By Liz Beavers
lbeavers@newstribune.info
Tribune Managing Editor
KEYSER – Plans are progressing for the first Tornado Alley Bluegrass Festival, scheduled to be held Saturday, July 3, 2010, on the practice field beside the new stadium, recently dubbed Alumni Field at Tornado Alley.
Proceeds from the day-long event will go toward the completion, maintenance and improvement of the athletic complex, according to planning committee member Ed Hartman.
The committee held its third planning meeting this week, and noted that they are presently talking with several nationally-known bluegrass groups, including IIIrd Tyme Out, Blue Highway, Mt. Heart, the Lonesome River Band, and Seldom Scene, about the possibility of playing at the festival.
“The bands will do two 45-minute sets; one in the afternoon and one that night,” Hartman explained.
In addition to the national acts, the group plans to invite several local groups to participate and perhaps compete for prizes.
Food and craft vendors will have space to set up tables, adding to the festival atmosphere of the event.
Launching the festival, however, will be a costly endeavor.
Both Hartman and Trina Cox, who is affiliated with other local bluegrass festivals, have noted that signing nationally-recognized acts does not come cheap, with some of the groups charging $6,500 or more per appearance.
Dick Pfefferkorn, who is affiliated with the annual Canalfest in Cumberland, suggested a minimum budget of $20,000 to get started.
Corporate and business sponsors will therefore be sought to help raise the funds needed to book the bands, and Patsy Koontz and Dr. Harry Boggs are co-chairing the sub-committee which will soon be sending out letters to business owners to seek that support.
Sponsors will be offered several giving opportunities, ranging from a $1,000 donation which will afford the donor “Gold” status, meaning they will receive four reserved-seat tickets and multiple opportunities for recognition, to a $100 donation which will designate the donor as a “Friend” of the festival who will receive a general admission ticket and mention in the brochure and on the banner at the festival.
The group is also actively seeking grant money to help bring the festival to the stage. Funding will be needed for stage crews, advertising, and other necessities.
They have already been in contact with Sen. Bob Williams in regards to grant money, and Williams met with the group last month to make several suggestions.
Other issues discussed Tuesday included security, with Sheriff Craig Fraley noting that the Deputy Reserves should be available to assist; the stage, with Hartman announcing that he would be talking with the Mineral County Technical Center about the possibility of constructing the stage; and the ticket structure, which will include a $15 early bird ticket and $20 general admission.
The next planning meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 6, at 8 a.m. at Keyser High School.
Keyser, W.Va. —
