Rock legend Mark Farner to greet local fans and receive key to the city
by Scott Atkinson The Flint Journal
Tuesday August 11, 2009, 5:20 PM
FLINT, Michigan — Attention rock fans: Grab your Grand Funk gear.
Thursday, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Flint Native and former Grand Funk guitarist Mark Farner will be at PD's Pub in Grand Blanc Township to sign autographs and just hang out with fans.
"I encourage people to come out and bring their old memorabilia and things like that," co-owner of PD's, Dave Donahue, said.
The event, which Donahue describes as a "meet and greet" won't be the last chance for fans to see the rock star -- who will be receiving a special honor while he's here.
At 5 p.m. on Friday, Farner will be at the new 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint to receive the key to the city, presented by Flint Mayor Dayne Walling.
Farner was originally scheduled to receive the key on Thursday at PD's, but Flint Revival, Inc. President Lynn Sorenson, who is organizing the concert, said Walling wanted to present the key in within the city.
"I wanted to do something to recognize his contribution to the city," Walling said. "It's important for today's kids to see that people from Flint have gone on to do great things all about the country and the world."
The Saturday concert at Atwood Stadium begins at 10 a.m. and will feature a new local band every hour until 7 p.m., when Farner will take the stage.
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/rock_legend_mark_farner_to_gre.html
Showing posts with label Flint Revival inc. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Flint Revival inc. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Farner at the PUB
Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner comes home, greeted by crowds at autograph signing
by Ebony Franklin The Flint Journal
Thursday August 13, 2009, 9:19 PM
Ryan Garza The Flint JournalDawn Gray, 39, of Swartz Creek, rests on the bar as her husband Dell takes a picture while musician Mark Farner signs her shirt on Thursday at PD's Pub in Flint during a meet and greet to promote his concert this Saturday at Atwood Stadium in Flint. 'It was awesome. I can't believe he signed my shirt,' said Gray. 'I'm going to get home, take it off and probably frame it.'
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Grand Funk Railroad's lead guitarist, Mark Farner, signed autographs at PD's Pub in Grand Blanc Township Thursday night as fans mingled and celebrated his return home.
The parking lot was packed before the 6 p.m. start time as more than 100 fans showed up to show their support to the rock legend. For many, meeting Farner was a dream come true.
"My favorite song (Inside Looking Out) was released on the day I was born and I wish I was old enough to have seen them when they first started out," said Dawn Gary, 39, of Swartz Creek. Fans enjoyed music by Grand Funk Railroad, snapped pictures, and sipped drinks while waiting for their turn to meet Farner. The Pub was littered with people wearing Grand Funk Railroad T-shirts and holding original 8 track records.
"This is a historic time. It may be better than the time his billboard was in Times Square," said Darla Pierson-Harvey, 54, of Goodrich. Harvey has been a fan since she was a little girl and was there to get a 1970 album autographed. "That's a great man. We follow Mark all the time," said Debbie Wilson, 55, of Otter Lake. She got a copy of Farner's first record autographed. Farner put his signature on everything from notebook paper to guitars and old T-shirts. Many fans described him as a down-to-earth guy who's really nice. "This is like a family reunion. There's so many people I haven't seen for years and the love of music always brings us back together," said Farner. "In almost 61 years of living I've found that love is unconditional. And that's the only thing that is."One T-shirt, bought by Garth Barcey, 58, of Grand Blanc, had turned a light tan and was a little tattered. But it was worth holding on to."He's just a blue collar guy," said Barcey, who use to wear Flint, MI on his helmet during Vietnam. "Back then all the guys (soldiers) knew Grand Funk Railroad was from Flint and use to ask me questions about it."Not all of Farner's fans were in their 50s. Rachel Fogelsonger, 22, of Flushing and Robert Jackson, 21, of Flint Township wanted autographs too."I sing his songs at karoke," said Fogelsonger. "It's pretty cool that he comes to a small place like Flint to do this."
Farner is celebrating 40 years of funk this year. He will receive the key to the city Friday at 501 Bar and Grill in downtown Flint and perform at Atwood stadium on Saturday. Flint Revival Inc. President Lynn Sorenson, organizer of Saturday's concert, said Farner "came to town early for family, but he was nice enough to commit to this."
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/grand_funk_railroads_mark_farn.html
by Ebony Franklin The Flint Journal
Thursday August 13, 2009, 9:19 PM
Ryan Garza The Flint JournalDawn Gray, 39, of Swartz Creek, rests on the bar as her husband Dell takes a picture while musician Mark Farner signs her shirt on Thursday at PD's Pub in Flint during a meet and greet to promote his concert this Saturday at Atwood Stadium in Flint. 'It was awesome. I can't believe he signed my shirt,' said Gray. 'I'm going to get home, take it off and probably frame it.'
GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan -- Grand Funk Railroad's lead guitarist, Mark Farner, signed autographs at PD's Pub in Grand Blanc Township Thursday night as fans mingled and celebrated his return home.
The parking lot was packed before the 6 p.m. start time as more than 100 fans showed up to show their support to the rock legend. For many, meeting Farner was a dream come true.
"My favorite song (Inside Looking Out) was released on the day I was born and I wish I was old enough to have seen them when they first started out," said Dawn Gary, 39, of Swartz Creek. Fans enjoyed music by Grand Funk Railroad, snapped pictures, and sipped drinks while waiting for their turn to meet Farner. The Pub was littered with people wearing Grand Funk Railroad T-shirts and holding original 8 track records.
"This is a historic time. It may be better than the time his billboard was in Times Square," said Darla Pierson-Harvey, 54, of Goodrich. Harvey has been a fan since she was a little girl and was there to get a 1970 album autographed. "That's a great man. We follow Mark all the time," said Debbie Wilson, 55, of Otter Lake. She got a copy of Farner's first record autographed. Farner put his signature on everything from notebook paper to guitars and old T-shirts. Many fans described him as a down-to-earth guy who's really nice. "This is like a family reunion. There's so many people I haven't seen for years and the love of music always brings us back together," said Farner. "In almost 61 years of living I've found that love is unconditional. And that's the only thing that is."One T-shirt, bought by Garth Barcey, 58, of Grand Blanc, had turned a light tan and was a little tattered. But it was worth holding on to."He's just a blue collar guy," said Barcey, who use to wear Flint, MI on his helmet during Vietnam. "Back then all the guys (soldiers) knew Grand Funk Railroad was from Flint and use to ask me questions about it."Not all of Farner's fans were in their 50s. Rachel Fogelsonger, 22, of Flushing and Robert Jackson, 21, of Flint Township wanted autographs too."I sing his songs at karoke," said Fogelsonger. "It's pretty cool that he comes to a small place like Flint to do this."
Farner is celebrating 40 years of funk this year. He will receive the key to the city Friday at 501 Bar and Grill in downtown Flint and perform at Atwood stadium on Saturday. Flint Revival Inc. President Lynn Sorenson, organizer of Saturday's concert, said Farner "came to town early for family, but he was nice enough to commit to this."
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/grand_funk_railroads_mark_farn.html
Farner on WKUF
Last weekend, Mark Farner completed one of his personal career goals. Farner, former Grand Funk Railroad front man, played to his hometown crowd at Atwood Stadium on Saturday. The homecoming started on Friday when he was given the key to the city by the Mayor. He then went to his sound check and then went to Kettering University for his interview on the WKUF LP 94.3 show, The Butcher Shop.
The Butcher Brothers, RT and Metal Mike, presented Mr. Farner with his “honorary” meat cleaver while Mr. Farner graciously signed autographs for several of the staff and visitors to the station. This Rock Patriot presented some of his merchandise for the radio staff. As he told RT, “I do not put my name on anything that is not made and assembled in America”. With CDs like “For the People” and “Red, White, & Blue”, Mark practices what he preaches.
There were approximately 3,000 in attendance at the stadium on Saturday. Mark Farner was joined by guests Bobby Jean Colwell, Curtis Johnson, Dennis Bellinger, and Craig Frost. He was also supported by his band keyboardist Karl Propst, bassist Lawrence Buckner and drummer Hubert Crawford. The event was all ages with many Mark Farner fans bringing their grandchildren to the event.
Fans enjoyed some of the local bands earlier in the afternoon such as Last Warning, Lil’ Miss Dangerous, Forte, and Dr. Payne. The response was especially positive to a community that needed to enjoy the success of their home grown talent.
“This was the biggest gig of my career”, said Tom Ginter, drummer for Forte. “This was also the biggest venue I have ever played.”
It was an incredible weekend for everyone that was involved. I would especially like to thank Mark and Lesia Farner for one of the best interviews so far for WKUF LP. You were the highlight of our year and I don’t think my sister in law has let go of her signed yellow vinyl record of “An American Band” since Friday night!
For more information about Mark Farner’s music, please check out www.markfarner.com.
The entire interview will be posted on www.myspace.com/butchershopshow.
For more information about Forte: check out www.myspace.com/forteclassicrock.
see
http://www.examiner.com/x-16692-Detroit-Underground-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d18-Mark-Farner-comes-home-in-memorable-weekend
comments
mamalu says:
The best night ever. I was able to meet a rock legend. I was also able to observe the professional staff at the radio station.Very impressed.....
