12-31-17 Welch, MN
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Grand Funk ended a phenomenal 2017 with a great show at Treasure Island Resort Casino in Welch, Minnesota. Although it was well below zero outside, the Treasure Island Event Center was packed and gettin' hot when GFR took the stage on New Year's Eve. The band played a blistering show for the Minnesota crowd, hitting on all the Grand Funk staples from Rock & Roll Soul to We're An American Band.
Flying the band in the night before the show proved a good strategy allowing time for an emergency. DJ and Mel could not get out of Traverse City on Commercial Airlines due to weather and we had to charter a plane to get them to the show on time. It was the least we could do to insure that the awesome people who bought tickets and made arrangements to travel well in advance got to spend the evening with The American Band on New Year's Eve!
2017 will go down in our books as one of the best ever Grand Funk years.
Got a couple great pics to share as well as our annual "Band and Crew" shot.
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
We wish everybody good health and happiness in the New Year.
SHINE ON 2018!
11-17-17 Albuquerque, NM and 11-18-17 Greeneville, TN
Albuquerque, NM 11/17/17
SOLD OUT!
By popular demand, the boys returned to the Isleta Casino Resort for a second performance. Having played here first in 2015 to a sold out showroom, GFR was asked back this year and once again had another sold out show. The crowd of New Mexicans were packed in and Grand Funk lit them up with a high energy 90-minute show. Once again adding both "Heartbreaker" and "Sky High" to the show, the band is feeling good and the show keeps getting better.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
With a short night and a long travel day Saturday, the band had a 4:30 am lobby call and headed to the Albuquerque Airport for a 6 am flight to Atlanta connecting to Tri Cities Tennessee for their next show in Greeneville.
Greeneville, TN 11/18/17
SOLD OUT!
Arriving at the hotel in Tennessee at 3pm gave the guys a couple hours to kick back before a quick 30 minute drive to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Greeneville, and a soundcheck for a SOLD OUT show at this beautiful venue. The Niswonger PAC is now a regular tour stop for all entertainment genres and recent shows have included Huey Lewis, ZZ Top, The Doobie Brothers, and Kansas, as well as country stars The Oak Ridge Boys, Tracey Lawrence, Amy Grant, and Clint Black.
Grand Funk had the capacity crowd rockin' the entire show from "Rock & Roll Soul" to "We're An American Band".
With the band looking forward to a well deserved break, the guys gave the Tennessee crowd everything they had.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Great show!
Next stop...New Year's Eve! Welch, Minnesota!
11-10-17 Newark, OH
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Grand Funk Railroad had a real treat Friday night having the privilege of playing a concert at a real "playhouse" from the 1920's in Newark, Ohio about 30 miles outside Columbus. The Midland Theatre, a completely restored gem, has undergone an eight year, $8,500,000 renovation that has rescued a treasure of the past and now hosts musical and theatrical touring acts from all genres.
Photo by DB
Grand Funk came to town and helped them party it down. Playing a great 90-minute show that included both "Heartbreaker" and "Sky High", GFR had the capacity crowd of Buckeyes on their feet and reliving their youth.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
(Note: Please don't mention Ann Arbor, U of M, Michigan or Go Blue when anywhere near Columbus, Ohio)
OK
GO BLUE!!!
11-04-17 Verona, NY
S-O-L-D O-U-T!!!
Photo by Glenn Preston
The boys stayed on the East Coast this week with a show outside Syracuse at the tremendous Turning Stone Casino Resort in Verona, probably one of the finest upstate New York Casinos. This was a return performance for GFR, having played a sold out show here in May of 2015.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The New York Upstaters were treated to a great Grand Funk show that included the GFR classic "Heartbreaker"! The band has not performed "Heartbreaker" in a number of years, opting to use that spot in the show for new music.
It was a hit! The audience loved "Heartbreaker"...and the band loved playing this soulful classic.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Another incredible show to add to this incredible GFR 2017 Tour!
10-21-17 State Line, NV
MontBleu Casino Showroom SOLD OUT!
Photo by DB
Grand Funk went west for a show at the beautiful MontBleu Casino Resort in Stateline, Nevada. Sitting two blocks from gorgeous Lake Tahoe, this is an incredible part of the USA. The weather is just beginning to turn to winter at this time in October. The air is crisp and cool and the days are sunny.
