By Marc Jacobson
FLINT (WJRT) -- (08/14/09) -- Flint native Mark Farner is back where it all began. Saturday night, he'll play his first hometown concert since the mid 1990's.
"We're going to rock this place. This is going to be the best concert of my life, I'm telling you right now," Farner predicted.
That's a pretty bold statement for a guy who's played for a single crowd of 185,000 with Grand Funk Railroad. But to Farner, that can't compare to playing Atwood Stadium on Saturday for the first time.
"This is a dream come true. I've always wanted to play Atwood Stadium, and 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."
Grand Funk did play at the old IMA Sports Arena back in 1981. It was a show that will live on in infamy. "I was doing this....and didn't see the monitor and fell right on my ass, but I popped back up and made like it was part of the show."
Farner grew up only a few blocks away from Atwood, and still has family in Flint. Just taking a stroll through the neighborhood gives him chills. "My sister, Diane, and I used to go down to the armory here in Flint and dance, and we won a few contests. This is bringing back memories to me."
Over the last couple of days, he's had a chance to take in Back to the Bricks and catch up with fans both old and new.
"They say 'my mom and dad turned me on to you guys,' and they're really into my music. I think that's part of going full circle and coming back to my roots, just like Back to the Bricks," Farner said.
Saturday's concert is part of a ten-band music festival -- the first-ever Flint Revival Celebration.
"I'd like to see it succeed, and I'd like to see this as a yearly thing. I'd like to have it as something that I do every year," Farner told ABC12's Marc Jacobson.
Farner says this Saturday's concert will feature a collection of Grand Funk classics picked by Farmer's fans on his Web site. "We're doing "Some kind of Wonderful," "Locomotion," and all of the hits. But we're also doing some of the stuff they gotta hear."
see
http://abclocal.go.com/wjrt/story?section=news/local&id=6965281
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Mark farner gets Key to the City in Flint
Better than getting into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, says Grand Funk Railroad's Mark Farner
by Ebony Franklin The Flint Journal
FLINT, Michigan -- Flint's way better than Cleveland.After getting the key to the city from Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, rock legend Mark Farner said: "It's better than being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To think that the people of my hometown thinks that much of me means a lot."
The key also proclaimed Farner, the former lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad, is "Flint's Rock Patriot." During the brief ceremony Friday outside the newly-opened 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint, Farner stood side by side with Walling on what resembled a red carpet as fans gathered around."We're having him because of what his music helped define and his commitment to the city. We're trying to define the future so it's a great honor to look back and see what he's accomplished with his music," said Walling.Farner lifted the black box that held the gold key representing the city above his head and smiled as the audience cheered, snapped pictures, and clapped their hands. "He deserves it because he's been here all his life -- in heart anyway -- even though he's been traveling," said Ralph Newton, 53, of Mt. Morris. Newton attended Farner's meet and greet yesterday at PD's Pub and plans to attend his concert tomorrow.
"He gave us free VIP tickets when we met him at Blackstones on Wednesday," said Newton's wife, Mary, 48Farner and Walling stood side-by-side smiling and greeting fans as they signed autographs.
Farner will perform at Atwood Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday.Walling plans to continue to support Farner by attending the concert with his family Friday August 14, 2009, 8:03 PM
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/better_than_getting_into_the_r.html
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Posted by civilityho on 08/14/09 at 11:53PM
Tell me one thing he's done for this city.
He gave you free tickets? They didn't cost him.
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Posted by turbotaxtim on 08/15/09 at 12:16AM
The VIP section provides armed security that are conservatives that believe in defending ones property and personal rights.
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Posted by k72 on 08/15/09 at 9:35AM
welcome back MARK,ican see one thing that seperates you from ELVIS PRESSLEY AND MICHAEL JACKSON,YOU ARE NOT A DRUG ADDICT,YOU HAVE A SECOND CHANCE TO WIN OVER THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE IN FLINT MICHIGAN,THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by citytourist on 08/15/09 at 12:58PM
Civility, why are you so hostile? On another note, Welcome back, Mark! And thanks for helping to make Back to the Bricks another great weekend for the city!
