Flint Revival Celebration

Flint Revival Celebration featuring Flint's Mark Farner in concert expected to draw about 8,000 fans
by Melissa Burden The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 5:40 PM
FLINT, Michigan -- Atwood Stadium was rocking today and later this evening was expected to be packed with thousands of classic rock fans for Flint native Mark Farner's first official concert here since 1975.
The Flint Revival Celebration featuring Farner, Grand Funk Railroad's lead singer and guitarist, had sold nearly 8,000 tickets, with more people expected to show up at the gate, said Lynn Sorenson of Flint and president of the celebration.
By about 4:30 p.m., some fans wearing Mark Farner T-shirts and others carrying folding chairs and umbrellas to block the sun, were beginning to filter into the stadium on University Avenue.
Some fans sat in lawn chairs around the stage on Atwood's turf facing the scoreboard, to listen to bands such as Forte perform.
"We had a lot of people come and go," Sorenson said.
The festival features headliner Farner and 11 other bands who are performing throughout the day, Sorenson said.
Farner was expected to take the stage around 7 p.m. and would sign autographs for any fan who wanted one afterward, Sorenson said.
Concert-goers such as Kim Ackley, 41, of Flint traveled between Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend in downtown Flint and the concert.
Farner fans such as Emie Goold, 38, of Flint, were enjoying the daylong concert and were looking forward to seeing Farner perform live.
"It's nice to see them doing something with Atwood Stadium," Goold said.

see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/flint_revivial_celebration_fea_1.html
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Posted by 45guy on 08/15/09 at 5:50PM
Lynn Sorenson, wife of Attorney Terry Bankert, he of www.dumpyourspouse.com fame.
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Posted by Civilityboy on 08/15/09 at 5:56PM
And the point of the above posting? On a more positive note: The Atwood Stadium gig, along with yesterday's downtown concert, have put all the naysayer's on notice...Flint Rocks! The new mayor made his debut at the concert and it was enjoyable to actually have a mayor who could articulate a big welcome to the thousands gathered. Despite the unemployment and the plant closings, Flint's people are as tough as ever. And they know how to have a good time!
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Posted by flintmiusa on 08/15/09 at 7:56PM
Civility - well stated. People are having a good ole time.
I was down there last three nights and alot of smiles, expressions of hope and people spending money on food, drinks, etc.
Flint, MI has a reputation of persistence...we will continue that pursuit of revival.
Good job Flint!
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Posted by SteveMyers on 08/15/09 at 9:37PM
Congrdulations to Terry and Lynn! They did a fine job putting the event together.Atwood Stadium ROCKS! It was great to see so many people turn out for the local bands!! Mark Did a hell of job!! For an old guy he still has the moves!lol
I know we are going to see more events at Atwood, people are already talking about next year.
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Posted by SteveMyers on 08/15/09 at 9:41PM
Congratulations to Terry and Lynn! They did a fine job putting the event together.
Atwood Stadium ROCKS! It was great to see so many people turn out for the local bands!! Mark Did a hell of job!! For an old guy he still has the moves!lol
I know we are going to see more events at Atwood, people are already talking about next year.
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Posted by flint13 on 08/16/09 at 12:45AM
so much for 8,000 people...next article says 3,000....ooops!
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Posted by kgitch on 08/16/09 at 1:20AM
flint13...I wondered the same thing. This says 8k sold, the next article says about 3k in attendance. Did 5k just decide to not show?
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Posted by sallycaster on 08/16/09 at 9:17AM
The Back to bricks celebration and the Farner concert were both great things for Flint and Genesee County,,,However, it might have been better if the concert promoter had used one of the local sound companies to do the production, instead of bringing in a company from the west side of the state. Kind of defeats the whole "Flint Revival" idea doesn't it?
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Posted by cretin on 08/16/09 at 11:37AM
I totally agree Sally. Hopefully these first time promoters have learned a lesson or two-Flint First!
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Posted by farnerupdate on 08/16/09 at 9:31PM
Thanks to all that attended the Mark Farner Concert at Atwood Stadium! What a day! I wished I could have personally thanked each person in attendance . From every possible perspective of Atwood Stadium it looked like everyone was having a great time. Rhonda from Grand Blanc brought her air guitar and jammed with Mark’s every song. Go girl! Locomotion- how can anyone take that sitting down? Great performance by everyone! I appreciate all your positive comments! This was an incredible feat.
Thanks to everyone for all the help. Sponsors, vendors, VIP caterer, thanks. Security, CSSI from Grand Blanc did an outstanding job!
A local company was initially contacted to provide the sound and stage for this event. However, per Mark Farner’s contract it could not be met locally. But, to set the record straight, that attempt was made. There is much more to planning an event like this than the poster has knowledge.We have already been contacted regarding making this an annual event. Who should be the next performer at Atwood 2010?
Lynn M SorensonPresident Flint Revival Inc.
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Posted by cretin on 08/17/09 at 9:04AM
It was Soooo funny when Mark Farner turned his back on that Karen Smith when she tried to hug him-left her standing there on stage with her arms all outstretched-Ba-ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!