Vince Neil, Don Felder headline Batavia Downs fourth annual 'Rockin the Downs' summer concert series

’80s & classic rock bands booked

Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has announced the lineup for its fourth annual “Rockin’ the Downs” concert series, which take place outside on the racetrack on eight Friday dates, starting in June and running into August.

Kicking off the series Friday, June 19, is Vince Neil, the legendary voice of Mötley Crüe. An accomplished businessman and philanthropist, his unmistakable voice leads some of the greatest rock songs of a generation, including “Wild Side,” “Shout at the Devil,” “Home Sweet Home,” “Girls, Girls, Girls,” “Dr. Feelgood,” “Kickstart My Heart” and “Same Ol’ Situation.”

Next up, on Friday, June 26, is former Journey frontman Steve Augeri. He returns after playing one of the most enjoyable concerts from last year’s series. The lead vocalist for the rock group from 1998-2006, Augeri headlined an eight-year tenure that included three albums. He will perform hits such as “Don’t Stop Believin,’ ” “Separate Ways,” “Wheel in the Sky,” “Faithfully” and “Anyway you Want it.”

After a one-week hiatus for the Fourth of July, the concert series returns Friday, July 10, with southern rock legends Molly Hatchet. Originating in Jacksonville in 1978, the band has gone on to release 14 studio albums. Expect hits such as “Flirtin’ with Disaster,” “Dreams I’ll Never See” and “Whiskey Man.”

Rocking the stage Friday, July 17, is heavy metal rockers Skid Row. After forming in New Jersey in 1986, the band has performed all over the world with hard guitars and a unique songwriting style. They group looks to perform hits “In a Darkened Room,” “We Are the Damned,” “Youth Gone Wild” and “18 and Life.”

Jonny Lang performs Friday, July 24. Hailing from Fargo, North Dakota, the blues, gospel and rock singer has had five albums chart in the Billboard 200. The Grammy Award-winning artist will perform hits such as “Still Rainin,’ ” “Bring Me Back Home,” “Breakin’ Me” and “Lie to Me.”

Friday, July 31, will find Don Felder perform at the Downs. As a renowned former lead guitarist of The Eagles, one of the most popular and influential rock groups of all time, Felder helped write and perform iconic classics. His 2008 memoir was a New York Times bestseller. He will perform solo and Eagles’ hits during his set, including “Heavy Metal (Takin’ a Ride),” “Hotel California,” “Life in the Fast Lane,” “The Long Run” and “Tequila Sunrise.”

A premier Pink Floyd show, “The Machine” hits the stage Friday, Aug. 7. Over 30 years, band members have extended the legacy of Pink Floyd, while creating another legacy all their own. Over the years, The Machine has touched the hearts and souls of many with their stellar musicianship, dramatic lighting and video performances.

Two other tribute rock acts celebrating the music of The Who and Queen will also grace the stage that evening for what will be a memorable musical journey back in time.

Closing out the series on Friday, Aug. 14, is alternative rock band Puddle of Mudd. The post-grunge band from Kansas City, Missouri, has sold over 7 million albums – and provided one of the most well attended concerts of 2018’s summer concert series. Concertgoers will hear hits such as “She Hates Me,” “Blurry” and “Control.”

Tickets for all eight concerts will be available at www.BataviaConcerts.com beginning at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 17. Individual pre-sale tickets to each concert will remain at $10 for general admission, while VIP tickets will again be $25. Concertgoers will be able to purchase tickets in the premium section directly in front of the stage. These tickets are $50 and will be very limited for each concert. General admission tickets are $15 if purchased on the day of the concert.

Tickets can also be purchased at Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel at the “Lucky Treasures” gift shop located in the lobby.

At noon today, special VIP packages for the Felder concert will be available on www.BataviaConcerts.com.

Concertgoers will once again have the option of purchasing a season pass, which includes admission to all eight concerts at a discounted rate. The season pass for 2020 is $60 for general admission or $150 for VIP.

New this year will be a chair rental option for lawn seats. While patrons are allowed to bring their own chairs, there will be 500 chairs available for rental for $5 each. A portion of proceeds for chair rental will benefit Western New York Make-A-Wish. Staff from Make-A-Wish also will sell insulated drink holders.

“It’s incredible to think we are in our fourth year of the concert series,” said Henry Wojtaszek, CEO/president of Batavia Downs Gaming. “We’re excited to continue to bring musical icons to Batavia Downs and provide great entertainment at an affordable price. We’re looking forward to partnering again with Western New York Make-A-Wish to help raise funds to help them transform lives. We hope to see the community come together again this summer.”

Hotel room/ticket packages will be available for each concert. Purchase of a hotel room on the night of a concert using the code includes two VIP tickets to the show while supplies last. Each concert ticket is also redeemable once at Player’s Club in the three days following the concert for $10 free play to be used on one of Batavia Downs gaming machines.

Concerts are held rain or shine. Additional information may be found at www.BataviaDownsGaming.com.

Owned and operated by 15 Western New York counties and the cities of Rochester and Buffalo, Western Region Off-Track Betting Corp. is a public benefit corporation with headquarters in Batavia. WROTB owns and operates 17 branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. Since its inception, Western Region OTB has generated over $220 million in operating and surcharge revenues to the taxpayers of those participating municipalities.