Mississippi River Festival
Festival in Illinois / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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The Mississippi River Festival (MRF) was a summer outdoor concert series held during the years 1969-1980 on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois. The Festival was notable due to its central midwestern location, the natural ambience of its outdoor venue, and the consistently high quality of performers.
Address | SIU Edwardsville Edwardsville, IL United States |
---|---|
Coordinates | +38.81°N 90.00°W / +38.81; -90.00 |
Owner | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville |
Designation | Outdoor Theatre |
Capacity | 1,900 under canvas tent >25,000 on lawn |
Opened | 1969 |
Closed | 1980 |
Years active | 12 |
Website | |
www |
On May 22, 1981, officials at SIU announced there would be no Mississippi River Festival in the upcoming summer.[1]
MRF consisted of a variety of popular rock, folk, bluegrass, and classical music performers.[2] Shows for the more popular groups, such as The Who, Yes, Chicago, Eagles, and Grateful Dead, were heavily attended. Some shows attracted crowds in excess of 30,000.[3] Jackson Browne appeared as both a backup band (for Yes in 1972 and America in 1973) and ultimately, as a lead act in 1977.[4] He also wrote two of his songs for the live Running on Empty album in a nearby Holiday Inn at the intersection of I-270 and Illinois Route 157. It is estimated that over one million visitors attended MRF over 12 summers.[5]
In July 1969, Bob Dylan did a short surprise gig with The Band. It was his first performance since his notorious motorcycle accident in 1966.