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The ''Festival Express'' was a 1970 tour of Canada by several musical acts, including The Grateful Dead , Janis Joplin , and The Band .

It was unique in that rather than flying to each city, the musicians all traveled by chartered CN Train , fostering an atmosphere of musical creativity and closeness between the performers. The trips between cities were a mix of jam sessions and partying.

By the time the festival started, there was a belief among North American youth that large concerts like the Festival Express should be free. As at Woodstock , many young people showed up with no intention of paying the $14 admission. Despite the financial hardship this caused promoters Ken Walker, Thor Eaton, and Dave Williams, the train continued on, providing a rich environment in which the traveling bands could jam and interact. Musician Kenny Gradney , who performed with Delaney And Bonnie , said "It was better than Woodstock, as great as Woodstock was."

The tour was also the subject of a Documentary Film of the same name released in 2003 using film shot during the 1970 tour.


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