This was my second show ever. $7 tickets. Huge, classic Midwest thunderstorm rolled in and the band kept playin on. Why no Lazy Lightning, I dunno, but the Looks Like Rain was sure appropriate at that point. The site was a huge hill, which turned into the stoniest, sloppiest mudslide ever. I'd never had so much damn fun in my 17-year-old life, and don't know if I have in the many years since. So happy this is here to listen to. Nice quality recording, too.

This was a quintessential Dead summer gig with early Brent. The Mississippi River Festival was a beautiful venue on the SIU campus, surrounded by trees on the outside, grate for lazin' with the Dead. (Saw my 1st Dead show here in the summer of '70 with Pig-sure wish I was a little more aware but still fun. Dead had just gotten off the Festival Express train. The organizers had to pull the plug on this one as the jammin' went on & on).Back to '80- Staff was always cool and the vibe at this time would surely be missed in later years. My 8 mo pregnant wife chose to not go so with friends at full sail and the enhancements clean, we landed at the site. Small crowd as mentioned, smiles everywhere, NO hassels as the band came out and hit from the start. One of the stoniest crowds I've ever been in, there was sooo much room to dance and run and jump, it was just silly. Sun was hot but the weather came in the 2nd set as the rain poured on all of us. During Ship Of Fools I was groovin' at the top of the hill completely drenched and high and marvelled at this wonderful crowd of fools being in the moment, oblivious, or rather accepting, of the rain and being one with it. The whole 2nd set flowed really well with solid versions of China>Rider, Estimated>He's Gone>D/S>Other>Balck Peter>Sugar Mag. I have heard better shows musically but when the magic hits the crowd and reflects back to the band, it creates really special nights. Glad I was there. It turns out later I found that alot of touring folks were staying at my friends barn where he graciously put up any & all who came-they called it the Mars Hotel. By the way if anyone has either a setlist or music from the MRF 7-8-70 show, please contact me @ ststephen49@yahoo.com and I would truly be Grateful...Steve

My first show. "Festival" relates to the summer concert series at what was a wonderful, natural outdoor amphitheater for over 15 years at SIU-Edwardsville. The day and nite transferred from hot, muggy, balmy to wind and rain. Early wind heard wisping in mikes on "Alabama" and full on thunder lightning in China Cat IKYR. Orange, purple skies early on then darkness, rain. Total crowd maybe 7-8K. Early nascent Deadhead, pre-wookie scene written up later that Summer/Fall in Rolling Stone with mention of wook-precursors sleeping in local farmer's barn.
Band and audience obviously playing on the storm and excitement. Sharp, concise shards of Jerry guitar in midst of unexpected places, soon to give way towards 83 into smack-ridden hazy, lazy stuff. Awesome Lesley(sp?) amped organ riffs from Brent throughout!

This is an excellent audience, comparable to boards. The estimated>He's gone are worth the download alone. The rest of the show is also strong! Four stars for me

Do this one, not the other AUD

The Other One was the song of the year in 1980! So many great versions.