THE FACES OF MOONGROOVE: MALLORY SVOBODA

Cottonwood Heights, Utah

Mallory's connection to MoonGroove runs deep, woven into the fabric of their family and community. Having attended for three years, their introduction came through their cousin's husband, Eli Porr, a co-founder of MoonGroove. As a member of the Tiki Tomba community for nearly five years, Mallory saw MoonGroove as the perfect way to expand their cherished nudist lifestyle through a beautiful grassroots music festival.

A Song from the Heart

Among countless memories, Mallory's favorite is the first time they performed their original song, "How Lucky Are We." This song, born from personal experiences within the nudist community, resonated deeply with the audience.

"It was an incredible experience to know that so many people felt the exact same way I do."

People and Pure Connection

Looking ahead to this year's MoonGroove, Mallory is most excited about meeting more new people and seeing long time friends. While the music is fantastic, they find the people unforgettable. Mallory believes the nudist aspect is a very grounding and bonding experience, fostering genuine connection and engagement by bringing everyone closer.

Giving Back: Volunteer and the Ladies Lounge

Mallory is not just an attendee; they are one of the lead coordinators for the Volunteer Team and the Ladies Lounge, and also performs a poolside set. They love contributing to the festival's creation, considering their hand in its success a prize all it's own. The Ladies Lounge, Mallory explains, provides a crucial safe space for any female identifying patrons, offering respite from crowds at any music festival, especially a clothing-optional one.

Advice for Embracing Nudity

For first-time attendees who might feel nervous about nudity, Mallory offers straightforward advice: "Just be yourself," emphasizing that a body is a body is a body. Everyone's is unique and special and there is no standard for how someone should look. Their counsel is to be kind, respectful and authentic and you'll be pleasantly surprised with how many friends you make and how fast and genuine the connections happen.

A Fusion of Sounds and Genuine Bonds

Mallory appreciates all music genres at MoonGroove, from folk to brass to DJ sets, readily immersing in wherever the music flows. They find that every connection made at MoonGroove is incredibly meaningful and impactful, fostering new relationships and strengthening old ones. The collective effort, creation, and experiences involved in putting the festival together leave Mallory grateful and in awe of what we are able to do. It's inspiring, they note, that a group of friends with a dream and the will to compile the energy and resources to make it a reality.

A Unique Grassroots Endeavor

What truly sets MoonGroove apart for Mallory is its status as a clothing optional, purely grassroots endeavor. The amalgamation of artists, vendors, and workshops is so unique, making it everything I'd ever want in a music festival.

The Pinnacle of Summer

Mallory unequivocally states that MoonGroove is the "highlight of my summer"  and "the pinnacle of perfection for me". The ability to attend, work at, and experience the festival is "truly one of a kind", and "wouldn't have it any other way."