QWhat is the Alltech Fortnight Festival?
AThe Alltech Fortnight Festival began in July 2008 as a statewide, entertainment-centered countdown in Kentucky to the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games—to be held at Lexington’s Kentucky Horse Park in 2010. It will culminate with a “fortnight” of live music throughout the Alltech Games at various Kentucky venues.
By partnering with Kentucky venues and performing arts centers, the AFF’s philanthropic initiatives help bring arts to the entire state of Kentucky, while also using music to involve the Commonwealth’s communities in the excitement that is the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
QWhen is the 2010 Alltech Fortnight Festival?
ASeptember 25-October 10, 2010 (concurrent with the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games - in the evenings).
QWhere is the festival located?
AThe Alltech Fortnight Festival takes place at various venues across the state of Kentucky over the 16-day period of September 25-October 10. The AFF is more of a concert series than a traditional music festival, with connections to over 22 Kentucky venues.
QWhy is Alltech, an animal health and nutrition company, producing an entertainment festival?
AThe Alltech Fortnight Festival was created by Dr. Pearse Lyons, president and founder of Alltech, as a means of building excitement throughout the state for the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games 2010 while investing in the development of the arts in local communities.
QWhat is Alltech’s actual involvement in the Alltech Fortnight Festival?
AAlltech created the Alltech Fortnight Festival after connecting with and partnering with many Kentucky venues and performing arts centers. Alltech financially underwrites, produces and presents entertainment events in conjunction with these venues, while assisting in marketing and promotion.
QCan we expect to see big name artists such as U2 or the Rolling Stones?
AThe Alltech Fortnight Festival has been in discussion with major recording artists. As we work through artist selections with the venues across the state, we are being careful to take into account the ways in which the economy has affected Kentucky citizens. It would be irresponsible of us to bring in artists who would demand a ticket price that is out of the question for most families.
QDoes Alltech profit from the concerts?
AThe mutual goal between the venue of the event and Alltech is to break even. If the show happens to make money, the profits are then split between Alltech and that venue. Any money that Alltech receives goes back into producing future events.
QHow much are tickets?
ATicket prices vary depending on the particular venue and the show. Most tickets can be purchased through that venue’s box office/ticketing system.
QHow are the events selected?
AMost concerts are selected based on the size of the venue and the surrounding community. We are trying to correlate and meet the wants and needs of the nearby population. We want these events to be unique as well as successful. Our hope is that there will be something for everyone.
QWhat is the connection between the Alltech Fortnight Festival and the Muhammad Ali Center?
AAfter realizing mutual values and principles, Alltech and the Muhammad Ali Center established a philanthropic endeavor—the Alltech-Muhammad Ali Center Global Education and Charitable Fund. This fund will stress programs that positively impact others around the world, promote excellence and achieving one’s potential. Any Alltech Fortnight Festival event produced with the Muhammad Ali Center will donate proceeds to the fund, furthering educational and charitable initiatives.
QWhich Kentucky cities has the Alltech Fortnight Festival previously visited?
AFrom July 2008 – October 2009: Paducah – Owensboro – Elizabethtown – Louisville – Lexington – Ashland – Prestonsburg – Whitesburg – Somerset – Midway – Murray – Frankfort – Powderly --- Visiting more cities in 2010!
QIn which Kentucky venues has the Alltech Fortnight Festival presented?
AFrom July 2008 – October 2009: Applebees’s Park – Kentucky Center – Appalshop – Center for Rural Development – Singletary Center – Paramount Arts Center – Mountain Arts Center – RiverPark Center – Louisville Palace – Brown Theatre – Hardin County Schools Performing Arts Center – Carson Center – Murray State University Regional Special Events Center – Tin Roof – Downtown Arts Center – 2nd Presbyterian Church – Buster's – Grand Theatre – Equus Run – Natasha's Bistro & Bar – Merle Travis Music Center – Zanzabar
QWhat are some of the shows that the Alltech Fortnight Festival has presented?
AFrom July 2008 – October 2009, Alltech Fortnight Festival presented 45 events. Some of these include: Alan Jackson with Lee Ann Womack, The Grascals, Wynton Marsalis, Beach Boys, Song and Dance Ensemble of West Africa, Clint Black, Manhattan Transfer, Dublin Philharmonic Orchestra, Celtic Woman, Mark Morris Dance Group, The Doobie Brothers, The Decemberists, Jason Aldean, Miranda Lambert, Love & Theft, The Punch Brothers, .38 Special, Kansas and Ricky Skaggs.
QCan I receive Alltech Fortnight Festival updates and concert announcements?
AYes, once signing up online at www.AlltechFortnightFestival.com, the Alltech Fortnight Festival will send you updates and concert announcements via e-mail.
QWill there be an annual Alltech Fortnight Festival that continues after the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games leave Kentucky in 2010?
AWhile it has not been fully determined yet, it is quite possible. One of the initial hopes of this venture was to create a legacy event that would continue on after the Alltech World Equestrian Games. The basis of that decision will depend upon how well it is received by the people of Kentucky.