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Posted by Civilityboy on 08/15/09 at 6:02PM
Hey, CivilityHo...what have YOU done for the city lately? The original, the one and only Civilityboy is willing to bet you've done zippo. Your negativity denotes a suburbanite who just can't stand the idea of Flint folks having (safe) fun. Well, continue your "Ho" life and do us all a big favor: stay out of our town.
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Posted by speedybeede on 08/15/09 at 6:22PM
He's Our Captian
by Ebony Franklin The Flint Journal
FLINT, Michigan -- Flint's way better than Cleveland.After getting the key to the city from Flint Mayor Dayne Walling, rock legend Mark Farner said: "It's better than being in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. To think that the people of my hometown thinks that much of me means a lot."
The key also proclaimed Farner, the former lead guitarist for Grand Funk Railroad, is "Flint's Rock Patriot." During the brief ceremony Friday outside the newly-opened 501 Bar & Grill in downtown Flint, Farner stood side by side with Walling on what resembled a red carpet as fans gathered around."We're having him because of what his music helped define and his commitment to the city. We're trying to define the future so it's a great honor to look back and see what he's accomplished with his music," said Walling.Farner lifted the black box that held the gold key representing the city above his head and smiled as the audience cheered, snapped pictures, and clapped their hands. "He deserves it because he's been here all his life -- in heart anyway -- even though he's been traveling," said Ralph Newton, 53, of Mt. Morris. Newton attended Farner's meet and greet yesterday at PD's Pub and plans to attend his concert tomorrow.
"He gave us free VIP tickets when we met him at Blackstones on Wednesday," said Newton's wife, Mary, 48Farner and Walling stood side-by-side smiling and greeting fans as they signed autographs.
Farner will perform at Atwood Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday.Walling plans to continue to support Farner by attending the concert with his family Friday August 14, 2009, 8:03 PM
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/better_than_getting_into_the_r.html
comments
Posted by civilityho on 08/14/09 at 11:53PM
Tell me one thing he's done for this city.
He gave you free tickets? They didn't cost him.
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Posted by turbotaxtim on 08/15/09 at 12:16AM
The VIP section provides armed security that are conservatives that believe in defending ones property and personal rights.
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Posted by k72 on 08/15/09 at 9:35AM
welcome back MARK,ican see one thing that seperates you from ELVIS PRESSLEY AND MICHAEL JACKSON,YOU ARE NOT A DRUG ADDICT,YOU HAVE A SECOND CHANCE TO WIN OVER THE HEARTS OF THE PEOPLE IN FLINT MICHIGAN,THANKS AGAIN!!!!!!!!!!!
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Posted by citytourist on 08/15/09 at 12:58PM
Civility, why are you so hostile? On another note, Welcome back, Mark! And thanks for helping to make Back to the Bricks another great weekend for the city!
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Posted by Civilityboy on 08/15/09 at 6:02PM
Hey, CivilityHo...what have YOU done for the city lately? The original, the one and only Civilityboy is willing to bet you've done zippo. Your negativity denotes a suburbanite who just can't stand the idea of Flint folks having (safe) fun. Well, continue your "Ho" life and do us all a big favor: stay out of our town.
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Posted by speedybeede on 08/15/09 at 6:22PM
He's Our Captian
Back to the Bricks helps Flints economy
Classic automobile faithful have come from all across North America including Ohio, California, and even Ontario, Canada as marked by the license plates in Downtown Flint. All have come to the 5th Annual Back to the Bricks classic car festival; a head turner with beautiful rides, and a shot in the arm for the local economy.
“This is unreal,” said Dave Lurvey, owner of the new Blackstone’s Pub and Grill downtown. His restaurant is packed every day of the big event. He does not mind that at all.
"It's been a long time coming here in Downtown Flint. The economic impact of this and The Crim and the Bikes on the Bricks; these festivals downtown tend to help businesses turn the corner. Without this the summer run is going to be a tad slow,” Lurvey said.
In a region hit hard by automotive job losses, plant closures, and people moving out, having a projected 250,000 people in Flint over the course of five days is great economic news to Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
"People come from all over,” he said. “We have groups of car clubs that come to stay in hotels and we know what the impact is when people come from outside the community. The greatest economic impact is when someone comes from far enough away they have to stay in a hotel,” Preston said.
Preston estimates the Bricks bring in $10-20 million for Flint and Genesee County each year. Having the event the same weekend as Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise has only attracted more people, Preston said.
