ION INDIE MAGAZINE October 2014, Volume 5 | Page 55

On the September 13, 2014, at the “Beats
and Eats Music Festival” in El Paso, Texas,
MARK FARNER (formerly of GRAND FUNK
RAILROAD) performed a timeless set of
some of his greatest hits: “Are You Ready”,
“Loco Motion”, “We're an American Band”
and “I'm Your Captain (Closer to
Home)”. The ageless Farner strutted and
moved on stage as if he was still 26 years
old--which is when I saw him in Tampa, FL,
40 years ago. The ambiance was charged,
as the audience was on its feet, singing and
dancing during the hour and a half set—
knowing every word to every song. His
performance delivered me to a special
place in my past—when Rock and Roll was
new and fresh to me. And just like that
savored memory, Farner’s show was one I’ll
never forget!
Pictured left: ION Photojournalist
Timothy Schumann and Mark Farner