‘Enormous: The Gorge Story’ brings big feels to the big screen

Every year, we make the trek. We plan for weeks, pack our cars full, and set off on a journey to dusty central Washington. There’s not much out there, but we don’t need much. Just a stage, our friends, and a breathtaking backdrop. Upon this the experience shapes itself; this is the connecting thread though every patron’s story of The Gorge.

It’s almost become like a habit, our return home. Most don’t often take a step back and think about how one of our favorite places on Earth came to be. Two men from Los Angeles, CA., however, have spent five years exploring how the The Gorge came to be the unparalleled experience it is today. Tim Williams and Nic Davis, two filmmakers who recognized the potential in this story, weave a tale of evolution and unity in Enormous: The Gorge Story.

It may be hard to fathom, but The Gorge wasn’t always the spectacle it is today. It was actually an afterthought, an addendum to the Champs de Brionne Winery (now Cave B) started by Vince and Carol Bryan. They thought it might be a fun idea to host some live bands in this beautiful setting, and we can’t say enough how right they were.

As you can imagine, the popularity of the venue grew, and with it, the size of artists and infrastructure to support it. The first major artist to play The Gorge was Bob Dylan. From there The Gorge’s popularity skyrocketed. Over the years its blossoming reputation brought in artists from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Jimmy Buffett to Pearl Jam, to festivals we know and love today (Paradiso!). 3lau called his experience playing at the Gorge “unparalleled,” saying he prepared extra material for his performance at Paradiso because of the reputation it holds.

“[It’s] beautiful music, with beautiful people, in a beautiful setting. It’s all I need. It’s home.” -Mike McCready, Pearl Jam

Along with the tale of The Gorge’s growth as a venue, Enormous weaves in the personal perspectives of individuals. One woman who has been a patron for more than 30 years, and even had the opportunity to work there, shared a touching story of the experiences she shared with her late sister and their annual pilgrimage to see Dave Matthews Band.

And their stories are not unfamiliar. It’s almost an understanding that experiencing The Gorge will leave a person changed. Whether it’s a lifetime of experiences that shape someone, or a single night that leaves an everlasting impression, every person who visits The Gorge is touched in some way.

That’s the underlying message of Enormous: The Gorge Story; that The Gorge is a place of awesomeness (to the true definition) unlike any other. It’s hard to tell where the future of The Gorge will take us, but we know we’re excited. You can watch the preview below, and share your thoughts with us on Facebook or Twitter!