“It works very well. People come here that go down to Woodward and Woodward comes up here. It works very well for both communities,” he said.
see
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=337505
“This is unreal,” said Dave Lurvey, owner of the new Blackstone’s Pub and Grill downtown. His restaurant is packed every day of the big event. He does not mind that at all.
"It's been a long time coming here in Downtown Flint. The economic impact of this and The Crim and the Bikes on the Bricks; these festivals downtown tend to help businesses turn the corner. Without this the summer run is going to be a tad slow,” Lurvey said.
In a region hit hard by automotive job losses, plant closures, and people moving out, having a projected 250,000 people in Flint over the course of five days is great economic news to Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention and Visitor’s Bureau.
"People come from all over,” he said. “We have groups of car clubs that come to stay in hotels and we know what the impact is when people come from outside the community. The greatest economic impact is when someone comes from far enough away they have to stay in a hotel,” Preston said.
Preston estimates the Bricks bring in $10-20 million for Flint and Genesee County each year. Having the event the same weekend as Detroit’s Woodward Dream Cruise has only attracted more people, Preston said.
“It works very well. People come here that go down to Woodward and Woodward comes up here. It works very well for both communities,” he said.
see
http://www.connectmidmichigan.com/news/news_story.aspx?id=337505
Classic Car owners hit downtown Flint
Classic car owners, enthusiasts to hit downtown Flint streets today during final day of Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend
by Melissa Burden The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 5:00 AM
FLINT, Michigan -- Expect to compete for a parking spot in downtown today.
The big day of the now five-day Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend has arrived. On tap are sunny skies, temperatures expected near 90 degrees and lots of cars.
Last year's event drew an estimated 20,000 cars and 125,000 people over a four days and organizers are expecting a bigger crowd this year.
"We'll have entertainment throughout the day, special displays, you name it," said Al Hatch, chairman of Back to the Bricks.
The free car show actually starts at 10 a.m. and runs through 10 p.m., but parking for the show starts early.
Several downtown streets, such as Saginaw from Court Street up to Fifth Avenue, will be shut down beginning at 6:30 a.m.
"They'll be people here earlier than that," Hatch said.
Look for an unveiling of Hurst's performance-enhanced edition of the 2010 Dodge Challenger at 11 a.m. in the flat lot at Saginaw and First streets.
There's also a Women's Marketplace in the University of Michigan-Flint Pavilion and sounds from several performers on different stages.
The Woodward Dream Cruise also runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Woodward Avenue between Ferndale and Pontiac.
For a schedule of today's Back to the Bricks events, log onto www.backtothebricks.org.
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/cars_and_cruisers_to_hit_downt.html
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Posted by TURBOTAXTIM on 08/15/09 at 9:16AM
This is one cool event! Why is it the same week as the Woodward Cruise?
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Posted by Grime on 08/15/09 at 9:51AM
I usually go to these shows (last year was great), but since I think the parking situation will be terrible will not be going this year. It would be nice if some type of shuttle system existed to take us from out-lying parking lots.
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Posted by flintmiusa on 08/15/09 at 12:20PM
There is plenty of parking throughout the downtown area...may have to walk some more.
Turnouts have been great, people enjoying themselves and everyone having a good time.
My one big question is - did anyone really anticipate this event getting this big, this quick in Flint? And FREE? Inner cities are a great place to see friends, coworkers, mingle, etc.
I was down there with friends last night and seen old classmates whom I have not seen in many, many years.
Thank you Flint for coming alive!
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Posted by Grannyno on 08/15/09 at 1:26PM
There is shuttle parking. Unfortunately, the information was not made widely available to the general public.
by Melissa Burden The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 5:00 AM
FLINT, Michigan -- Expect to compete for a parking spot in downtown today.
The big day of the now five-day Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend has arrived. On tap are sunny skies, temperatures expected near 90 degrees and lots of cars.
Last year's event drew an estimated 20,000 cars and 125,000 people over a four days and organizers are expecting a bigger crowd this year.
"We'll have entertainment throughout the day, special displays, you name it," said Al Hatch, chairman of Back to the Bricks.
The free car show actually starts at 10 a.m. and runs through 10 p.m., but parking for the show starts early.
