Mississippi River Festival

The Mississippi River Festival was a summer outdoor concert series that originated in 1969 as a joint effort between Southern Illinois University and the St. Louis Symphony Society. It was held on the campus of Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, Illinois, United States. The outdoor venue was located on a hill forming a natural amphitheater characterized by a large circus like tent and an acoustic shell at the bottom of the hill and a single entrance area at the top of the hill. Shows from The Who, The Band and Bob Dylan, Yes, Chicago, The Eagles and the Grateful Dead were heavily attended during the 1970's. The festival had financial problems throughout its entire existence and closed after the 1980 season.