Join us as author Mark Pierce discusses his new book, When the Stars Came Out: Stories of the Mississippi River Festival! In the summer of 1969, the Mississippi River Festival (MRF) kicked off on the campus of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Over the next 12 turbulent summers, the outdoor concert series attracted more than a million fans, showcased the talents of hundreds of legendary performers (including The Who, Bob Dylan, the Grateful Dead, the Eagles, and Janis Joplin), and created countless memories among the artists, fans, and workers who called the MRF their summer home.

Pierce has been a journalist and corporate communications leader in the St. Louis area for more than thirty years. A graduate of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, his love of music and connections with many pivotal players in the MRF story served as inspiration for the new book, which was written with Jack Twesten and former festival director Lyle Ward. Pierce will be sharing stories he collected during his research and will have the copies of When the Stars Came Out for sale after the presentation!

Seating is limited. Register at 1-800-613-3163.