There is something brewing in the sky above
Denver, Colorado.  It’s back again!  If you look closely, it’s the Gathering of
the Clouds.  I’m not talking about a
treacherous storm, although Gathering of the Clouds is equivalent; I’m talking
about a stellar music festival that’ll sweep you off your feet, and it keeps
getting bigger and better every year, with more solid national acts, local
favorites, more vendors, etc…  Festival
contributor and Denver music pioneer, Kurt Ottaway (Emerald Siam) says “Let’s escape
for three days into a world we created where all of our favorite sounds,
thoughts and friends reside.  A moment in
time where our memory will burn deep with the excitement and love for the
future.” 

This year’s G.O.C. festival kicks-off
Thursday, March 7, at Denver’s Walnut Room. 
Even though this festival is in its junior years, the lineup is that of
a well established festival that has been around for years.  G.O.C. is even mentioned on Black Rebel
Motorcycle Club’s webpage!  Heavy-hitters
like The Warlocks, The Black Ryder, The Vandelles, Wovenhand, Gliss, and
Emerald Siam will be headlining as well as other great local acts and
DJ‘s.  Throughout the weekend there will
be plenty of good music, good vibes, good food, motorcycles on display, art and
also an intimate room filled with positive energy.  In other words, you do not want to miss
Gathering of the Clouds 2013. 

Interview: Gathering of the Clouds
Contributors, Kurt Ottaway & Maggie Gulasey

Can you elaborate on what compelled you to start Gathering of the Clouds
and when did it first start?

(Kurt Ottaway):  I used to throw warehouse parties and shows
throughout the late 80’s and early 90’s. 
At these shows, we would idealize the lineup, location, the fliers, and
the sound system and create an environment that was more of a “Special event”
than just your average everyday rock show. 
Our budget was extremely thin so we had to be really creative about
everything and most of the promotion would just travel by word-of-mouth.  It was just so much more rewarding doing it
yourself, on your own terms, and it helped to create a memorable experience
that many of my friendships are still based on today.  Gathering of the Clouds became the next
natural step where we commandeered a venue for three days and brought-in some
of our favorite national and local acts. 
Even though the environment was a little more controlled, it enabled the
bands to reach a more wider and more diverse crowd.  For example, we could mix like-minded acts
with local acts that were releasing music and make a huge melting pot of really
cool people. 

Since the first Gathering of the Clouds, how has this festival
progressed and what can we expect in 2013?

(K.O.) 
I feel as though the quality of the people involved is a statement on
its own.  Folks that have been playing
shows together for over 20 years are still fairly obscure by the world’s
standards.  They are doing their own
thing for the sheer love of doing it. 
Nobody is really worried about stepping on each other’s toes for three
days or the typical ego-elbowing that transpires at a lot of local gigs.  So, the progression is that they trust each
other and that the music speaks for itself. 
Three days where everybody feels comfortable doing what they love; just
a really great vibe!

(Maggie Gulasey)  I have been lucky enough to assist with
Gathering of the Clouds in one form or another since its origins.  With that being said, I have seen the
admirable progression this festival has taken on.  It started out in Kurt’s own living space
with many deserving local acts, to a large venue with a national headlining act
(Spindrift) in 2012 and packed full of some of Denver’s best.  This year, we were able to book five national
acts and some local bands that I adore. 
In addition to the performers, I am excited about the venue.  G.O.C. 2013 will be held at The Walnut Room
which is host to one of the best sound systems for such a humble room. 

2013 has some great headliners. 
Who are you most excited to see and why?

(M.G.) 
I can honestly state that I am overly excited to see each and every one
of our headliners – that’s why we booked them! 
They are some of our favorite acts and we are just as lucky that they
decided to take part in our little festival.

(K.O.) 
I am just a fan. 

What do you think is unique about G.O.C. compared to other music
festivals?

(K.O.) 
We have motorcycles.  We have rock
n roll.  We have merchants.  We have projections.  We have love! 

(M.G.) 
I think a unique aspect of the festival is the inclusion of the
merchants.  We have a little bit of
everything:  Coffee, motorcycles, crafts,
jewelry, clothing, and a whole bunch of groups that may not normally cross
paths.  The merchants do a nice job of
rounding the festival out and I think it is a component that a lot of people look
forward to. 

If you could choose any five bands, past or present, to perform at your
festival, who are they?

(K.O.) 
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Loop, Swerve Driver, The Chameleons (U.K.),
and Jim Jones Revue.

(M.G.) 
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Jesus and Mary Chain, The Raveonettes,
The Black Angels, and Can.

Are there any future plans to take G.O.C. on the road or are we safe to
say Denver is home?

(K.O.) 
Let the mystery remain a mystery.

Is there any additional information you’d like to provide about G.O.C.?

(M.G.) 
I think people should come to Denver and check out Gathering of the
Clouds.  It’s pretty cool here and you
might be surprised.  All good vibes are
welcome! 

For more information on Gathering of the
Clouds and to purchase daily tickets and 3 day passes, feel free to visit
www.gatheringoftheclouds.com and also visit their Facebook page.