August 18, 7:42 PM
Cruizinsuezin says:
The Mark Farner "Inner-View" was definitely the most defining I've ever heard!I don't know if it was Mark being at home or what. Very personal stuff was shared, very cool.Great job!
The Butcher Brothers, RT and Metal Mike, presented Mr. Farner with his “honorary” meat cleaver while Mr. Farner graciously signed autographs for several of the staff and visitors to the station. This Rock Patriot presented some of his merchandise for the radio staff. As he told RT, “I do not put my name on anything that is not made and assembled in America”. With CDs like “For the People” and “Red, White, & Blue”, Mark practices what he preaches.
There were approximately 3,000 in attendance at the stadium on Saturday. Mark Farner was joined by guests Bobby Jean Colwell, Curtis Johnson, Dennis Bellinger, and Craig Frost. He was also supported by his band keyboardist Karl Propst, bassist Lawrence Buckner and drummer Hubert Crawford. The event was all ages with many Mark Farner fans bringing their grandchildren to the event.
Fans enjoyed some of the local bands earlier in the afternoon such as Last Warning, Lil’ Miss Dangerous, Forte, and Dr. Payne. The response was especially positive to a community that needed to enjoy the success of their home grown talent.
“This was the biggest gig of my career”, said Tom Ginter, drummer for Forte. “This was also the biggest venue I have ever played.”
It was an incredible weekend for everyone that was involved. I would especially like to thank Mark and Lesia Farner for one of the best interviews so far for WKUF LP. You were the highlight of our year and I don’t think my sister in law has let go of her signed yellow vinyl record of “An American Band” since Friday night!
For more information about Mark Farner’s music, please check out www.markfarner.com.
The entire interview will be posted on www.myspace.com/butchershopshow.
For more information about Forte: check out www.myspace.com/forteclassicrock.
see
http://www.examiner.com/x-16692-Detroit-Underground-Scene-Examiner~y2009m8d18-Mark-Farner-comes-home-in-memorable-weekend
comments
mamalu says:
The best night ever. I was able to meet a rock legend. I was also able to observe the professional staff at the radio station.Very impressed.....
August 18, 7:42 PM
Cruizinsuezin says:
The Mark Farner "Inner-View" was definitely the most defining I've ever heard!I don't know if it was Mark being at home or what. Very personal stuff was shared, very cool.Great job!
Day-long car show and concert culminates Flint's 'Bricks' festivities
Day-long car show and concert culminates Flint's 'Bricks' festivities
By Joel Feick
FLINT (WJRT) -- (08/15/09) -- On the fifth and final night of Back to the Bricks in downtown Flint, music filled the air around the city's most historic stadium.
A day-long concert at Atwood Stadium started at 11 a.m. and culminated with a concert by 60-year-old Flint native Mark Farner.
Farner gained fame as the lead singer for Grand Funk Railroad and later went onto perform as a contemporary Christian artist.
But before Farner took the stage, ten other bands rocked the historic stadium that's been rOf course, classic cars were also on display all day as organizers saved the biggest and best for last. Saturday was a day-long classic car show on the bricks. Hundreds of cars lined up along Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, presenting the opportunity to get up close and personal with plenty of classic rides.
There was also lots of food, shopping and free music to enjoy.
With massive crowds and traffic downtown, plenty of police officers were also on hand to help with crowd control. Turnout was so big this year that the Burton Police Department stepped in to help move things along.
Flint Police say 50,000 people walked through downtown Flint just on Saturday. Officers say there have been a few disturbances to report, but they're mostly playing it safe. They asked the crowds to do the same. ecently refurbished, giving music lovers a perfect way to end the automobile event
see
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6966966
By Joel Feick
FLINT (WJRT) -- (08/15/09) -- On the fifth and final night of Back to the Bricks in downtown Flint, music filled the air around the city's most historic stadium.
A day-long concert at Atwood Stadium started at 11 a.m. and culminated with a concert by 60-year-old Flint native Mark Farner.
Farner gained fame as the lead singer for Grand Funk Railroad and later went onto perform as a contemporary Christian artist.
But before Farner took the stage, ten other bands rocked the historic stadium that's been rOf course, classic cars were also on display all day as organizers saved the biggest and best for last. Saturday was a day-long classic car show on the bricks. Hundreds of cars lined up along Saginaw Street in downtown Flint, presenting the opportunity to get up close and personal with plenty of classic rides.
There was also lots of food, shopping and free music to enjoy.
With massive crowds and traffic downtown, plenty of police officers were also on hand to help with crowd control. Turnout was so big this year that the Burton Police Department stepped in to help move things along.
