From the Mississippi to the Po Festival

From the Mississippi to the Po: Blues at Home in Piacenza

Dal Mississippi al Po is one of the longest-running and most recognized music festivals in Emilia-Romagna. Founded in 2005 and promoted by Fedro Società Cooperativa Sociale in Piacenza, the festival builds an ideal bridge between the banks of the Mississippi River, the cradle of blues, and those of the Po, the symbolic river of the Piacenza and Parma plains. Each year, the program combines major international blues and rock artists with literary encounters, readings, and projects for schools, using music as an opportunity for civil and cultural reflection.

The 22nd Edition 2026

The 22nd edition takes place from May 15 to the end of August 2026 with a widespread program covering the Municipality of Piacenza, the city of Parma, Fiorenzuola d'Arda, Travo, and various towns in the province of Piacenza in Emilia-Romagna. The opening, on May 15 at the Teatro President in Piacenza, is dedicated to Bob Dylan Night – Desire 50 Years, a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Bob Dylan's album, with the special participation of Vinicio Capossela and musicians who have played with Dylan himself, from Rob Stoner to violinist Scarlet Rivera of the Rolling Thunder Revue.

Concerts, Literature, and Dialogues on Freedom

The 2026 theme is Free as a Bird – dialogues on freedom, a journey that intertwines music, literature, and civil engagement with authors, journalists, and artists of international origin. Alongside concerts, there are Sunday morning Blues Matinées on the terrace of the Grande Albergo Roma, meetings with writers, the women's festival Klimt's Ladies, and the folk event Travo BalaFolk.

• May 15 – Bob Dylan Night at Teatro President in Piacenza, with Vinicio Capossela
• May 22-24 – Parma leg in Piazzale San Lorenzo, free admission, with concerts and literary encounters
• Summer – concerts and events spread across Piacenza, Fiorenzuola d'Arda, and the valleys (Val d'Arda, Val Trebbia)

A Festival Between Music and Territory

Among the artists announced for 2026 are Italian and international names such as James Maddock, Brian Mitchell, David Ford, Michele Stodart, Chris Buhalis, Graham Weber, Francesco Piu, and Rkomi, demonstrating the festival's ability to blend blues tradition with contemporary influences. The widespread nature of Dal Mississippi al Po makes it not just a series of concerts, but an experience that tells the deep connection between American roots music and the culture of the Emilia plain.

Supported by the Fondazione di Piacenza e Vigevano, the Municipality of Piacenza, the Emilia-Romagna Region, and the Ministry of Culture, the festival is now a highly anticipated event for blues enthusiasts, readers, and curious visitors wanting to discover Piacenza and its territory through music.