Batavia Downs President and CEO, Bryon Brown, has unveiled the highly anticipated lineup for the eighth season of the “Rockin’ the Downs” summer concert series. This exciting series will feature eight incredible concerts held on Friday nights from June to August 2025, taking place outdoors in the heart of the Batavia Downs track.
Batavia Downs, located in Batavia, New York, is a renowned entertainment venue that has become a staple in Western New York. Established in 1940, the venue boasts a vibrant atmosphere with its combination of a variety of entertainment options. In addition to the racing, Batavia Downs offers a full-service gaming facility, complete with over 900 gaming machines, providing guests with an exciting gaming experience.
Batavia Downs is not just about and gaming; also hosts a range of concerts and events throughout the summer, making it a sought-after destination for music lovers. The outdoor concert series, “Rockin’ the Downs,” has quickly gained popularity, drawing in top-tier artists and bands to perform in the scenic setting of the racing track.
The concert series kicks off on Friday, June 20th, with legendary band Queensrÿche. With over 30 million albums sold worldwide and multiple Grammy Award nominations, Queensrÿche is known for their high-octane live performances. Fans can look forward to hearing classic hits like “Silent Lucidity,” “Queen of the Reich,” and “Eyes of a Stranger.”
Following the opening act, the Allman Betts Band will make their debut on Friday, June 27th. This supergroup, formed by Devon Allman and Duane Betts—sons of Allman Brothers co-founders Gregg Allman and Dickey Betts—brings together sharp songwriting and fiery guitar work. Attendees can expect a blend of original songs and beloved classics from their fathers’ legacy.
After a brief hiatus for Independence Day, the series resumes on Friday, July 11th with Almost Queen, a tribute band that captures the magic of Queen. With stunning harmonies and authentic costumes, they will transport the audience back to Queen’s glory days, performing legendary hits that fans know and love.
On Friday, July 18th, Batavia Downs welcomes The Machine, America’s top Pink Floyd tribute show. With over 30 years of experience, The Machine extends the legacy of Pink Floyd through stellar musicianship and captivating performances featuring dramatic lighting and visuals.
The following week, on Friday, July 25th, the Little River Band will take the stage. Formed in Melbourne, Australia, in 1975, this band is known for its powerful vocals and guitar harmonies. Fans can enjoy hits such as “Take It Easy On Me,” “Lonesome Loser,” and more. Opening for them will be the American rock band Ambrosia, known for their classics like “How Much I Feel.”
On August 1st, Batavia Downs is proud to host Lou Gramm, a Rochester native and 2024 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee. As the original voice of Foreigner, Gramm has made a lasting impact on the rock scene for over 40 years. Concertgoers can expect to hear iconic hits such as “Hot Blooded,” “Cold as Ice,” and “Juke Box Hero.” This performance is particularly special as Gramm plans to retire next year, making it a must-see event for fans in New York. Lou does plan to drop an album in June along with farewell shows before he retires.
The concert series continues with the legendary Commodores on Friday, August 8th. With over 70 million albums sold and numerous hits like “Easy” and “Brick House,” these Motown icons are sure to delight audiences with their Greatest Hits Tour.
Finally, the series will conclude with the iconic rock band Kansas on Friday, August 15th. With a career spanning five decades and over 30 million albums sold, Kansas has established itself as a classic rock staple. Fans can look forward to hearing timeless hits such as “Carry On Wayward Son” and “Dust in the Wind.”
“I’m excited about the 2025 Summer Concert Series at Batavia Downs, especially with legendary bands like Kansas and the Commodores coming here for the very first time,” said Bryon Brown. “This concert series has quickly become a Western New York summertime destination.”
Batavia Downs “Rockin’ the Downs” Concert Series
June 20: Queensrÿche – 7:00 PM
June 27: Allman Betts Band – 7:00 PM
July 11: Almost Queen – 7:00 PM
July 18: The Machine – 7:00 PM
July 25: Little River Band with Ambrosia – 7:00 PM
August 1: Lou Gramm – 7:00 PM
August 8: The Commodores – 7:00 PM
August 15: Kansas – 7:00 PM
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