Flint Police say 50,000 people walked through downtown Flint just on Saturday. Officers say there have been a few disturbances to report, but they're mostly playing it safe. They asked the crowds to do the same. ecently refurbished, giving music lovers a perfect way to end the automobile event
see
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6966966
Farner delights hometown crowd
REVIEW (WJRT) -- Though he grew up just blocks away from Flint's historic Atwood Stadium, "The Rock Patriot" Mark Farner and his Grand Funk comrades never played a concert at the 11,000-seat local football haven.
Of course, it wasn't for lack of desire on Farner's part.
"I've always wanted to play Atwood Stadium," he said. "I told the guys back in the day we need to go back to Flint and Grand Funk needs to play Atwood Stadium. But it just never happened."
Farner never forgot his roots, however, and was more than happy to serve as the grand finale of Back to the Bricks and the city's newly titled Flint Revival Celebration. A day-long classic car show and concert set had all of downtown Flint in full party mode and the carnival-like While some concerts are known as much for their overpriced concessions as their musical experience, vendors at Atwood were mindful of their community's current economic climate. Bottles of water were priced at $1, Little Caesar's offered slices of pie for $1.25, and of course, hot dogs, french fries and cotton candy could be had for reasonable prices as well.
Local restaurants used the opportunity to drum up some business too. Mike's Triple Grille and Flushing's Roaring 20's Ice Cream Parlor were just a sampling of businesses who jumped at the chance to put their name front-and-center at a true rock 'n roll legend's concert.
And though Farner has played to much larger crowds, including a sold-out Shea Stadium in 1971, he seemed somewhat giddy and anxious before his gig in downtown Flint, proclaiming that "this is going to be the best concert of my life."
After letting his bandmates get settled, Farner ran onto the stage at Atwood shortly after his scheduled start time and jumped right into the aptly named "Are You Ready" while making sure to blow kisses to his hometown crowd. His purple and blue tie-dyed, sleeveless tank and snug blue jeans were a welcome sight to Farner's funky fans, which included Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, who found himself a seat in the second row.
Walling, who presented Farner with a key to the city on Friday, said before the show that he was dedicated to changing Flint's tarnished image. While Farner is almost certainly in favor of returning Flint to its glory days, he made it clear that there is no changing necessary when it comes to its musical effigy.
"It's good to be home," he told the crowd. "The city of Flint is really...the city of funk."
While the crowd was still buzzing from his opening number, Farner made sure to keep up the pace with "Rock & Roll Soul" and "Footstompin' Music." The crowd followed suit and amped up their excitement as the rhythm of the beating drums and pulsing bass took hold of the entire stadium. You know you are at a rock show when your heartbeat abandons its normal pulsation and instead takes on the beat of the bass line.
Farner continued to play to the crowd, tossing his wristband and his guitar pick to random, lucky fans. Though it was unclear if he was sweating more from the lights or Saturday's uncomfortable heat and humidity, Farner never broke stride. And as the sun went down, the lights shone brighter while he made sure to hit on all the Grand Funk classics.
"We're An American Band" was early on the playlist, with Farner adding "We're an American band from Flint, Michigan." And as the show went on, his crowd grew livelier. Though some were happy with their seats in the bleachers at the 50-yard-line, much of the crowd realized that was prime real estate only at football games, and chose instead to pack the AstroTurf between the 20s.
Farner made sure to bear witness to the crowd by mentioning his faith in God -- he's a "cussin' Christian" -- which seemed appropriate given his foray into contemporary Christian music. He also let his fans know that he believes in the power of prayer, confiding in them that he asked his Lord, "God, please don't let us suck," before the show.
With God and everyone else on his side, Farner and his bandmates continued belting out hit after hit. Even former Grand Funk mate Craig Frost made some appearances to help out, and tunes like "Shinin' On" and "Mean Mistreater" got fans ready for a stretch run that was sure to leave everyone wanting more.
The 1975 mega-hit "Bad Time" got the crowd moving and swaying, which is where you could really tell that this wasn't Farner's first rock show. While the audience still had their dancing shoes on, he urged them to do "The Loco-Motion." And of course, they responded in kind.
The train winded its way through the crowd in front of the stage, and while I'm not saying some took advantage of the dance to gain a better vantage point, I will say that the VIP section was noticeably fuller once the song ended.
"Some Kind of Wonderful" followed and included the biggest audience participation moment of the night so far, with the crowd nearly drowning Farner out with the lyrics "Can I get a witness?" at the song's bridge.
Farner then thanked his hometown crowd and called it a night, though very few fans made their way to the exits. Shouts of "encore" began almost immediately, so Farner wasted no time appeasing them. It's not like we didn't know he had one more song left in him. Were they really going to sell T-shirts with "I'm Your Captain" printed on them and not play the song?
It turned out to be the perfect choice for an encore as Farner and his crowd -- which had a fascinating rapport throughout the night -- brought the evening to a climax as they both eased into the song's soothing "I'm getting closer to my home" lyrics. It sounded so flawless that you would swear Farner practiced it with the crowd before the show.