Photo by DB
Playing in the MontBleau's historic "Vegas style" 1,300 seat showroom, GFR played a high energy Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll show to a SOLD OUT audience that came from all over the Western U.S. This showroom is known for its entertainment classics over the years, playing host to Dean Martin, Cher, and Tony Bennett to name a few.
Now, the MontBleu brings in all the current touring acts, from Jonny Lang and Kenny Wayne Shepard to country and classic rock like Alan Jackson and Grand Funk Railroad.
What a great place for a show!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
10-13-17 Lake Charles, LA and 10-15-17 High Point, NC
Grand Funk flew south this week for a return engagement at The Golden Nugget Casino Resort in Lake Charles, Louisiana. This incredible resort is the newest and most luxurious on the Gulf Coast, dubbed by savvy travelers as the "Las Vegas of the South".
The state of the art event center and showroom is where Grand Funk Railroad rocked the house Friday night with the capacity crowd on their feet and singing along to the great GFR hits of their youth.
What a great night way down south in Dixie!
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
GFR had a travel day Saturday and headed to Greensboro, NC for their next show in High Point just outside of Greensboro. This show was for the famous High Point Market which is the largest home furnishings industry trade show in the world, bringing more than 75,000 people to High Point every 6 months. Furniture retailers, interior designers, and architects from 100 countries come to High Point twice a year because "if you can't find it in High Point, it doesn't exist!"
Grand Funk took the outdoor stage at 7:30 as the sun was going down on a beautiful North Carolina day. The thousands that had gathered in this terrific concert venue got a chance to rock with one of the greatest classic rock bands.
Photo by Glenn Preston
And Rock They Did! Singing and cheering to all the GFR songs from "Rock & Roll Soul" to "We're An American Band".
Lovin' every minute of it!!
Photo by Colleen Songy
09-30-17 Farmington, NM
Grand Funk headed to Durango, Colorado for a show at the Northern Edge Casino in Farmington, New Mexico. Playing at a beautiful scenic concert site set up next to the casino, GFR drew a huge crowd of New Mexicans that exceeded the parking capacity of the venue. Alternate parking was quickly arranged and concert goers were shuttled to the concert.
The Farmington area is part of the Navajo Nation and was settled by the Ancestral People in the 7th Century. Ruins can be visited at nearby Salmon Ruins and Aztec Ruins.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The boys in the band didn't disappoint the great crowd and played an incredible GFR Show. This was Grand Funk's first appearance at the Northern Edge Casino and will certainly be the first of many. A great place for a rockin' Grand Funk Show!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Glenn Preston
09-23-17 Oroville, CA
Grand Funk returned to the Gold Country Casino in Oroville, California for a repeat performance in the Gold Country Event Center. Having played there first in January of 2016 to a terrific house of northern Californians, GFR again rocked the house with a high energy 90-minute show that included the Brewer/Carl classic "Skyhigh". The band has not played the song for several years and decided to revisit the tune in soundcheck. The enthusiastic audience loved it! Placing it between GFR's top 40 hit "Walk Like a Man" and the Max Carl million seller "Second Chance", "Skyhigh" fit perfectly.
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by DJ
This return engagement at Gold Country Casino was a huge success for Grand Funk!
09-15-17 W. Springfield, MA and 09-16-17 Biloxi, MS
Grand Funk rolled into Hartford, CT for their first-ever appearance at one of America's oldest fairs, "The Big E", in nearby West Springfield. Playing to a huge opening night audience at the Xfinity Arena, GFR brought it's signature "All Hits Rock&Roll Show" to the stage and rocked the house!
"The Big E" (New England's Great State Fair) is the largest on the Eastern seaboard and the seventh largest fair in the USA. Born in 1916, "The Big E" is now 101 years old. Drawing over one and a half million people each year, this is probably one of the greatest events of its kind in the country.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
The American Band at "The Big E". God Bless America!
S-O-L-DÂ O-U-T!
Flying to the Gulf Coast on Saturday, Grand Funk took the stage at the Hard Rock in Biloxi for GFR's second Sold Out appearance in two years at this great venue. The place was packed and ready to ROCK!
Having played to a sold out house in 2016, The Hard Rock brought Grand Funk back for a second performance in 2017 and has already booked GFR for another performance next September 15, 2018.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
The Mississippi/Louisiana Gulf Coast has always been a great place for Grand Funk going back to the early and mid 1970's. People who come to the shows always comment on GFR being one of the first rock concerts they ever attended. And Saturday night GFR had them all reliving their teen's up on their feet and shouting for The American Band...GRAND FUNK RAILROAD!
