By Tony Farina
As he says in his television commercials, former Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown, the president and CEO of Batavia Downs, wants folks not just to like coming to Batavia, his new home, he wants them “to love coming here.” And in accordance with that theme, he has given customers what they want when it comes to the Rockin’ the Downs summer concert series, this year offering the most diverse lineup in the concert’s nine-year history.
“This year’s seven-show lineup will present artists spanning country, ‘80s rock, classic rock, Motown, and disco—genres our guests have been asking for,” said Brown in announcing the series, which kicks off on Friday, June 26, and continues every Friday night through August 14.
“We’re all very excited about being able to put together this concert lineup that I know will deliver what the customers were asking for, and we start with a legend right from the first night on June 26 with The Spinners (Motown of course) and go on at that super level of music entertainment through the final show of the series featuring country icon Jo Dee Messina,” said Brown. “We are expecting great crowds every week, rain or shine, with the performers presented in the center of the Batavia Downs race track.”
Brown said they expect another attendance record this year, topping the 25,000 attendees who made the stop at the Thruway hot spot last year for the concerts and, of course, all the other things on the menu at Batavia Downs, including almost 1,000 gaming machines and three on-site restaurants to choose from.
“As demand has grown for these exclusive tickets, we decided to make it much easier for folks to purchase tickets in the premium section so they know exactly where they are sitting,” said Ryan Hasenauer, Vice President of Business Development. “This will make the concert night experience much more enjoyable for fans. As always, we have free parking and free valet available to our guests.”
The entire summer concert series, according to Brown, continues to be an incredible value for families and music fans alike.
“We look forward to welcoming our loyal fans and new concertgoers back starting in June,” added Brown.
Tickets for all seven concerts are available exclusively at www.BataviaConcerts.com. All tickets can be redeemed at Player’s Club at any time in the three days following the concert for $10 Free Play to be used on one of Batavia Downs Gaming’s 940+ gambling. Season tickets are also back and are on sale for General Admission and VIP Sections. A season pass for general admission will be $100 (a savings of $30). Season passes for VIP Section tickets are $175, a savings of $15, Season passes may only be purchased online. Additional information may be found at www.BatviaDownsGaming.com.
Western Region Off-Track Betting Corporation is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 8 OTB branches, 25 Ez-Bet sites, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standardbred racetrack and gaming and hotel facility. Western Region OTB has generated over $260 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of participating municipalities.
Below is the full list of the Rockin’ the Downs concert lineup:
• Friday, June 26: The Spinners, featuring universal appeal owing to a classic catalog of songs. Motown legends with current members Jessie Peck, Ronnie Moss, C. J. Jefferson, and Keith Patterson, continuing the legacy of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame group. Hear songs like The Rubberband Man, Working My Way Back to You and I’ll Be Around.
• Friday, July 10: Following a one-week break for Independence Day, the concerts resume with Quiet Riot on stage, boasting over 15 million records sold worldwide. Lead singer Jizzy Pearl, alongside legendary bassist Rudy Sarzo. Come on, enjoy Feel the Noize and Metal Health (Bang Your Head) and other great Quiet Riot favorites.
• Friday, July 17: Disco superstars Village People. Making their summer concert debut, Village People is one of the most iconic music groups in the world. Their music has become part of the international songbook. Their major hit Y.M.C.A (along with its dance) is played at every party, wedding, bar mitzvah, and sporting event in the universe. They will perform their great hits like Macho Man, In the Navy, Go West, and more.
• Friday, July 24: John Waite, the golden voice of rock. As the lead singer of The Baby’s and Bad English, his book of hits includes some of the most loved songs of the 80s and 90s—the #1 worldwide hit Missing You, The Baby’s Isn’t it Time and Bad English’s When I See You Smile. Waite’s power ballads (40 years) and driving arena rock vocals are sure to be warmly received.
• Friday, July 31: America’s Van Halen Experience: JUMP. This Toledo-based band is composed of youngsters all born in the mid-late 90s and early 2000s, and features a variety of its hits and deep cuts off their first six albums. JUMP’s live show showcases the classic David Lee Roth era of Van Halen. Hear hits like JUMP alongside staples like Panama, Runnin’ With the Devil, Hot for the Teacher, Ain’t Talkin’ About Love, and so many more.
• Friday, August 7: Tribute Night: Rumours ATL and Refugee. Making their return to Batavia Downs is Rumours ATL: A Fleetwood Mac Tribute. In support will be Refugee, a Tom Petty tribute band. The two great Tribute acts will go through each of their respective band’s hits. Rumours prides itself as being the most authentic Fleetwood Mac Tribute and will play songs like Gypsy, Little Lies, Go Your Own Way, and many more.