Fans who showed up at Atwood Stadium on Saturday night hoping little had changed in Farner's act or his funky rhythms did not leave disappointed. This was not a farewell tour, and if you wished to be so bold, you might even say it was just an opening act. Farner and his loyal crowd together showed that this homecoming could certainly work as a yearly event.
It may not have been 185,000 at Shea, and promoters may have actually expected a bigger crowd than they received, but the hometown feel is what was truly special -- and what is truly worth repeating. atmosphere at Atwood seemed perfect for Farner's homecoming.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/entertainment&id=6967365
Of course, it wasn't for lack of desire on Farner's part.
"I've always wanted to play Atwood Stadium," he said. "I told the guys back in the day we need to go back to Flint and Grand Funk needs to play Atwood Stadium. But it just never happened."
Farner never forgot his roots, however, and was more than happy to serve as the grand finale of Back to the Bricks and the city's newly titled Flint Revival Celebration. A day-long classic car show and concert set had all of downtown Flint in full party mode and the carnival-like While some concerts are known as much for their overpriced concessions as their musical experience, vendors at Atwood were mindful of their community's current economic climate. Bottles of water were priced at $1, Little Caesar's offered slices of pie for $1.25, and of course, hot dogs, french fries and cotton candy could be had for reasonable prices as well.
Local restaurants used the opportunity to drum up some business too. Mike's Triple Grille and Flushing's Roaring 20's Ice Cream Parlor were just a sampling of businesses who jumped at the chance to put their name front-and-center at a true rock 'n roll legend's concert.
And though Farner has played to much larger crowds, including a sold-out Shea Stadium in 1971, he seemed somewhat giddy and anxious before his gig in downtown Flint, proclaiming that "this is going to be the best concert of my life."
After letting his bandmates get settled, Farner ran onto the stage at Atwood shortly after his scheduled start time and jumped right into the aptly named "Are You Ready" while making sure to blow kisses to his hometown crowd. His purple and blue tie-dyed, sleeveless tank and snug blue jeans were a welcome sight to Farner's funky fans, which included Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, who found himself a seat in the second row.
Walling, who presented Farner with a key to the city on Friday, said before the show that he was dedicated to changing Flint's tarnished image. While Farner is almost certainly in favor of returning Flint to its glory days, he made it clear that there is no changing necessary when it comes to its musical effigy.
"It's good to be home," he told the crowd. "The city of Flint is really...the city of funk."
While the crowd was still buzzing from his opening number, Farner made sure to keep up the pace with "Rock & Roll Soul" and "Footstompin' Music." The crowd followed suit and amped up their excitement as the rhythm of the beating drums and pulsing bass took hold of the entire stadium. You know you are at a rock show when your heartbeat abandons its normal pulsation and instead takes on the beat of the bass line.
Farner continued to play to the crowd, tossing his wristband and his guitar pick to random, lucky fans. Though it was unclear if he was sweating more from the lights or Saturday's uncomfortable heat and humidity, Farner never broke stride. And as the sun went down, the lights shone brighter while he made sure to hit on all the Grand Funk classics.
"We're An American Band" was early on the playlist, with Farner adding "We're an American band from Flint, Michigan." And as the show went on, his crowd grew livelier. Though some were happy with their seats in the bleachers at the 50-yard-line, much of the crowd realized that was prime real estate only at football games, and chose instead to pack the AstroTurf between the 20s.
Farner made sure to bear witness to the crowd by mentioning his faith in God -- he's a "cussin' Christian" -- which seemed appropriate given his foray into contemporary Christian music. He also let his fans know that he believes in the power of prayer, confiding in them that he asked his Lord, "God, please don't let us suck," before the show.
With God and everyone else on his side, Farner and his bandmates continued belting out hit after hit. Even former Grand Funk mate Craig Frost made some appearances to help out, and tunes like "Shinin' On" and "Mean Mistreater" got fans ready for a stretch run that was sure to leave everyone wanting more.
The 1975 mega-hit "Bad Time" got the crowd moving and swaying, which is where you could really tell that this wasn't Farner's first rock show. While the audience still had their dancing shoes on, he urged them to do "The Loco-Motion." And of course, they responded in kind.
The train winded its way through the crowd in front of the stage, and while I'm not saying some took advantage of the dance to gain a better vantage point, I will say that the VIP section was noticeably fuller once the song ended.
"Some Kind of Wonderful" followed and included the biggest audience participation moment of the night so far, with the crowd nearly drowning Farner out with the lyrics "Can I get a witness?" at the song's bridge.
