Saturday, August 5th
Ann Wilson of Heart
Ann Wilson of Heart has been confirmed to be the Saturday headliner at the Kingsford Centennial Celebration on August 5th. Widely regarded as one of the greatest voices in the history of rock ‘n’ roll, Ann Wilson is a true icon, known far and wide as lead singer and songwriter of the groundbreaking rock band Heart. Led by Wilson’s extraordinary vocal power, Heart has thrilled audiences for over four decades, earning sales of more than 35 million and well-deserved induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2013. Indeed, as lead singer of the first female-fronted superstar hard rock band, Wilson blazed a trail for generations of women to come, while her songs – including “Barracuda,” “Crazy On You,” “Straight On,” and “Magic Man,” to name but a few – have become part of the very fabric of popular culture.
Her latest album, FIERCE BLISS, was released April 29, 2022 via Silver Lining Music. It’s not just an album for fans of Ann Wilson and Heart, it is an album for everyone seeking a lavish ticket out of the sharp edges of an increasingly fraught society. FIERCE BLISS also marks perhaps the first time in her illustrious career that Ann Wilson has truly felt the wind in her wings, something which might seem a strange statement given her pioneering history. To cap it all, the album artwork comes from the mind and hands of celebrated fantasy artist Roger Dean, who aside from his work in fantasy art is also renowned for his Yes sleeve artwork.
Gin Blossoms
The Gin Blossoms have undoubtedly left their mark on the Rock music map. The Grammy
nominated band's fusion of Melodic Rock, Pop, Folk and Country elements has helped pave the
way for the modern Rock of today.
Fans around the world are very familiar with Gin Blossoms’ five-time Platinum breakthrough album
New Miserable Experience, containing gems like “Until I Fall Away,” “Found Out About You,” “Hey
Jealousy” and “Allison Road.” Those hit tracks were followed up by the Empire Records Platinum Soundtrack hit, “Til I Hear It From You.”
In 1996, the singles “Follow you Down” and “As Long As ItMatters,” hit the radio again in a huge way, making their Congratulations I’m Sorry record another platinum success. Their latest release, 2018’s Mixed Reality, shares that same timeless feel, packed with 15 songs.
Gin Blossoms hits have crossed over in five different formats, taking the airwaves by siege, and
held the MTV playlist captive for most of the 90s. Boasting record sales of over 10 million, the band
continues to burn up the road performing over 100 tour dates per year. Don’t miss all these great
hit songs, a sampling of new music, and a rockin’ the house down show!
Mark Farner's American Band
Legendary all-American frontman and guitarist Mark Farner was the engine that pulled the original Grand Funk Railroad to the top of the charts, and today he’s a platinum recording artist 30 times over. At age 67, Farner commands the stage with the same intensity and outpouring of love as he did at 20 during the summer of ’69, and his fans are still flocking to their captain. The rock patriot’s synergy and open heart come through in epic hits that defined a generation—“I’m Your Captain (Closer to Home),” “We’re An American Band,” a recut of “The Loco-Motion,” and “Some Kind of Wonderful”— and “rock star” is only one facet of this Michigan-born son’s legacy. Farner is also about as real as they get: He’s a husband, in his fourth decade of marriage to wife Lesia. He’s a family man with five adult sons. And he’s a caregiver.
“I think our fans connected to our songs because we were sincere,” Farner said. “Our lyrics were about Mother Earth, stop the war, and all about love. They still have a point of reference with me in their heart.”
After the 1969 Atlantic Pop Festival put Grand Funk Railroad on the fast track, the band topped the Billboard Chart twice with the anthem “We’re an American Band” (1973) and 1974’s “The Loco-Motion.” The Flint, Mich., trio reached the top 10 with “Some Kind of Wonderful” (No. 3) and “Bad Time” (No. 4) before GFR disbanded for the first time in 1976. Although Farner joined up with the band during its 1980s and 1990s reunifications and has collaborated with other artists over the years, he’s forged an enduring solo career focused on bringing a message of love to his fans in all corners.
“Love is unconditional,” he said. “Just like when you hold a baby, the love transfers. I feel that when I’m on stage from the audience.”
FBI & The Untouchable Horns
Blagec Bros. Rheem Heating and Cooling Stage:
Polar Blues Band
Sons of Legends
The Descendants
Rockslide
OZ