Journey lead singer to headline at Lone Star Rally

Galveston’s annual Lone Star Rally was expected to draw more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts over the weekend, with concerts, special appearances by stars of FX network's "Sons of Anarchy" and a ride-in bike show. The event winds up Sunday, Nov. 3, 2013. less Galveston’s annual Lone Star Rally was expected to draw more than 500,000 motorcycle enthusiasts over the weekend, with concerts, special appearances by stars of FX network's "Sons of Anarchy" and a ride-in ... more Photo: Jorge Valdez / For The Houston Chronicle Photo: Jorge Valdez / For The Houston Chronicle Image 1 of / 54 Caption Close Journey lead singer to headline at Lone Star Rally 1 / 54 Back to Gallery

A new expanded entertainment program has been announced by the organizers of the Lone Star Rally which is due to thunder into Galveston early next month.

The event, believed to be the largest motorcycle rally in Texas, has extended events on the Thursday adding a free set by the former lead singer of Journey, Steve Augeri, at Saengerfest Park.

The first day of the four day program running November 6-9 will also include a parade ride along the shore which will end at Pier 21 with a special memorial ceremony for Vietnam veterans.

Pipers will play and the national anthem will be sung by Jared Blake from the NBC hit show, "The Voice."

"This rally has just been like a snowball rolling down a hill, it keeps gaining momentum," said co-owner Mark Gray. Gray said more entertainment was a priority for him and his partner Melissa Penland. "We have to get better and better every year and this year it's just been amazing," Gray said.

Organizers added that one of their goals was to bring more people to the city and get them to stay longer, helping local business by spending valuable dollars.

"The fans requested it and we wanted to bring more positive economic impact to Galveston to help get folks in earlier and spend another night in town," said media relations manager Sharon Damante.

Away from the bands, a new custom sports bike show has been added as well as a Jeep show.

Commemorating the Vietnam War is also a central theme and a special memorial wall will be installed where names of those who lost their lives in the conflict will be listed.

The official start of the Vietnam War was 50 years ago this year.

The owners say they hope the event will provide something for everyone even people not interested in bikes.

"Just being down on The Strand on Friday and Saturday night seeing all the people that attend this thing is a sight to behold," said co-owner Gray, "There's so many people having a good time and it's such a good crowd, we never have any problem."

Details of the event can be found at lonestarrally.com