Photo by Don Baker
09-02-17 Noblesville, IN and 09-03-17 Royal Oak, MI
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
WOW! What a great night in Indiana! Grand Funk and Bob Seger plus 24,000 Hoosiers at the Klipsch Music Center in Noblesville, Indiana! It was a picture perfect Labor Day weekend with gorgeous weather in the low 70's. Couldn't have been a nicer setting for a night of two historic classic rock bands from Michigan to hook up for the first time in nearly 50 years.
There has been a long and close association between the Grand Funk and Bob Seger camps with members and musicians from both bands doing stints in both bands. Don Brewer, Craig Frost and Tim Cashion all have appeared and recorded with both groups, and Alto Reed (sax player with Seger) appeared with Grand Funk at the Bosnia Benefit Concerts in 1998. Even Seger's management team, Punch Andrews and Bill Blackwell, handled GFR in 1996 when Grand Funk first orchestrated their "Reunion Tour". This was a terrific meeting of life long friends.
Photo by Don Baker
GFR took the stage first as the sun was about to set, and the crowd of 24,000 loved it. They were on their feet singing and dancing with "The Locomotion", "Some Kinda Wonderful", Closer to Home", and "We're An American Band".
Check out the great shots and video!
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Moving "Closer To Home" the following night (Don's Birthday), Grand Funk played downtown Royal Oak for the 25th annual "Arts, Beats, and Eats Festival". Drawing a record crowd of over 7,000, the guys put on an extraordinary show.
Beautiful weather for a festival concert and even a train going by during "I'm Your Captain" put a nice touch on the show. The awesome crowd sang "Happy Birthday" to Don following his drum solo (prompted by Max) and had their hands in the air cheering at the opening cowbell to "We're An American Band". Opening the evening was country great Dwight Yoakam.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
Great to be back home in Michigan!
08-25-17 Lawrenceburg, IN and 08-26-17 Lincoln City, IN
Grand Funk returned to the Cincinnati area for a show at the Hollywood Casino Event Center in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. Located along the Ohio River, this historic town draws people from the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana tri-state region. Lawrenceburg has a long history of whiskey production and is known as "Whiskey Town". Seagrams even has a large presence here. The town dates back to the civil war when its location on the Ohio River made it a trading mecca for supplies. Flooded many times when the river would overflow its banks, a massive levy was built in the early 1900's and has preserved the beautiful town ever since. Grand Funk played to a near capacity crowd at the Hollywood Casino Event Center on Friday and the tri-state GFR fans loved the show...probably one of the most enthusiastic audiences GFR has had this incredible year!
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Lincoln Amphitheatre SOLD OUT!
Taking a wonderful three hour drive through some gorgeous country on Saturday, the boys headed to the southwest corner of Indiana for a show at the majestic Lincoln Amphitheatre located inside the Lincoln State Park in Lincoln City. This awesome gem is in the very woods that Abraham Lincoln walked as a boy. What a great setting for entertainment. Hosting Broadway productions and Philharmonic performances to great classic rock like Grand Funk Railroad, it is an outsanding venue to see a show. Grand Funk rocked the house, and the Sold-Out crowd of "Hoosiers" were on their feet and dancing in the aisles. From beginning to end, the Lincoln Amphitheatre was the place to be Saturday night.
Got some great shots to share. Check them out!
Photo by DB
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
08-19-17 Maumee, OH and 08-20-17 St. Joseph, MO
Grand Funk hit the road again flying to Detroit to start a weekend of great dates. Playing to a crowd of 8,000-plus at the Northwest Ohio Rib-Off in Maumee, Ohio, GFR rocked the Ohio fans and treated them to an appearance by former Grand Funk keyboardist Craig Frost. It was a beautiful night in Ohio with the temperature in the mid 70's, and the crowd loved singing along with the Grand Funk hits "The Locomotion", "Some Kinda Wonderful", "Closer To Home", and "We're An American Band". At times the crowd was louder than the band, which is quite a feat considering how loud Grand Funk Railroad is on stage!
Photos by Don Baker
What a great American summer festival featuring ribs and Rock & Roll! This was Grand Funk's fourth appearance at this terrific event.