Several downtown streets, such as Saginaw from Court Street up to Fifth Avenue, will be shut down beginning at 6:30 a.m.
"They'll be people here earlier than that," Hatch said.
Look for an unveiling of Hurst's performance-enhanced edition of the 2010 Dodge Challenger at 11 a.m. in the flat lot at Saginaw and First streets.
There's also a Women's Marketplace in the University of Michigan-Flint Pavilion and sounds from several performers on different stages.
The Woodward Dream Cruise also runs 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Woodward Avenue between Ferndale and Pontiac.
For a schedule of today's Back to the Bricks events, log onto www.backtothebricks.org.
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/cars_and_cruisers_to_hit_downt.html
comments
Posted by TURBOTAXTIM on 08/15/09 at 9:16AM
This is one cool event! Why is it the same week as the Woodward Cruise?
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Posted by Grime on 08/15/09 at 9:51AM
I usually go to these shows (last year was great), but since I think the parking situation will be terrible will not be going this year. It would be nice if some type of shuttle system existed to take us from out-lying parking lots.
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Posted by flintmiusa on 08/15/09 at 12:20PM
There is plenty of parking throughout the downtown area...may have to walk some more.
Turnouts have been great, people enjoying themselves and everyone having a good time.
My one big question is - did anyone really anticipate this event getting this big, this quick in Flint? And FREE? Inner cities are a great place to see friends, coworkers, mingle, etc.
I was down there with friends last night and seen old classmates whom I have not seen in many, many years.
Thank you Flint for coming alive!
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Posted by Grannyno on 08/15/09 at 1:26PM
There is shuttle parking. Unfortunately, the information was not made widely available to the general public.
Back to the Bricks Draws record crowds
Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend draws record turnout
by Melissa Burden The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 3:31 PM
FLINT, Michigan -- Chris and Beth Knieper of Chesaning came to Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend finale Saturday ready to show off their 1972 Chevy Nova.
Instead, a much smaller vehicle was getting the attention.
"Where did you get that?" asked one woman, while another snapped a photo, as the couple strolled on Saginaw Street's bricks, glancing at classic cars.
A handmade Model A Ford roadster stroller for their 14-month-old daughter Alexandra, complete with an upholstery job, seat belt and red painted flames, drew lots of questions and praise.
Chris Knieper, 37, said they used to hit the Woodward Dream Cruise, but have been coming to the Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend on Saturday the past few years.
"This is nice," Chris Knieper said. "I can walk down the streets and talk to people."
Officials and spectators agreed that this year's main event was busier than the past.
"It seems way bigger," said Renee Aurand, 32, of Swartz Creek, who was enjoying some free popcorn with her husband Tom and three children as they toured their second Back to the Bricks.
"We've got a record turnout," said Back to the Bricks Chairman Al Hatch, who added there were reports that traffic was backed up onto I-69 Saturday morning to get into the show.
"People were down here at 2 o'clock in the morning parking," Hatch added.
Sunny weather in the mid 80s drew in thousands of people and an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles on display along Saginaw Street, surrounding roads and parking lots.
"We were anticipating 25,000 (vehicles) for the entire weekend," Hatch said, adding total attendance could reach a quarter of a million for the five-day event. "We think we've probably succeeded that."
Business was brisk at Brown Sugar Cafe, which opened at 4:30 a.m., and was going through a lot of frozen coffee drinks and fruit smoothies by midday.
"It's great seeing all these people out here," said Julie Prince, an owner of the cafe on Saginaw Street.
From Model As to roaring loud muscle car engines and Chevy Corvettes and Camaros spanning decades, there was something for most car enthusiasts to enjoy.
Three-time breast cancer survivor Karen Borton's multi-colored pink 1969 Buick Skylark convertible was hard to miss.
Borton, 63, of Richfield Township was at the show in part to promote the Breast Cancer Awareness For Life charity that raises money to help breast cancer patients pay for things such as wigs and treatments.
The organization that she and three-time cancer survivor Norma Santerre, 64, of Lapeer, run has collected $27,000 in just a few months to help women.
John Hunt, 63 and Tammy Hunt, 45, of Flint Township brought their award-winning, red 1954 Chevy truck for show. They arrived at 4:40 a.m. to find Saginaw Street fairly packed with cars.
