Mark Farner of Grand Funk Railroad to Rock the Suncoast Showroom 6/11-12

Acclaimed rock legend Mark Farner, also known as "The Rock Patriot," is set to perform with his band at the Suncoast Showroom, June 11 and 12, each evening at 7:30 p.m.

In the mid to late 60's, Farner began his rock career with The Pack and The Bossmen, but is likely most well known as the lead singer and songwriter for Grand Funk Railroad. The group had many well-received albums and singles from the late 60's to mid-70's, including classic Farner anthem "I'm Your Captain (Closer to Home)," No. 1 hits "We're An American Band" and "The Loco-Motion," and the top-five hits "Some Kind of Wonderful" and "Bad Time."

In 1977 Farner released a self-titled solo album for Atlantic Records. It, and its follow up No Frills in 1978 were filled with soulful ballads and catchy, hook-filled pop tunes with stinging social commentary reflecting his consciousness about politics, the environment and spirituality. Both albums received positive reviews but musical tastes had changed; and as Mark remarked at the time, "I don't do disco!"

Farner's 1988 album Just Another Injustice included "Isn't It Amazing," which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Inspirational Chart and received a Dove Award nomination. He followed up with Wake Up in 1989, Some Kind of Wonderful in 1991 and the "best of" Closer to Home in 1992.

In 1995, Farner accepted an invitation to join Ringo Starr's All-Starr Band where his show-stealing, footstompin' performances made it clear that audiences were still hungry for his and Grand Funk's music. The following year Mark, Don and Mel once again fired up the Grand Funk engine, touring for two years and releasing the album Bosnia. The group was one of Pollstar's Top 100 tours of 1998, and the subject of VH1's Behind The Music special in 1999.

In 2006 he released the critically acclaimed album For The People, demonstrating that he has lost none of his vocal vibrato and adding to the more than forty years, 30 million records sold, 12 RIAA Certified Platinum and 15 Certified Gold albums, that are results of his virtuosity as a guitarist and songwriter.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available starting from $15.95, plus tax and convenience fees and can be purchased by calling the Box Office at 702.636.7075 or visiting www.suncoastcasino.com.

About Suncoast Hotel and Casino
Suncoast Hotel and Casino is a property of Boyd Gaming. Located at the corner of Alta Drive and South Rampart Boulevard, Suncoast Hotel and Casino features eight restaurants, a 16-screen movie theater, a 600-seat bingo room, a newly renovated 500-seat state-of-the-art showroom and an 80,000-square foot casino. For further information, visit www.suncoastcasino.com.

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