Moving on to Kansas City, Missouri and playing the Trails West Festival in nearby St. Joseph, Grand Funk returned for its second appearance at this awesome historic festival. This is the 25th year for this event. Grand Funk first played it in 2012.
St. Joseph was abuzz with people from all over the U.S. and Canada congregating in anticipation of the once-in-a-lifetime total eclipse of the sun. St. Joseph was right in line for the complete view of a total eclipse, and the town was full and hotels were booked for hundreds of miles.
GFR entertained a huge gathering right downtown St. Joseph and people of all ages watched as the boys did what they do best...a Grand Funk Railroad high energy rock and roll show.
Photos by Don Baker
Gotta love playing this great music in the heartland of America!
08-10-17 Tillamook, OR and 08-12-17 Branson, MO
Grand Funk flew to beautiful Portland to play a show in Oregon's "Cheese Country" Tillamook, Oregon. Situated right on the Pacific Coast, the weather stays cool most of the year and winters are mild. Known as the "Land of Cheese, Trees and Ocean Breeze", Tillamook County is a playground for anyone who likes to play. Whale watching, fishing, crabbing and clamming, fine dining, breweries, seafood shacks and scenic hiking and camping are just a few of the great activities to do here.
Grand Funk had a terrific turnout at the Tillamook Fair, drawing a lively crowd of all ages to the main stage. The Oregonians rocked with GFR all night and sang along to the Grand Funk hits. What a fantastic place with truly fantastic people!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
The next day was a travel day and due to the West to East time change, the boys spent the entire day flying from Portland to Atlanta and then Atlanta to Springfield, MO.
Playing in Branson, Missouri the next night, GFR rocked The Mansion Theater, once home of The Oak Ridge Boys. Again playing to an enthusiastic crowd at this incredible 3,000 seat theater, Grand Funk had them on their feet and singing along to Closer To Home, Some Kinda Wonderful, The Locomotion and We're An American Band.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
This was Grand Funk Railroad's first ever appearance in Branson and is sure to be it's first of many.
Another great weekend Out On The Road!
08-04-17 Kalamazoo, MI and 08-05-17 Ft. Worth, TX
GFR had a quick turnaround this week and were back on the road for two back-to-back shows, starting off in Grand Funk's home state of Michigan in Kalamazoo for the 30th Annual Kalamazoo Ribfest which draws in excess of 10,000 people each year.
Yes, there really is a "Kalamazoo", and it gets it's name from the Potawatomi Indian word "Kikanamaso" which means "boiling water". It refers to a footrace held each fall by local Native Americans who had to run to the river and back before a pot of water boiled.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
"Anywho", Grand Funk played an incredible show for a large crowd of very wet fans that ventured downtown Kalamazoo in the rain for a great show by "The American Band"! Got some wonderful shots by Ralph Reichenbach to share.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
"From Timbuktu to Kalamazoo", yes there really is a Kalamazoo!
Returning for Grand Funk's fourth appearance in 20 years at the world famous Billy Bob's Texas, The American Band played to a terrific crowd at "The Worlds' Largest Honky Tonk". The 127,000 square foot establishment has hosted Country greats Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson, as well as every major country artist of the last 40 years. With seating and standing room for over 6,000, this great venue also features a rodeo arena and bullriding.
GFR took the historic stage at 10:30 pm and played an outstanding show for the enthusiastic Texas crowd. Nothing less than a high energy Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll Show would do.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
God Bless Texas!
07-28-17 Newton, IA and 07-29-17 Oklahoma City, OK
Grand Funk returned to the heartland of America on Friday for a show at the Iowa Speedway in Newton, Iowa. As part of the festivities for the K&N Pro Series Race, the band put on a show immediately after the finish for thousands of Nascar fans at the track. The 150 lap race features teams from the K&N Pro Series East and West and has been a proving ground for future Nascar success.
Photo by Glenn Preston
The American Band had them rockin' on a beautiful July evening. What a great way to celebrate one of America's favorite pastimes...NASCAR!
Photo by Glenn Preston
GFR moved on to Oklahoma City for a show at the Six Flags-owned Frontier City Theme Park. Playing to a great crowd of Oklahomans of all ages, Grand Funk lit up their faces with "Locomotion", "Some Kinda Wonderful", and "We're An American Band".