John Hunt, who works as a courier for McLaren Regional Medical Center, said he's owned the truck for about 16 years. He said he's spent about $20,000 restoring it from brown into a shiny red ride with a new engine, transmission, interior and oak truck bed.
"It's come a long way," he said, sharing photos of the restoration and wiping the truck with a cloth as he walked around it.
New Flint Mayor Dayne Walling helped officials reveal the Hurst Performance Vehicles' 2010 Dodge Challenger, which drew claps and whistles from a crowd gathered Saturday morning in a parking lot near Saginaw and First streets.
The silver and black Challenger, featuring 572 horsepower, had an Illinois license plate reading "Only 1."
"It's a great place to unveil, being it basically is the birthplace of the whole car industry," said Joe Spagnoli, 45, a suburban Chicago area resident, who owns a couple dozen Hurst vehicles.
"Never before have we had a non-GM car unveiled in Flint," said Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/back_to_the_bricks_cruise_week.html
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Posted by HenryHard on 08/15/09 at 5:59PM
Funny...that photo doesn't look like the downtown Flint I know.
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Posted by flintmiusa on 08/15/09 at 6:40PM
Interestingly and thankfully, it is a photo of HOPE - it truly shows that when people want to make good things happen...with hard work, persistence, dedication it can be done.
Great job Flint - makes me proud to be from Flint, MI USA!
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Posted by glenvl on 08/15/09 at 7:21PM
very cool scene.
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Posted by bywc on 08/15/09 at 9:15PM
We need to see more of events like this in Flint, it has been a great 5 day and that is good to hear.
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Posted by wrongwayron on 08/16/09 at 1:36PM
It was a great weekend ...
Except traffic control people were extreme rude to my walking daughter-in-law with her cane. Seem to think they we there for cars ONLY and people were to be rushed out of way.And most of the crowd at the FSO concert Friday night were so concerned with getting their friends attention and holding loud conversations we were unable to hear the music.
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Posted by doinit4me on 08/16/09 at 1:58PM
This event was an absolute success. When was the last time that many people came together for a common attraction in Flint?
It was a "win-win" for the businesses and patrons.
Hopefully everyone reading this attended. It gave me a feeling of unity and revealed the true spirit of Flint.
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Posted by harrp on 08/16/09 at 2:51PM
What a great event.It was fantastic to walk the bricks getting awsome photo's. The free music also enjoyed. I had a great time and plan on being back next year. I do have a couple of suggestions that might make next years event even better. If the stage for Friday nights concert where turned 180 degrees and placed at the high point of the bridge it would overlook Saginaw Street being visable all the way to Court Street allowing participants to keep an eye on their cars and enjoy the live performances. Also it seemed like some of parking decks where underutilized due to the way traffic was routed.Continued great success on a fantastic car show.
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Posted by rich1028 on 08/16/09 at 4:34PM
Was A Great Time!!I was down there on Thursaday for the Cruise,and back on Saturday for the Show.here are a few pictures I took.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/574094978RajACA?vhost=rides
or to View in Slideshowhttp://rides.webshots.com/slideshow/574094978RajACA
www.saginawstreetandstrip.com
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Posted by cyadaily on 08/16/09 at 7:46PM
GREAT WEEK, GREAT EVENT, GREAT WEATHER....
BACK TO THE BRICKS....BACK TO DOWNTOWN.....DOWNTOWN FLINT ROCKS....
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Posted by willy48529 on 08/16/09 at 7:57PM
Isn't it Great that a Few private citizen of Genesee county can organize such a Great FREE event' If this had been put together By our County Commissioners , There would have been Toll Booths and Ticket booths set up on all Roads Entering into Genesee county.
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Posted by jeepfreak81 on 08/17/09 at 8:27AM
Outstanding show, I was there most of Friday night, and 7-5 on Saturday. Traffic control for cruisers was definitely routed funny on Friday and Saturday. It made it EXTREMELY difficult to navigate around if you do not know Flint. More signage would have helped (or a specific club entrance on Saturday). I am definitely not complaining though, I knew Flint the best and was able to route our club members to the easiest way to our reserved spot.
Excellent show, and ALL the restaurants were packed. I was happy to see it!
