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Alma Fest Stage Manager's Letter: 2005Hello, my name is Ellwood Chip Barrett. I am a harmonica player and live in Mosquito Gulch, just outside of Alma, Colorado. I have also been the stage manager for the Alma Foundation’s Festival in the Clouds for the last seven years. Alma sits on the shoulder of the continental divide, over on the far left side of Park County, and is the highest town in the country; literally and possibly figuratively. Above 10,000 feet, one needs a creative mind, so there’s little wonder Alma is home to quite a few musicians, artists and writers. Alma’s Festival in the Clouds is a two-day free music and art show which takes place at our town park. Proceeds from t-shirt and beer sales benefit the Alma Foundation. This year (2005) will be the eighth annual on July 23rd and 24th. The stage and music have evolved over the years; from a flatbed truck and a couple of amps to the very cool stage, built by the local musicians. The sound and light systems are provided by Doug Pintar Sound and Light. The seventh annual Festival in the Clouds also featured the most deluxe backstage entertainment hospitality accommodations, so far. We try to do a little sound check party Friday night and the music starts at 10:00 am Saturday morning. Saturday night finishes up at about 11:00 pm. The music starts again Sunday at 10:00 am and plays on until about 8:00 in the evening. The Festival in the Clouds is an entirely volunteer effort and everybody has a good time. Our stage crew is amazing and comprised of members of our local bands, and we have a blast helping to showcase 18-20 or so bands every year. Of course every year it rains, but we play on ‘cause every year there is a rainbow, and we’re high energy, independent, creative, and for the most part, waterproof. Several recordings have been made; the most comprehensive being done the very first year. That album is available here. The time slots fill up fast. We try to give bigger bands a little more time. During set changes we keep it live with individual and duo singer songwriters, poets, and announcements. At every Festival in the Clouds someone from the crowd has approached me and asked to perform and then blew the crowd away, so we appreciate that for sure. Anyway, that’s a little about Alma Festival in the Clouds music, we’re just a little mountain town, full of musicians playing our tunes. Come join us for a weekend of music, art and fun. If you have questions regarding the music, contact the Alma Foundation at almafoundation@aol.com. |
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