Farner then thanked his hometown crowd and called it a night, though very few fans made their way to the exits. Shouts of "encore" began almost immediately, so Farner wasted no time appeasing them. It's not like we didn't know he had one more song left in him. Were they really going to sell T-shirts with "I'm Your Captain" printed on them and not play the song?
It turned out to be the perfect choice for an encore as Farner and his crowd -- which had a fascinating rapport throughout the night -- brought the evening to a climax as they both eased into the song's soothing "I'm getting closer to my home" lyrics. It sounded so flawless that you would swear Farner practiced it with the crowd before the show.
Fans who showed up at Atwood Stadium on Saturday night hoping little had changed in Farner's act or his funky rhythms did not leave disappointed. This was not a farewell tour, and if you wished to be so bold, you might even say it was just an opening act. Farner and his loyal crowd together showed that this homecoming could certainly work as a yearly event.
It may not have been 185,000 at Shea, and promoters may have actually expected a bigger crowd than they received, but the hometown feel is what was truly special -- and what is truly worth repeating. atmosphere at Atwood seemed perfect for Farner's homecoming.
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/entertainment&id=6967365
Mark Farner Brings Funk to Atwood
Mark Farner Brings the Funk to Atwood Stadium in Flint
by Ed Davis The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 11:18 PM
The crowd of approximately 3,000 Saturday at Atwood Stadium, gave Mark Farner the hometown welcome he's been waiting 40 years to get.
Despite Farner's Flint roots, Grand Funk Railroad never played Atwood Stadium.
When Farner took the stage, he looked and played like it truly was a dream come true, as he kicked off the show with the Grand Funk classic "Are You Ready." The crowd clearly was.
But the evening was just getting started as he and his band jumped into the rave-up "Rock & Roll Soul" and rocked it right into "Footstompin' Music," where Farner handled vocal, guitar and organ duties.
The band, made up of keyboardist Karl Propst, bassist Lawrence Buckner and drummer Hubert Crawford is tight and sounds like they've been playing Grand Funk songs all their lives.
"It's good to be home!" Farner said. "The city of Flint is really the city of funk!"
And the crowd, made up mostly of Grand Funk Railroad fans from the early days -- many of whom brought not just their children but their grandchildren -- definitely agreed.
Dennis Bellinger, who played bass with Grand Funk in the '80s, sang back-up vocals on many of the tunes.
Farner still works the fret board with such blistering ease that many up-and-comers would do well to get their hands on some Grand Funk records to learn a lick or two.
Keyboardist Karl Propst ably handled lead vocals on "We're an American Band," as Farner danced around the stage, having the time of his life and never missing a note.
When Farner asked the audience if these songs were bringing back memories, the crowd answered with an enthusiastic "Yes!
The heady days of Grand Funk were illustrated in fan favorite "Mr. Limousine Driver."
Farner said it was "a night for friends" as welcomed old friend and former Grand Funk keyboardist Craig Frost to take over the keyboards on an epic version of "The Railroad."
As Farner tuned up for a beautiful version of "Bad Time," he mentioned that it won the BMI Award for most radio airplay in 1975. "It didn't get to No. 1," Farner joked, "but it got played more than the number one song."
Bobby Jean Colwell and Curtis Johnson, both veterans of The Pack, a Flint band led at times by Terry Knight, came onstage as Farner announced that he hoped everyone brought their dancing shoes. It's a good thing that everyone had because "The Loco-Motion" got everyone up and dancing around on the stadium's turf.
Colwell and Johnson stayed onstage for an extended version of "Some Kind of Wonderful" that kept the crowd on their feet and singing along. After which, Farner and the band said good night.
Farner dedicated the encore "I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home" to all of U.S. troops serving everywhere, but especially to Vietnam vets, because, as "The Rock Patriot" reminded everyone, "They're somebody's brother." The song led to an extended sing-along, which lit up the entire stadium as the memories flowed back.
The hour-and-a-half performance of Grand Funk favorites garnered a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd. Farner stayed on afterwards to sign autographs.
The day-long event at Atwood Stadium also featured a full day of local bands. Many of Flint's finest were on-hand to honor Farner and showcase their best material. Hypyr, Lil' Miss Dangerous, Forte and Dr. Payne played half-hour sets of mostly classic rock covers, with some originals mixed in for good measure.
A particular standout was Pac-O-Mojo, which features Curt Johnson and Dennis Bellinger. Lead vocalist Eric Gentry thanked the crowd for the positive response to "songs you've probably never heard before." Pac-O-Mojo, a rock, soul and blues band from Byron, has been working on an album of original material for over a year and hopes to release it soon.
