Bret Michaels Lights Up Grantville Summer Concert
Iconic rocker salutes hometown heroes, Blackhawk flyovers and rocking fans at summer party
Image: Instagram
Summer Party Takes Off In Grantville
Rock icon Bret Michaels roared onto the stage at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania on June 14, delivering a high-voltage summer kickoff that left fans buzzing. In an Instagram post just before showtime, Michaels teased, “Grantville, Pennsylvania & @hollywoodpnrc The party has started 🎊 The fans are here. The race team is here. The Blackhawk helicopters are here. The party starts now🤘.”
Venue Transformed Into Festival Ground
The racetrack infield became a full-fledged festival zone. Local food trucks offered Philly cheesesteaks, BBQ sliders and craft brews while vintage car clubs showcased gleaming restorations under tents. Custom lighting rigs illuminated the grandstands and a temporary stage rose where racehorses normally thundered by. Organizers estimate around 12,000 guests—rock fans and racing enthusiasts—packed the stands, filling every seat and ringing the air with anticipation.
Celebrating Hometown Heroes And Dads
Michaels’s show served double duty as a Flag Day tribute and Father’s Day salute. Earlier Instagram teasers promised, “Tonight is gonna be beautiful @hollywoodpnrc, a great kickoff to the summer with fun, nothing but all killer hits, no filler … We will honor our hometown heroes on this #FlagDay and a big shout out to all the great dads – Happy Father’s Day.” Giant flags draped the track’s finish line and Michaels paused mid-set to lead a crowd sing-along of “God Bless America.”
Blackhawks Overhead
The spectacle reached new heights when two U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopters hovered in formation above the stage during Poison’s “Every Rose Has Its Thorn.” The powerful flyover, coordinated with local military liaison officers, matched pyrotechnics that lit the night sky. Attendees shared clips on social media, quickly racking up thousands of views and comments praising the military salute.
High-energy Setlist And All-killer Hits
True to his promise of “all killer hits, no filler,” Michaels and his band crushed through Poison classics like “Nothin’ But a Good Time,” “Talk Dirty to Me” and “Unskinny Bop.” Solo tracks “Go That Far” and “Something to Believe In” kept the momentum blazing as the frontman, wearing his signature bandana and leather vest, encouraged fans to sing every chorus. Longtime guitarist Pete Evick delivered searing solos, and drummer RJ DeGidio drove the rhythm with precision.
Local Media And Vip Experiences
In the days leading up to the event, Michaels connected with Central Pennsylvania outlets, giving shout-outs to Chris James, Mike Miller, Glenn, Harley and Dennis at ABC. Behind-the-scenes photos showed him in a denim vest peppered with patches during interviews. VIP packages—ranging from meet-and-greets to side-of-stage seating—sold out fast. A limited number remained available via a link in Michaels’s story, allowing superfans to snag autographs, photo ops and premium viewing alongside his touring crew.
Peaking On The Festival Circuit
Grantville was just the opening chapter of Michaels’s busy summer itinerary. His Instagram feed also announced a September 13 date at Bend of the River Music Festival in Mankato, Minnesota, where he’ll share the stage with Stephen Pearcy of RATT and Great White at the Vetter Stone Amphitheater. Reservations for that show have been live since early May, promising a high-octane night of ’80s and ’90s arena rock.
Community Roots And Family Time
Between festival runs, Michaels has stayed grounded in Central Pennsylvania. He shared a candid post about tubing on the Yellow Breeches River, only to find himself unexpectedly on camera—soaked but smiling—for his podcast interview with Jay Glazer. He also spotlighted Range End’s rustic charm, calling it “great for the soul” and posting photos of barbecue dinners with family and longtime friends.
Next Stops On The Road
Michaels’s team confirmed additional tour stops across five states, part of the offshoot Vida Loca Tour. Fans can follow updates on his official website and on streaming platforms where his podcast “Bret Michaels Unplugged” continues to feature conversations about rock history, sports and health.
As the final chords of “Fallen Angel” rang out, Bret Michaels raised his guitar overhead, thanked Grantville for an unforgettable night, and officially declared summer open. With thousands of voices echoing his farewell, the Poison frontman proved once again why he remains one of rock’s most enduring live performers.
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