To help celebrate this American holiday, here's some photos of "an American Band," Grand Funk Railroad, from this past Saturday at Thrills In the Hills at the Clearfield County Fairgrounds.
This was a good show, even without Mark Farner. This edition of Grand Funk, including original drummer Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, singer Max Carl, guitarist Bruce Kulick and keyboard player Tim Cashion, did mostly all of the Grand Funk hits, including "Rock and Roll Soul," "Footstompin' Music," "Shinin' On," "The Locomotion" (the crowd went wild when they started into this one), "Walk Like a Man," "Some Kind of Wonderful" (another big crowd pleaser), and "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)" which closed the set. (They also did some newer tunes and deep cuts as well.) Since Max Carl wrote and sang .38 Special's hit "Second Chance," they performed that song also. Don Brewer did an excellent drum solo display, and Bruce Kulick played "The Star Spangled Banner" as part of his guitar solo. For the encore, Grand Funk did - what else? - "We're An American Band!"
The band sounded good, and appeared happy to be playing at this event. This was total general admission, too, so you could pick your spot to view the band, from either the grandstand or in front of the stage (I took these photos from the grandstand). It was a fun vibe, and a good time! (Look for a more detailed review in "JP's Corner" in a few weeks.)
Grand Funk Railroad.
Tim Cashion of Grand Funk Railroad. Prior to Grand Funk, Tim logged time on tour with Robert Palmer and Bob Seger & the Silver Bullet Band.
Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad.
Bruce Kulick of Grand Funk Railroad.
Don Brewer and Max Carl of Grand Funk Railroad.
Again, Don Brewer.
Again, Grand Funk Railroad.
Mel Schacher and Don Brewer of Grand Funk Railroad.
Max Carl of Grand Funk Railroad.
In the midst of his drum solo, Don Brewer.
After Don's drum solo, the rest of the group donned percussion instruments and did a percussion jam.
Into his guitar solo, Bruce Kulick.
Mel Schacher.
Don Brewer steps out from behind the kit to lead the crowd in singing "Some Kind of Wonderful."
Leading the crowd, Don Brewer.
Mel Schacher, Max Carl and Bruce Kulick.
One more time, Grand Funk Railroad '07.
