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History

The Ichthus Music Festival is the oldest, longest-running Christian music festival in the nation. It was started in 1970 by an Asbury Seminary professor Dr. Bob Lyon and a group of his students as a positive and redemptive response to the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Upstate New York.

The festival soon became a model for other Christian festivals that sprang up all over the nation. And it played an important role in the development of Christian music, as many artists found an opportunity to play for the first time before large crowds at the Ichthus festival.

Over the years, nearly all of the biggest names in Christian music have played at the festival: Andae Crouch & the Disciples, Petra, Keith Green, Amy Grant, Phil Keaggy, DeGarmo & Key, Michael W. Smith, Stephen Curtis Chapman, Kirk Franklin, DC Talk, The Newsboys, P.O.D., Third Day, Tobymac, Switchfoot, Skillet and Casting Crowns.

Times have changed, and in many ways, so has the festival. Each year, as many as 25,000 people still gather in Wilmore, KY to hear more than 140 Christian artists play on six stages at the four-day festival. And the artists have changed as well. Ichthus hosts artists from a variety of genres: adult contemporary, adult rock, hard rock, hardcore, hip hop, indie, punk, singer-songwriter, urban and crossover.

Why "Ichthus"?

The word "ichthus" actually means "fish" in Greek (the original language of the New Testament). During the persecution of the early church, this symbol was used by Christians as a means of identification and to designate a gathering place for Christians. The symbol of the "ichthus fish" has endured the ages and continues to serve as a sign of the Christian faith.

Although the word "ichthus" is less of a novelty today than it was in 1970, the ministry has continued to keep the name as a reminder of its heritage and as a symbol of its enduring commitment to Jesus. Ichthus has a great tradition of being a music and media innovator--as well as a showcase for the best in Christian music. But it's always been about more than the music. It's always been about Jesus and bringing students face to face with His love, forgiveness, hope, and purpose.

It still is.

Ichthus Today

Ichthus is no longer one festival held one time a year in one location. It's now launching festivals at various times of year in different states. Among them is a one-day festival in the Fort Wayne, Indiana area on September 25, 2010 and an indoor one-day event in Pikeville, Kentucky planned for spring 2011. Stay tuned for announcements on where the next one will land.

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