On their way out, many fans expressed hope that there would be more concerts at Atwood Stadium, a plan that the Stadium's new team of organizers and promoters hopes to bring to fruition.
see
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/mark_farner_brings_the_funk_to.html
comments
Posted by Lazybones921 on 08/16/09 at 8:31AM
We went down and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to all who worked hard to bring this together.
That being said, there were two things that irked me.
One was the parking. It was 10.00 to park in the lot at Atwood. That's a steep price considering our tickets were only $15.00. Thank you to the Shelton family for providing affordable parking.
Also, walking up on the north side of the stadium, the sidewalks were littered with broken glass. The city should have sent a crew down to spruce the place up, especially in light of the fact that there were many out of towners that attended the concert.
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Posted by behindblueye on 08/16/09 at 11:33AM
This was an awesome concert, had a great time - thanks so much to the organizers - Flint needs more of this!!! And thanks to Mark Farner for coming home and doing this, he embraced the fans like we were all his personal friends. I'm sorry more people did not come out for this, but on the other hand, the smaller crowd created a more intimate setting. The renovated Atwood looks great, which makes me think that this could be a GREAT summer concert venue, like Clio used to be. Would be nice not to have to drive to DTE. Thanks again for this special event.
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Posted by kearsley72 on 08/16/09 at 3:44PM
What a wonderful night for old friends to unite to greet and welcome our home town brother Mark Farner. It was like a Kearsley high school reunion backstage in the V.I.P. room!!!! Mark is still so humble and gracious, greeting all his friends/fans with a hug!!!!!He STILL has it....."Rock and Roll SOUL"!!!!!! We love you Mark!! Thanks for coming home!!!!God Bless you, brother!!!!
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Posted by JustMy2Bits on 08/16/09 at 6:34PM
Ah, it was great to be part of a party in Downtown Flint again, a wonderful time was had by all. Kudos to the organizers / sponsors for bringing a home town guy to this venue and seeing him enjoy one of his lifelong dreams, to play Atwood Stadium! The renovations, so far, are good, please fix the lower steps to make it easier getting down to the field and back up into the stands again. It was awesome feeling the music reverberate through the evening air and move the crowd to join in singing and dancing the night away. The event was very enjoyable, and I echo thanks to the Shelton family for safe parking at a reasonable price.Let's utilize this facility and keep bringing the people back...wasn't that a party!?! Excellent, rock on!
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Posted by farnerupdate on 08/16/09 at 10:13PM
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 bobjgumby on 08/16/09 at 10:58PM
Loved the concert and had a great time. Didn't pay the ridiculous price for parking because I walked from downtown. Could have done without the armed security guard warning us not to take anymore pictures. If you don't want pictures taken you should have posted it at the entrance. Stadium is looking great can't wait to see how it looks completed. I think there would be a lot more people there if you didn'y do it on the final day of Back to the Bricks. Perhaps you could do it the weekend between Back to the Bricks and the Crim. Why not keep the party going?
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Posted by cretin on 08/17/09 at 8:56AM
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!
by Ed Davis The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 11:18 PM
The crowd of approximately 3,000 Saturday at Atwood Stadium, gave Mark Farner the hometown welcome he's been waiting 40 years to get.
Despite Farner's Flint roots, Grand Funk Railroad never played Atwood Stadium.
When Farner took the stage, he looked and played like it truly was a dream come true, as he kicked off the show with the Grand Funk classic "Are You Ready." The crowd clearly was.
But the evening was just getting started as he and his band jumped into the rave-up "Rock & Roll Soul" and rocked it right into "Footstompin' Music," where Farner handled vocal, guitar and organ duties.
The band, made up of keyboardist Karl Propst, bassist Lawrence Buckner and drummer Hubert Crawford is tight and sounds like they've been playing Grand Funk songs all their lives.
"It's good to be home!" Farner said. "The city of Flint is really the city of funk!"
And the crowd, made up mostly of Grand Funk Railroad fans from the early days -- many of whom brought not just their children but their grandchildren -- definitely agreed.
Dennis Bellinger, who played bass with Grand Funk in the '80s, sang back-up vocals on many of the tunes.
Farner still works the fret board with such blistering ease that many up-and-comers would do well to get their hands on some Grand Funk records to learn a lick or two.
Keyboardist Karl Propst ably handled lead vocals on "We're an American Band," as Farner danced around the stage, having the time of his life and never missing a note.
When Farner asked the audience if these songs were bringing back memories, the crowd answered with an enthusiastic "Yes!
The heady days of Grand Funk were illustrated in fan favorite "Mr. Limousine Driver."
Farner said it was "a night for friends" as welcomed old friend and former Grand Funk keyboardist Craig Frost to take over the keyboards on an epic version of "The Railroad."
As Farner tuned up for a beautiful version of "Bad Time," he mentioned that it won the BMI Award for most radio airplay in 1975. "It didn't get to No. 1," Farner joked, "but it got played more than the number one song."