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Posted by pamhowe on 08/17/09 at 9:52AM
HenryHard on 08/15/09 at 5:59PM
Funny...that photo doesn't look like the downtown Flint I know.
-That's right. This is no longer the Flint from the 80's and 90's when the city was barren and striped of any character. I was there Friday and Saturday night and with everyone downtown it felt like events that I have been to in GR and Chicago. This city can be something again, not the same as it was before- but reborn into a better more beautiful city. Although we are hardly "there" Flint is trying hard to over come the perceptions that everyone has of her. Next time someone makes disparaging comments about Flint, maybe we should remember that image above and say, "Now wait just a second..." It's time we, the residents of Flint stop being our biggest detractors.
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Posted by tonyroadp on 08/17/09 at 9:24PM
I think it's Great. Flint in the good spot light for change.
by Melissa Burden The Flint Journal
Saturday August 15, 2009, 3:31 PM
FLINT, Michigan -- Chris and Beth Knieper of Chesaning came to Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend finale Saturday ready to show off their 1972 Chevy Nova.
Instead, a much smaller vehicle was getting the attention.
"Where did you get that?" asked one woman, while another snapped a photo, as the couple strolled on Saginaw Street's bricks, glancing at classic cars.
A handmade Model A Ford roadster stroller for their 14-month-old daughter Alexandra, complete with an upholstery job, seat belt and red painted flames, drew lots of questions and praise.
Chris Knieper, 37, said they used to hit the Woodward Dream Cruise, but have been coming to the Back to the Bricks Cruise Weekend on Saturday the past few years.
"This is nice," Chris Knieper said. "I can walk down the streets and talk to people."
Officials and spectators agreed that this year's main event was busier than the past.
"It seems way bigger," said Renee Aurand, 32, of Swartz Creek, who was enjoying some free popcorn with her husband Tom and three children as they toured their second Back to the Bricks.
"We've got a record turnout," said Back to the Bricks Chairman Al Hatch, who added there were reports that traffic was backed up onto I-69 Saturday morning to get into the show.
"People were down here at 2 o'clock in the morning parking," Hatch added.
Sunny weather in the mid 80s drew in thousands of people and an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 vehicles on display along Saginaw Street, surrounding roads and parking lots.
"We were anticipating 25,000 (vehicles) for the entire weekend," Hatch said, adding total attendance could reach a quarter of a million for the five-day event. "We think we've probably succeeded that."
Business was brisk at Brown Sugar Cafe, which opened at 4:30 a.m., and was going through a lot of frozen coffee drinks and fruit smoothies by midday.
"It's great seeing all these people out here," said Julie Prince, an owner of the cafe on Saginaw Street.
From Model As to roaring loud muscle car engines and Chevy Corvettes and Camaros spanning decades, there was something for most car enthusiasts to enjoy.
Three-time breast cancer survivor Karen Borton's multi-colored pink 1969 Buick Skylark convertible was hard to miss.
Borton, 63, of Richfield Township was at the show in part to promote the Breast Cancer Awareness For Life charity that raises money to help breast cancer patients pay for things such as wigs and treatments.
The organization that she and three-time cancer survivor Norma Santerre, 64, of Lapeer, run has collected $27,000 in just a few months to help women.
John Hunt, 63 and Tammy Hunt, 45, of Flint Township brought their award-winning, red 1954 Chevy truck for show. They arrived at 4:40 a.m. to find Saginaw Street fairly packed with cars.
John Hunt, who works as a courier for McLaren Regional Medical Center, said he's owned the truck for about 16 years. He said he's spent about $20,000 restoring it from brown into a shiny red ride with a new engine, transmission, interior and oak truck bed.
"It's come a long way," he said, sharing photos of the restoration and wiping the truck with a cloth as he walked around it.
New Flint Mayor Dayne Walling helped officials reveal the Hurst Performance Vehicles' 2010 Dodge Challenger, which drew claps and whistles from a crowd gathered Saturday morning in a parking lot near Saginaw and First streets.
The silver and black Challenger, featuring 572 horsepower, had an Illinois license plate reading "Only 1."
"It's a great place to unveil, being it basically is the birthplace of the whole car industry," said Joe Spagnoli, 45, a suburban Chicago area resident, who owns a couple dozen Hurst vehicles.