This is a one-of-a-kind theme park that was established in 1958 and is the top city attraction in Oklahoma City, hosting a series of concerts every year with national acts like Charlie Daniels, Rick Springfield, The Doobie Brothers, Bret Michaels, Lady Antebellum, Three Dog Night and many more. Grand Funk's return here brought thousands out to the park for a great night of Grand Funk Rock & Roll!
Photos by Don Baker
07-22-17 Pendleton, OR
GFR had a weekend off and enjoyed a little bit of summer at home with family. They picked back up by flying west to the beautiful southeastern part of the Washington State to play a fantastic show at Pendleton Bike Week in Pendleton, Oregon. This new Harley Davidson-sponsored event is now the fastest growing bike festival in the Western US with attendance this year exceeding 20,000.
Photos by DB
SE Washington and NE Oregon are considered the "new" wine country with vineyards dotting the landscape everywhere. Along with irrigation from the majestic Columbia River, higher elevation and favorable weather, this area has been transformed. What a great place for a "ride" and a Grand Funk show!
Playing to a capacity crowd in the Happy Canyon Arena, Grand Funk lit up the bikers and had them on their feet for the entire 90 minute show. From "Bottle Rocket, "R&R Soul", and "Footstompin' Music" all the way to "Closer To Home" and "We're An American Band", the crowd rocked and sang with every song.
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
07-08-17 Greenville, WI
Following an amazing July 4th. weekend with three back to back Grand Funk performances July 1, 2, and 3, The American Band hit the midwest playing a great "Catfish Festival" for 10,000 plus "Cheeseheads" in Greenville, WI, just outside Appleton.
This incredible community supportive event started 29 years ago with locals actually racing their catfish in a 30-foot long tank. Over the years, the event has grown into a one-of-a-kind music celebration for both classic rock and country music. Joining Grand Funk Railroad for this years lineup was Foghat and George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Grand Funk rocked the huge crowd as the sun was going down on a beautiful picture perfect night in the great state of Wisconsin. The fans love classic rock, and what better to rock out with than the classic hits of Grand Funk Railroad. GFR has always been loved in Wisconsin, probably because of the close proximity to Grand Funk's home of Michigan.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
2017 set a record for attendance at this unusual "Catfish Festival" and we hope the trend continues. All profits go to the Greenville community which helps build playgrounds, support local police and fire departments, and improve community service programs.
Nice job Greenville!
Photo by Don Baker
Wisconsin Rocks!
Photo by Don Baker
07-01 through 07-03-17
The American Band helped America celebrate Independence Day 2017 in Grand Funk Railroad style with three terrific fireworks-filled appearances playing Kokomo, IN 7/1, Ellicottville, NY 7/2 and Baytown, TX 7/3.
The band was definitely "out on the road" and helping "party it down" for the 4th of July. Got some great shots.
Happy Birthday America!
07-01-17 Kokomo, IN
Photos by Ralph Reichenbach
07-02-17 Ellicottville, NY
Photo by Dan Nieman
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
07-03-17 Baytown, TX
Photo by Colleen Songy
Photo by Colleen Songy
Photo by Colleen Songy
Photo by Glenn Preston
06-24-17 Mayetta, KS
SOLD OUT!!!
Another sold out show for Grand Funk's 2017 tour and another great performance by The American Band at the Prairie Band Casino Resort in Mayetta, just north of Topeka. The boys flew into Kansas City and had a beautiful drive through the rolling hills and farms of northeastern Kansas.
The infamous "DR. NO" aka DJ with his favorite answer to everything!
Photo by Tim Cashion
The over-capacity crowd at the casino was rockin' and the Kansans had a wonderful night of Grand Funk Railroad Rock & Roll!
Photo by Don Baker
06-15-17 San Diego (Del Mar), CA
Grand Funk returned for another stellar performance at the San Diego County Fair. This was at least the 8th appearance for GFR at America's largest fair with their first show dating back to 1997.
Photo by DB
As always, the crowd was there for one of the Fair's favorite rock bands...Grand Funk Railroad. The weather couldn't have been nicer. The Del Mar Fairgrounds sit right on the coast of the Pacific Ocean, and the cool breeze and temperature in the mid 70's made for an evening of GFR Rock & Roll to be remembered.
Photo by Glenn Preston
The sun was still up at 7:30 as Grand Funk took the stage and by mid show, with the sun going down, the crowd was on their feet and rockin' to "Inside Lookin' Out", "Some Kinda Wonderful", "Closer To Home", and "We're An American Band".
