GFR~Three Faces In Those Square New York Times

Flash back to June 14TH, in the very groovy year, 1970...Grand Funk Railroad unleash a feast to the dimentional senses with their Gi-Normous "Closer To Home" billboard in New York's Time Square!



To create the dynamic decoupage would cost 70 thousand dollars and 35 thousand more would need to be spent to rent the 60 foot high, entire city block long, prime peeping space between 45TH and 46TH Streets on Broadway!! The inscription read: "Three faces among the countless who belong to the New culture, setting forth on the final voyage through a dying world...searching to find a way to bring us all CLOSER TO HOME"



"...I didn't realize it was that BIG until I finally saw it for myself....It was huge. I thought it was the coolest thing. I just stood there with my mouth open and tears came to my eyes...." [more on this in; From Grand Funk To Grace] Another help to the band came from striking union workers that would have changed the billboard when the rental agreement expired. As the strike wore on...the sign stayed larger than life for several extra months for free!

Little over a year later:
Long line for Grand Funk Railroad at Shea Stadium. A 72 hours hour sell out in 1971!

Vietnam Veterans Vote "I'm Your Captain/ Closer To Home" the song of honor at the 25TH Anniversary of "The Wall" Memorial Service.

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Flint's Farner Fervor Flows

Guest Post from Cruizinsuezin:


Here's a quick little slide show commercial with a great Marquee Farner behind Farner Marketeer/Spokeswoman Lynn.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30366181@N05/sets/72157619214357961/show/

I can just imagine how many "takes" she took to finally eloquently enunciate "Mark Farner" and "Farmer's Market in Flint" in the same sentence! On camera no less! Add the fact that she had to say: August "fifteenth" too, and I think she's ready for a "cold one" from one of the sponsors foamy fountains. Good thing she didn't add the"Forty Year's Funkin'" quip! She may have hurt herself!

But, speaking of sameness, how easy is that to remember: "Farmer Farner at..." No wait, Mark Farmer (happens all the time) Mark Farner's Marketed at Flints Farmer's Market...yeah, that's the ticket! Oh, [Caution cheesy segway ahead] Somebody say ticket? Buy ticket's at Farmer's Market in Flint for Mark Farner's August 15 !



Now, this particular depiction of Mark is from the MT. Clemens, Michigan show where Mark Farner/N'rG held the stage and attending spectators as happy captives for a solid hour and a half. Two or three days earlier "the other guys"(you know, the two against one guys that hold the trade mark) had played the area and it was like Mark had set himself to prove something that day...and prove it he did that day and many times since! In the crowd, I saw a sign that read: "The Real Deal-Mark Farner" Nuff said. It was one of THE BEST Mark shows I had ever experienced! The description, "on fire" doesn't even cover it..."OF Fire" would be closer.



Mark Farner Fires Up the Fans

Anyway, the picture they picked for the banner is capturing Mark in Michigan. He is conducting the audience during the spiritually moving chorus of Mark's gift of song: "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home"

"I'm Getting Closer To My Home"

The audience sings back to Mark: "I'm Getting Closer To My Home"

Mark receives you: "your the best"

This is destined to be a HOT time in Flint! Get your ticket's! Tell your friends!
Come Fan the Flames!
Don't forget...It's the "Forty Years Funkin'" Celebration and the fan club has had contests like members sending in their favorite Grand Funkin' story to have Mark draw entry's at random. The winning entry wins a personal phone call from him! Sign up and 'fess up today!

Special Thanks to T. Bankert for the Flint footage for this;

Buy Tickets in these Fine Flint establishments:

Blackstones Eatery; (810) 234-9011
Mike's Triple Grille; (810) 239-4444
Farmer's Market; (810) 232- 1399

Purchase tickets online and more: http://www.flintrevival.com/

~Suez

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Farner To Funk Flint This Summer

Let's start tripping through time and Myspace and rewind the time continuum to when Mark Farner made three's trips down from Petoskey (publically) to make spark's in Flint, Michigan. This time, you don't have to boomerang around the Sun to go back in time here. I have the pictures in my external hard drive!