Bobby Jean Colwell and Curtis Johnson, both veterans of The Pack, a Flint band led at times by Terry Knight, came onstage as Farner announced that he hoped everyone brought their dancing shoes. It's a good thing that everyone had because "The Loco-Motion" got everyone up and dancing around on the stadium's turf.
Colwell and Johnson stayed onstage for an extended version of "Some Kind of Wonderful" that kept the crowd on their feet and singing along. After which, Farner and the band said good night.
Farner dedicated the encore "I'm Your Captain/Closer to Home" to all of U.S. troops serving everywhere, but especially to Vietnam vets, because, as "The Rock Patriot" reminded everyone, "They're somebody's brother." The song led to an extended sing-along, which lit up the entire stadium as the memories flowed back.
The hour-and-a-half performance of Grand Funk favorites garnered a standing ovation from the appreciative crowd. Farner stayed on afterwards to sign autographs.
The day-long event at Atwood Stadium also featured a full day of local bands. Many of Flint's finest were on-hand to honor Farner and showcase their best material. Hypyr, Lil' Miss Dangerous, Forte and Dr. Payne played half-hour sets of mostly classic rock covers, with some originals mixed in for good measure.
A particular standout was Pac-O-Mojo, which features Curt Johnson and Dennis Bellinger. Lead vocalist Eric Gentry thanked the crowd for the positive response to "songs you've probably never heard before." Pac-O-Mojo, a rock, soul and blues band from Byron, has been working on an album of original material for over a year and hopes to release it soon.
On their way out, many fans expressed hope that there would be more concerts at Atwood Stadium, a plan that the Stadium's new team of organizers and promoters hopes to bring to fruition.
see
http://www.mlive.com/entertainment/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/mark_farner_brings_the_funk_to.html
comments
Posted by Lazybones921 on 08/16/09 at 8:31AM
We went down and really enjoyed ourselves. Thanks to all who worked hard to bring this together.
That being said, there were two things that irked me.
One was the parking. It was 10.00 to park in the lot at Atwood. That's a steep price considering our tickets were only $15.00. Thank you to the Shelton family for providing affordable parking.
Also, walking up on the north side of the stadium, the sidewalks were littered with broken glass. The city should have sent a crew down to spruce the place up, especially in light of the fact that there were many out of towners that attended the concert.
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Posted by behindblueye on 08/16/09 at 11:33AM
This was an awesome concert, had a great time - thanks so much to the organizers - Flint needs more of this!!! And thanks to Mark Farner for coming home and doing this, he embraced the fans like we were all his personal friends. I'm sorry more people did not come out for this, but on the other hand, the smaller crowd created a more intimate setting. The renovated Atwood looks great, which makes me think that this could be a GREAT summer concert venue, like Clio used to be. Would be nice not to have to drive to DTE. Thanks again for this special event.
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Posted by kearsley72 on 08/16/09 at 3:44PM
What a wonderful night for old friends to unite to greet and welcome our home town brother Mark Farner. It was like a Kearsley high school reunion backstage in the V.I.P. room!!!! Mark is still so humble and gracious, greeting all his friends/fans with a hug!!!!!He STILL has it....."Rock and Roll SOUL"!!!!!! We love you Mark!! Thanks for coming home!!!!God Bless you, brother!!!!
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Posted by JustMy2Bits on 08/16/09 at 6:34PM
Ah, it was great to be part of a party in Downtown Flint again, a wonderful time was had by all. Kudos to the organizers / sponsors for bringing a home town guy to this venue and seeing him enjoy one of his lifelong dreams, to play Atwood Stadium! The renovations, so far, are good, please fix the lower steps to make it easier getting down to the field and back up into the stands again. It was awesome feeling the music reverberate through the evening air and move the crowd to join in singing and dancing the night away. The event was very enjoyable, and I echo thanks to the Shelton family for safe parking at a reasonable price.Let's utilize this facility and keep bringing the people back...wasn't that a party!?! Excellent, rock on!
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Posted by farnerupdate on 08/16/09 at 10:13PM
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.
Inappropriate? Alert us.
Post a comment
Posted by bobjgumby on 08/16/09 at 10:58PM
Loved the concert and had a great time. Didn't pay the ridiculous price for parking because I walked from downtown. Could have done without the armed security guard warning us not to take anymore pictures. If you don't want pictures taken you should have posted it at the entrance. Stadium is looking great can't wait to see how it looks completed. I think there would be a lot more people there if you didn'y do it on the final day of Back to the Bricks. Perhaps you could do it the weekend between Back to the Bricks and the Crim. Why not keep the party going?
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Posted by cretin on 08/17/09 at 8:56AM
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!
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