What a gorgeous city!
Photo by Glenn Preston
06-03-17 Washington, PA
SOLD OUT!
The next night, the American Band took a scenic drive through some of Pennsylvania's beautiful hills, and brought Grand Funk's high energy, all hits rock & roll show to a sold-out venue at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington, PA just south of Pittsburgh. Again GFR put on a terrific show and had the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Max and Friends
The Crew
Don Baker
Another great weekend with Grand Funk Railroad "Out On The Road!"
06-02-17 Sandusky, OH
Grand Funk was back on the road this week with two shows in the great states of Ohio and Pennsylvania. The boys headlined Ohio Bike Week in Downtown Sandusky, Ohio on the shore of Lake Erie. The event has become the third largest bike rally in the US drawing over 250,000 people to this great Ohio lakeside town. GFR had the crowd cheering from the intro of "Bottle Rocket" all the way through "Closer To Home" and "American Band". The huge crowd of 10,000-plus in front of the stage was in high spirits and sang along with every GFR's hit.
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
05-27-17 Columbus, OH
GFR continued their 2017 tour playing to a standing room only crowd of enthusiastic Buckeye fans at the beautiful Hollywood Casino in Columbus, Ohio. The joint was rockin' from the very first note and only rocked harder as the show progressed.
Playing on a "basic" stage with no riser or props reminded the guys of the good ol' days when Don and his drums were right on the stage level with all the gear and equipment!
Check out the great pics from the show, and...OHIO ROCKS!!!!
Photos by Don Baker
05-07-17 Cocoa, FL
Grand Funk made a stop on their 2017 tour at Florida's "Space Coast" for a terrific concert in downtown Cocoa, Florida, overlooking the beautiful Indian River. The crowd rocked to all of GFR's hits and were on their feet for "Locomotion", "Some Kinda Wonderful", "Closer To Home" and "We're An American Band".
The yearly concert is called "Party In The Park", and The Doobie Brothers played it last year. Along with Grand Funk on Sunday was country band Confederate Railroad and local Cocoa band Hot Pink.
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
Photo by Sunny Quinn Brewer
What a great Sunday in Southeast Florida!
05-02-17 Cancun, Mexico
Grand Funk made history playing in Mexico for the first time in its 48 year Rock & Roll existence! Playing and staying at the 5-star Grand Velas Riviera Maya Resort on the Caribbean Sea, the week-long event was called "Rockin' The Riviera”...a private show for the Dallas based Entre Matic company.
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
World class accommodations, first class stage and production, and nothing but the best for Entre Matic's best people. Treating the guests to some of the greatest classic rock in the world with 38 Special Sunday night, Grand Funk Railroad Tuesday night, and The Doobie Brothers Thursday night...WHAT A PARTY!
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by DB
Photo by Glenn Preston
04-08-17 Charles Town, WV
Charles Town, WV was established in 1787 by Charles Washington, the brother of George Washington. Charles laid out the streets of Charles Town, naming them after his brothers and one for his wife Mildred. In 1859, abolitionist John Brown raided the federal arsenal at nearby Harper's Ferry. The insurrection was put down and John Brown was tried for treason and hanged in Charles Town.
In the first two years of the Civil War, Charles Town was on the front lines of the Union and Confederate armies and changed hands several times during military engagements. In 1863, the Union Army occupied the town on a permanent basis for the remainder of the war.
The American Band, Grand Funk Railroad, played historic Charles Town to a sold-out capacity audience at the Hollywood Casino Event Center. Befitting the patriotic history of both the band and the town, it was truly another American Band moment "Out On The Road!"
GOD BLESS AMERICA!
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by DB
04-01-17 Cleveland, OH
Grand Funk Railroad steamed into their old second home Cleveland Ohio Saturday for the band's second appearance at The Moondog Coronation Ball. Having played this incredible concert in 2009, GFR was very familiar with the history of this great event. The first Moondog Coronation Ball was a concert held at Cleveland Arena on March 21, 1952. It is recognized as the first major Rock and Roll concert ever..
Alan Freed, a Cleveland DJ in 1951, took up playing a different kind of music. Rhythm and Blues records by black musicians was growing in popularity, and Freed started playing these R & B Artists records on a three hour late night radio program. The popularity of this program led to the idea of holding a live dance event featuring these artists that Freed was playing on his show.
