Motown artists Rare Earth will take stage this Friday and Saturday as part of the Frederick Brown Jr. Amphitheater’s ongoing summer concert series.

Formed in 1961 as The Sunliners, the group began as high school friends who decided to start a band. Rare Earth, which took on its new moniker in 1967, played in bars for several years before signing on with the Verve label. Their debut album, “Dream/Answer,” faced little success and in 1969 the group signed on with Motown Record Corporation.

The band was the first act signed to a new Motown imprint that would be dedicated to white rock acts. The record company didn't have a name for the new label yet, and the band jokingly suggested Motown call the label “Rare Earth.” To the band’s surprise, Motown decided to do just that.

“Get Ready,” the band’s first recording, was 21 minutes long and one whole side of the first album. The hit remained on the charts for almost three years, selling millions of records. Some of Rare Earth’s other hits from 1969 to 1974 include “Big Brother,” “Born to Wander,” “Tobacco Road,” “Losin’ You” and “I Just Want to Celebrate.”

Opening for Rare Earth at 8 p.m. is Crystal and the Cruisers, a local Fayette County band. Also performing at this year’s Cattle Barron’s Ball, Crystal and the Cruisers will perform a mixture of country and classic rock from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

Tickets can be purchased at the box office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. or through Ticketmaster at 404-249-6400, www.ticketmaster.com or at any Ticketmaster retail location.

Ticket prices are $48 for reserved seats and $32 for lawn seats. For more information, visit www.amphitheater.org or call 770-631-0630.

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