"Never before have we had a non-GM car unveiled in Flint," said Jerry Preston, president of the Flint Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.
see
http://www.mlive.com/news/flint/index.ssf/2009/08/back_to_the_bricks_cruise_week.html
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Posted by HenryHard on 08/15/09 at 5:59PM
Funny...that photo doesn't look like the downtown Flint I know.
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Posted by flintmiusa on 08/15/09 at 6:40PM
Interestingly and thankfully, it is a photo of HOPE - it truly shows that when people want to make good things happen...with hard work, persistence, dedication it can be done.
Great job Flint - makes me proud to be from Flint, MI USA!
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Posted by glenvl on 08/15/09 at 7:21PM
very cool scene.
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Posted by bywc on 08/15/09 at 9:15PM
We need to see more of events like this in Flint, it has been a great 5 day and that is good to hear.
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Posted by wrongwayron on 08/16/09 at 1:36PM
It was a great weekend ...
Except traffic control people were extreme rude to my walking daughter-in-law with her cane. Seem to think they we there for cars ONLY and people were to be rushed out of way.And most of the crowd at the FSO concert Friday night were so concerned with getting their friends attention and holding loud conversations we were unable to hear the music.
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Posted by doinit4me on 08/16/09 at 1:58PM
This event was an absolute success. When was the last time that many people came together for a common attraction in Flint?
It was a "win-win" for the businesses and patrons.
Hopefully everyone reading this attended. It gave me a feeling of unity and revealed the true spirit of Flint.
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Posted by harrp on 08/16/09 at 2:51PM
What a great event.It was fantastic to walk the bricks getting awsome photo's. The free music also enjoyed. I had a great time and plan on being back next year. I do have a couple of suggestions that might make next years event even better. If the stage for Friday nights concert where turned 180 degrees and placed at the high point of the bridge it would overlook Saginaw Street being visable all the way to Court Street allowing participants to keep an eye on their cars and enjoy the live performances. Also it seemed like some of parking decks where underutilized due to the way traffic was routed.Continued great success on a fantastic car show.
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Posted by rich1028 on 08/16/09 at 4:34PM
Was A Great Time!!I was down there on Thursaday for the Cruise,and back on Saturday for the Show.here are a few pictures I took.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/574094978RajACA?vhost=rides
or to View in Slideshowhttp://rides.webshots.com/slideshow/574094978RajACA
www.saginawstreetandstrip.com
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Posted by cyadaily on 08/16/09 at 7:46PM
GREAT WEEK, GREAT EVENT, GREAT WEATHER....
BACK TO THE BRICKS....BACK TO DOWNTOWN.....DOWNTOWN FLINT ROCKS....
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Posted by willy48529 on 08/16/09 at 7:57PM
Isn't it Great that a Few private citizen of Genesee county can organize such a Great FREE event' If this had been put together By our County Commissioners , There would have been Toll Booths and Ticket booths set up on all Roads Entering into Genesee county.
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Posted by jeepfreak81 on 08/17/09 at 8:27AM
Outstanding show, I was there most of Friday night, and 7-5 on Saturday. Traffic control for cruisers was definitely routed funny on Friday and Saturday. It made it EXTREMELY difficult to navigate around if you do not know Flint. More signage would have helped (or a specific club entrance on Saturday). I am definitely not complaining though, I knew Flint the best and was able to route our club members to the easiest way to our reserved spot.
Excellent show, and ALL the restaurants were packed. I was happy to see it!
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Posted by pamhowe on 08/17/09 at 9:52AM
HenryHard on 08/15/09 at 5:59PM
Funny...that photo doesn't look like the downtown Flint I know.
-That's right. This is no longer the Flint from the 80's and 90's when the city was barren and striped of any character. I was there Friday and Saturday night and with everyone downtown it felt like events that I have been to in GR and Chicago. This city can be something again, not the same as it was before- but reborn into a better more beautiful city. Although we are hardly "there" Flint is trying hard to over come the perceptions that everyone has of her. Next time someone makes disparaging comments about Flint, maybe we should remember that image above and say, "Now wait just a second..." It's time we, the residents of Flint stop being our biggest detractors.
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Posted by tonyroadp on 08/17/09 at 9:24PM
I think it's Great. Flint in the good spot light for change.
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
comments
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!
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
comments
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!
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.
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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!
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