In 2007...this is the exciting Touch Tunes Jukebox launch of his latest CD titled "For The People" Sample tunes on: MARK'S MYSPACE


TOUCH TUNES JUKEBOXES ARE LOADED WITH MARKS TUNES IN MIDWEST MICHIGAN
(requesting his 2006 CD be added to your local Jukebox is a cool idea-yes? We all need this Patriotic, country defining updated Funk~Right On!)

Anyway, The trifecta "Grip 'n Grin" session at three of Flint's fine establishments went well and many fans showed up to get items autographed or receive a big hug from this home town legend of Rock and Roll!

If that wasn't cool enough, a few months later when one of our favorite local journalist (Doug Pullen) moved on to Texas from the Flint Journal...Mark Farner showed up at the Going Away Party at Jester's Lounge in Flint for Doug and brought along Fabulous Pack member Curt Johnson plus Dennis Bellenger from Mark's 1968 band; The Coolie Group)

Dennis Bellenger, Curt Johnson, Rusty Wright and Mark Farner (pic by L. Wright)

Right at the start of the party Mark Farner and friends performed his signature song "I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home" and it was a very touching tribute to Doug and to the love the locals have for music (so much musical talent in attendance that night) and for Mark and his Grand Funk Railroad music!


(Video compliments of Mustard Seed)

Mark is so gracious when signing autographs! And when we joke that he'll sign whatever you bring...I guess that means even if all you have is yourself! So, just for FUN I'll include this picture!


Now, the big new's was announced at Blackstone's Eatery in downtown Flint!
This Summer, During the "Back To The Bricks Festival" on August 15TH, Mark Farner and his band "N'rG"[Energy] will take the stage at Atwood Stadium! The FUNK will Fly and spirits will be high!

The Media converged and took notes!
Mark's speech


Film at 11:00
The Newton's signed and framed album cover shown on TV


It's a beauty


"Thank You For Coming..."

(pics by Mary Newton)

C'Mon and show your Rock and Roll Soul!


More Information at: http://www.markfarner.com

For a Grand Funk Tour of Flint complete with the signing of a gigantic picture of Mark Farner in the local Flint music store CLICK HERE:
Good View's For Flint~Thank You Terry R. Bankert

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Rock and Roll Fantasizers Share Farner Footage From Camp

Fresh from the 2009 Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp; The Warm Up:

"Cool Jam"

Mark Farner playing that Parker Fly and singing;

"Sin's A Good Man's Brother"

Instructional Counselor Mark with;

"Mean Mistreater"

Gibson Guitar Show Room Show;

"I'm Your Captain/Closer To Home"

All Star Counselors Jam;

"Footstompin' Music" & "Some Kinda Wonderful"

One "Happy Camper" Video "Thank You"
http://s62.photobucket.com/albums/h92/fstodolak/Freds%20Music%20Videos/

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Mark's most famous Messenger Guitar and the Gibson L5S

The Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan has a major draw for me this Summer! Rock Star's Guitar's! Well, Rock Star's Car's too but, for me, it will be surreal to stand in the presence of Mark Farner's magical Messenger. You know, the instrument the critics called "junk!"
The very guitar that Mark was allowed to make payment's on till the full purchase price of $200 was reached! [See Artist Interview for this story]

Another of Mark's great Gibson guitars will also be displayed at the museum. The very Gibson L5S that went on the "We're An American Band" tour!
For all the guitar aficionado's; the display of rock stars guitar's will run May 16TH September 2ND...See you there!

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Like the song say's; "Nothin' But A Party"

The lyrics to: "Rock and Roll Soul" could be used as captions for these snap shot character captures supplied by David Keeler who was enjoying the Funk as a photographer at Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Here we are, front row, right at the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Gala:

"WE'RE HAVIN' A PARTY"

"EVER'Y BODY'S INVITED..."

