The Mississippi River Festival 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 midwest location, the natural ambience of its outdoor venue, and the consistent high quality of performers. On May 22, 1981, officials at SIU announced there would be no Mississippi River Festival in the upcoming summer. MRF consisted of a variety of popular rock, folk, bluegrass, and classical music performers. The more popular groups, such as The Who, Yes, Chicago, Eagles, and the Grateful Dead shows were heavily attended. Some shows attracting crowds in excess of 30,000. Jackson Browne appeared as both a backup band and ultimately, as a lead act in 1977. 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. In July 1969, Bob Dylan did a short surprise gig, together with The Band. It was his first performance since his notorious motorcycle accident in 1966.
Logistics
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. Students were able to attend shows at a student discount. The MRF site was designed by George Anselevicius and by George Dickie. The tent area contained approximately 1,900 director's style chairs arranged on a white gravel rock surface. Although there was a minimal amount of permanent structures at the venue, the entrance, concession stands, and restroom areas were decorated with large canvas sails designed by Gyo Obata. The mini-roadtrip to the site and meeting friends in the parking areas around the venue were favorite parts of the experience. The parking experience being a 70s youth version of tailgating. The majority of audience sat on "the lawn" on blankets. Two pathways flanked the lawn area running from the entrance area to the stage area providing a permanent pathway for movement and finding your "spot" in an otherwise sea of blankets. There were restrooms on either side of the venue. For those who attended, there are fond memories of all day outdoor parties with friends and the opportunity to see top concert talent. In 1978, the Nederlander Organization was contracted to manage the facility and book acts. In 1980, SIUE officials requested that the Nederlander Organization book more eclectic entertainment including classical symphonies and operas instead of just popular music bands. Nederlander refused and after a breakdown in negotiations the University decided to close the venue. Since the Nederlander Organization held a ten-year lease, the facility could not be used.
Sound production
, President and founder of Heil Sound as well as production adviser to national touring groups provided sound production for seven years. Ed Drone, of Heil Sound mixed the house sound 6 nights a week for seven years.
