Grand Funk Railroad rides into Rock, Ribs & Ridges Festival

AUGUSTA — American blues rock band Grand Funk Railroad rides its “45 Years of Grand Funk Tour” into the 5th annual Rock, Ribs & Ridges music and food festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds on Saturday, June 28.

In 1970 Grand Funk Railroad sold more albums than any other American band and the following year broke the Beatles’ attendance record by selling out Shea Stadium in just 72 hours. They continue to rock the house with their hits “I’m Your Captain/Closer to Home,” “We’re An American Band,” “The Loco-Motion” and “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

“As we move to an exciting new venue, we thought it was important to bring in some legendary party bands to continue our tradition of presenting the best music, ribs and craft beers to our fans,” said Festival Executive Producer Howard Freeman of Promo1. “Who better to highlight the Saturday schedule than ‘an American Band’ celebrating their 45th year of entertaining and amazing audiences than Grand Funk Railroad.”

Presented by Franklin Sussex Auto Mall, Rock, Ribs & Ridges is a two-day celebration of great music from legendary artists and mouthwatering barbecue served up by top regional chefs. George Thorogood and The Destroyers headline the second day of concerts on Sunday, June 29.

Over Grand Funk Railroad's career, they had 19 charted singles, eight Top 40 hits and two number one singles (“We’re An American Band” and “The Loco-Motion,” each sold more than one million albums). The group has amassed 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide.

“We’re An American Band” has been featured in movie sound tracks and in television and radio advertising including a national TV ad campaign for General Motors.

The high-energy, five-piece group features original founding members Don Brewer (vocals and drums) and bassist Mel Schacher, known as “The God of Thunder” by fans and “the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher” by Homer Simpson. Veteran singer Max Carl, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick, who is best known for his 12 years with KISS, and keyboardist Tim Cashion round out the band.

Tickets are $35 to $45 with VIP packages starting at $65. Children’s tickets start at $15. Weekend passes and Miller Mezzanine Group Table Seating are also available. The festival also features on-site camping and RV packages. For tickets and information, visit www.rockribsandridges.com.

The Sussex County Fairgrounds is located at 37 Plains Road in Augusta, N.J.