Mississippi
Paddling and playing on the Mississippi
JW Francis paddles under the College Drive Bridge Monday, July 15, 2024, on his way to Mississippi. The indie rocker and outdoor enthusiast set his sights on his next life adventure, a wild ride down the great Mississippi River this July.
Between tours of the U.S., UK, and EU to support his upcoming album “Sunshine,” Francis plans to traverse the 2,340 mile trip from Minnesota to Louisiana on his first-ever canoe trip.
Francis said he will be camping and performing impromptu concerts in local establishments while embracing all that the river community has to offer.
I was raised on a farm in western Minnesota where I participated in 4-H, high school sports, and everything that farm kids do for fun after chores. Graduated from Ridgewater Community College with an AA degree and my first taste of newspapering. I worked a summer on the Ortonville Independent as a reporter and photographer.