Freed (considered to have popularized the term "Rock and Roll") organized a concert. More tickets were printed than the arena's actual capacity, and 20,000 people tried to crowd into an arena that held less than half that amount, and the fire marshals shut it down after the first song by opening act Paul "Hucklebuck" Williams. The event has happened now every year since 1992.
Grand Funk brought the house down at the 25th Moondog Coronation Ball. Playing a great 60 minute "just the hits" GFR show, Quicken Loans Arena was ROCKIN!!!
Also on the show were Three Dog Night and Tommy James.
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Mark Horning
Photo by Mark Horning
Photo by Mark Horning
Photo by Mark Horning
Photo by Mark Horning
Photo by Dave Johnson
Photo by DB
03-25-17 Mt. Pocono, PA
Mount Pocono has been a summer resort area for the Eastern US since the late 1800's. Clean mountain air, spring water, great fishing and luxury hotels have lured people for generations. Casino gambling in Pennsylvania became legal in 2004, and the Mt. Airy Casino Resort was built on its lakeside site in 2007.
Saturday night, Grand Funk brought its high powered all-hits Rock & Roll show to the Pocono Mountains playing to a SOLD OUT crowd at the Mt. Airy Casino Event Center. Rocking the house like only Grand Funk can, the enthusiastic Pennsylvanians were on their feet the entire show.
Another fabulous weekend "OOTR" with GFR!
03-11-17 Angola, IN
GFR got a little "Closer To Home" Saturday night and rocked a "SOLD OUT" T. Furth Performing Arts Center. The place was packed with Indianans ready to party with one of their favorite bands, Grand Funk Railroad, from right next door in Michigan.
Trine University is a private non-profit post secondary institution located on the Michigan border that specializes in arts & sciences, business, education and engineering. The beautiful T. Furth Performing Arts Center (a former church) is on the Trine University campus and features a state-of-the-art entertainment facility that is second to none.
It was great to be treated to that awesome Midwest hospitality, and it was a thrill for the band to once again be Closer To Home.
Here are some great pics from the show!
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
Photo by Ralph Reichenbach
03-04-17 Atlantic City, NJ
For the third year in a row, Grand Funk returned to the beautiful Tropicana Showroom in Atlantic City for another "SOLD OUT" show. The capacity crowd rocked to GFR's explosive set and even charged the stage at the end of the show during We're An American Band. GFR always has a good time in Atlantic City playing for East Coast fans! This is the crowd the band grew with in the early days. New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania were always Grand Funk Railroad strongholds.
Atlantic City is looking to make a comeback in 2017 and we hope they will. It is a historic entertainment mecca that has been a playground for generations, and we wish them all the best.
Enjoy the pics!
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Don Baker
02-17-17 Lincoln, RI
Grand Funk returned to the Twin River Casino Event Center Friday night for their third appearance in five years. Playing to a SOLD OUT crowd of incredibly enthusiastic Rhode Islanders, the band rocked hard with all the Grand Funk Hits.
Lincoln, named after President Abraham Lincoln, is a great town right outside of Providence with decades of tradition and some of the best seafood in the world.
Opening the show was former Eagles guitarist Don Felder. Playing all the Eagles greatest hits, Don had the crowd dancing in the aisles.
Check out the pics of GFR.
Photo by Don Baker
Photo by Glenn Preston
Photo by Dan Wenc
Photo by Dan Wenc
Photo by Dan Wenc
Review and more photos from Northeast Rock Review
01-20 & 21-17 Skagit Valley, Bow, WA
SOLD OUT!
To kick off their 2017 American Band Tour, Grand Funk headed to the great Northwest and the beautiful Skagit Valley in Bow, WA.
Skagit Valley is situated between Seattle to the south, and Vancouver, BC to the north, the San Juan Islands to the west and North Cascade National Park to the east.
Winter is the season when the Skagit Valley shows her true nature. Whether you take in the beauty from a ferry or set out with hiking boots, there are many ways to enjoy Skagit Valley in the winter.
Photo by Glenn Preston
Playing two sold out shows in the Pacific Showroom at the Skagit Valley Casino Resort, Grand Funk rocked the standing room only crowd to all the GFR hits Friday and Saturday night.
Photo by John Foley
Photo by John Foley
Great 2017 kick-off for Grand Funk Railroad!
Previous GRAND FUNK RAILROAD, The American Band, tour reports and photos.
