In 1969, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville initiated a remarkable performing arts series called the Mississippi River Festival.
During those years, more than one million visitors flocked to the spacious Gyo Obata-designed c.
Over 12 summer seasons, between 1969 and 1980, the Festival presented 353 events showcasing performers in a variety of musical genres, including classical, chamber, vocal, ragtime, blues, folk, bluegrass, barbershop, country, and rock, as well as dance and theater.
In 1969, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville initiated a remarkable performing arts series called the Mississippi River Festival