"...FIND OUT IF YOU'VE GOT SOME ROCK'N ROLL SOUL"

TURNS OUT...WE ALL HAVE THAT "ROCK'N ROLL SOUL"

BRUCE KULICK, MARK FARNER, MARK HUDSON

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Some Kinda Wonderful at Fantasy Camp!

The Rock N Roll Fantasy Camp Gala took place at Gibson Guitars Showroom in Beverly Hills! Mark Farner sings "Some Kinda Wonderful" with Mark Hudson,Bruce Kulick, Kip Winger,Sandy Gennaro and a great backup rhythm section.

Many thanks to DaveK at;
http://vintagetourjackets.blogspot.com/2009/05/mark-farner-sings-some-king-of.html

Pictures from Fantasy Camp: http://www.wireimage.com/ItemListings.aspx?igi=370183&nbc1=1

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp Blog: http://www.rockcamp.com/blog/

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Mark Farner~ Celebrity Judge

Final judgment is set for 05-02-2009 19:00 at:
Leelanau Sands Casino Concert Showroom
2521 NW Bay Shore Drive
Peshawbestown, Michigan 49682

Mark Farner of Grand Funk fame judging!


The Finale Main Event for ROCK YOUR WAY TO THE TOP. Finalists compete for
the grand prize $2000 cash, studio session time at Radius Recording http://www.radiusrecording...com and song production by Major Label Industry engineers/..producers.

See: myspace.com/rockyourwaytothetop

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April 4TH had a whole lotta shakin' goin' on

KLOS Radio Shakin' Bake Festival~MARK FARNER/N'rG
April 4, 2009
Photos and Review By: Kelly Stevens
[Review courtesy of The Fan Zone at http://www.easybreezes.com



It was a perfect day for an outside festival. Not too hot, not too cold, only a few clouds and a light breeze. I didn’t know precisely when Mark was supposed to start so I decided to get there early. My friend Jim and I took off to the gig around 11:30 am and arrived about 12:30 pm. It was smooth sailing all the way. We soon met up with another friend of mine, Dave. Of course I was dressed in my Mark garb, the “I’m Your Captain” t-shirt, a Grand Funk hat, and lanyard with my membership card.

We made our way to the middle area of the Santa Anita racetrack where the stage was set up. There was already a lot of people. There was barbeque, beer and lots of stuff going on all over the place. Jim, Dave, and I settled in initially at the opposite end from the stage. The radio station that sponsored the event (95.5 KLOS) were doing some contests where they would give away money, in the amount of $250.00 each time. During this time they also mentioned something about backstage and Mark doing some pictures. I figured this might be a good queue for me to make my way to the stage and see if I could locate Lesia Farner. I remember saying to my friends just as I got up to walk towards the stage “Wouldn’t that be cool if one of us won some of that money they’re handing out, like that would ever happen!” So there I was, walking towards the stage, when they decided to have another contest. They announced “Okay, this time we’re going to give $250.00 to the first person to show us they’re wearing a Grand Funk hat. I couldn’t believe it! As I approached the stage I could see people looking around to see if anyone was wearing one, but nobody spotted any, so I took my hat off and waved it and yelled “Right here!” As I got closer they could see the “Grand Funk” on the hat and they then announced “We have a winner!” How lucky is that! Needless to say, that hat is now my lucky hat.

After that happened I was allowed backstage and I soon met up with Lesia. This was the first time I ever met her. She was very nice and seemed to enjoy accommodating all us fans, making sure everyone had a chance to meet her Rock n Roll husband. Thank you Lesia. Mark is a lucky guy to have you in his life. Well, the next thing I knew, there was Mark! He posed for a few photos with some fans at first but when he finshed I said: “How’s it going, Mark!” and he said “Hey! Fan of the month!”

