The Skagit Speedway in Burlington will become an outdoor concert venue Sunday, July 18, as the legendary Grand Funk Railroad makes a rare appearance in our area.

The first-ever Skagit Music Festival will feature classic rock, blues and country performers, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at the racetrack. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for kids 7-12. Gates open at noon.

Seven bands will play, including headliners Grand Funk Railroad. Known as "The American Band," Grand Funk Railroad includes original founding members Don Brewer and bassist Mel Schacher, "The God Of Thunder." Joining Don and Mel are singer Max Carl from 38 Special, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick. best known for his 12 years with KISS, and keyboardist Tim Cashion whose credits include stints with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band and English soul man Robert Palmer. The group has now accumulated 13 gold and 10 platinum records with record sales in excess of 25 million copies sold worldwide.

Special guest Jamie O'Neal will also grace the stage with her award-winning country style. O'Neal has performed with many of country music's top stars including a collaboration of songs with Reba McEntire, Bridget Jones and Carrie Underwood.

New country fans will recognize the great talents of CMT's 'Music City Madness' winner Chance McKinney, who beat out several thousand up and coming country stars to earn an all-expense paid trip to Nashville to record an episode of the CMT online series, "Studio 330 Sessions." McKinney recently opened for Blake Shelton and Dwight Yoakam, and the local boy is taking a detour from his current tour to come back the Northwest and play for his home crowd.

The Skagit Music Festival also features the talents of the Chris Eger Band, Minnie Murphy, the Jimmy Murphy Band, and Midlife Crisis and the Alimony Horns. The day-long music event takes place at Skagit Speedway, located off I-5 exit 232 (Cook Road), then 5 miles north of the Shell station on Old Hwy 99.

General admission festival seating tickets are just $20 for adults, with children 12 and under $10. At $75 each, VIP tickets include VIP parking, an event T-shirt, food and beverages, and autographs from the band. Tickets can be purchased at the track or online at www.brownpapertickets.com.