regionally and - who knows? - maybe even nationally.
More Information Coming Soon!
Their website is www.moac-hvl.org. As Rachel would say (if you know, you know), "Watch this space!" We'll be posting more into and links fpr MOAC-HVL real; soon!
The ResistDance!
Rockin' for Democracy!
Wow! What a great day it was at One World Brewery West, where MOAC and Indivisible AVL co-sponsored our first-ever "ResistDance." The idea was formed by the members of MOAC (Musicians Organizing Activist Committee) and made a reality with a lot of help from a lot of good people!
If you weren't there, you sure missed out! But don't worry, we'll be planning more events. and announcing them soon. Bookmark our site and keep coming back!
Our Mission
MOAC strives to organize events and peaceful protests through music to support justice and freedom for all.
We the People and Organizers of the "Musicians Organizing Activist Committee (MOAC) :
- Exists to utilize music to better our communities.
- Raise awareness about guaranteed freedoms.
- Inspires resistance against harm to all humans.
-Lift up those whose voices have been silenced.
Furthermore, we believe in fostering a civilization that values the human rights of all peoples through artistic expression that upholds out Democratic values within our Constitution, that unites those in our communities to stand firm against the oppression of such individuals.
Last Updated: 2/22/26