I then told him how I won $250.00 just for wearing his hat. We had a few laughs and then Lesia was nice enough to take a picture of me with Mark.

Then came the show. I think Mark started around 4:30pm. I’ve seen Mark play many times but this had one of the most unique gigs. His first set was only 3 songs long before he stopped because the horses would race and then he would go back on and play 3 more songs, stop again, the horses would race again, and then Mark played solid to the end. He started with “We’re An American Band” which surprised me. I’ve never seen him start with that before. I think the next song was “Mr. Limousine Driver” followed by “Nothing Is The Same”. Forgive me if don’t remember it quite right. I was doing a lot of running around and I was a little tired and a little sunburned by the time Mark started, but not to worry. I did catch a second wind. Mark’s second set I think started with “Shinin’On” followed by “Creepin” and then “Aimless Lady”. Mark’s keyboard was over modulating during Creepin and was breaking up a bit. The soundman was trying to fix the problem all through the song. I don’t know for sure but I think the sound system was not their own. By the time Mark came back for the final and main set, the problems were fixed and Mark kicked some serious ass, not that he didn’t already. Let see if I can remember the rest of the songs and there order: “Are You Ready”, “Heartbreaker”, “Footstompin music”, “The Locomotion”, “Bad Time”, “Some Kind Of Wonderful”, “People, Let’s Stop The War” and “Closer To Home”.

It was an awesome day. I had a great time. When I got home that night I was sooo tired, but in a good way. It amazes me how much energy Mark puts out in his performances to this day and still makes time for all his fans. I wish I had some of that energy! I know some day Mark might decide it’s time to retire, but after seeing him again on Saturday that seems a long, long way off. I hope he never retires and just keeps doing what he does best…Rockin’ our socks off!

Kelly Stevens

FROM MARK FARNER'S OFFICIAL YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
Santa Anita "Shakin' Bake Festival Video:

SHININ' ON


HEARTBREAKER CLIPS


Mark Farner's Official You Tube Channel

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SEND US YOUR SHAKIN BAKE PHOTOS!

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ROCK N ROLL HALL OF FAME PETITION

To: Rock N Roll Hall of Fame

Mark Farner/Grand Funk Railroad should be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame.

Forming in late 1968, they were the first American rock band to obtain 10 consecutive platinum albums, they had many top 40 singles and also had two #1 singles.


The 1973 #1 hit, “We’re An American Band”, expresses the life of a rock band on the road and made them the quintessential American Band.
Born as a garage band from the industrial city of Flint, Michigan, they rose to fame quickly because their music and persona spoke to the soul of the people.


The average Joe (or Jane) found reason in the lyrics and musicianship of GFR and many musicians following them found inspiration in the style of Grand Funk.


The band’s many sold out concerts are highlighted with a 1971 Shea Stadium show that sold out in 72 hours ….. it took the much higher hyped Beatles 7 weeks to sell out the same venue 7 years earlier.


Grand Funk Railroad hits include: “I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home”, “Footstompin’ Music”, “Rock and Roll Soul”, “We’re An American Band”, “Walk Like A Man”, The remake of Carol King/Gerry Goffin’s “The Locomotion", the Soul Brothers Six remake “Some Kind of Wonderful”, “Bad Time”, and others.


Based on the contributions vocalist/lead guitarist,Mark Farner, drummer, Don Brewer, bassist, Mel Schacher and the later added orgainist, Craig Frost made to the history of rock n roll, Grand Funk Railroad should be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall Of Fame.

over 6000 people have signed already...

SIGN THE PETITION HERE

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SHAKIN BAKE KLOS FEST THIS WEEKEND!

We have had a ton of Californians visiting the blog this week for info on Santa Anita. We're hoping for a big crowd this Saturday for Mark's show. Won't hurt that they have the Hawaiian Tropic Model Contest going on during the festival!

Get more info on the show HERE

copy and paste into your twitter page Tweet this post!

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