April Wine

O ur 2024 Rockin' the Downs Summer Concert Series is HERE! Tickets available online at BataviaConcerts.com or at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop in our lobby.

Spring 2012 starts with a new change in the group’s line-up. Roy “Nip” Nichol replaces Blair Mackay on the drums. Nip is from Cornwall, Ontario and has been playing drums since the age of 15. He is also a great singer and having four vocalists in the band at the same time will be a new experience for the legendary band.

In 2014, Myles Goodwyn made waves in the music industry when he announced his intention to step down as the lead singer of April Wine, while on tour. Despite not wanting to leave the band entirely, he was seeking a replacement for live performances. Myles ultimately decided to remain in the lead position but significantly reduce the number of live performances, from the norm of over 60 shows a year, to just 30. This allowed April Wine to keep moving forward with their music and touring, which they did until the COVID-19 pandemic brought live performances to a halt in 2020.

As the world started to slowly recover from the pandemic, April Wine was looking to make some change, and it seems like they’ll be doing it with a new lineup. In December 2022, Myles announced that he would finally be stepping down from the lead position of the band, while on tour. he made it clear that he wasn’t leaving April Wine entirely, but rather doing what he set out to do back in 2014. And now, he’s found his replacement in Marc Parent, a musician who had to turn down the opportunity back in 2014 due to family commitments but is ready to take on the role in 2023.

On 2 March 2023, Myles Goodwyn performed his last official “live” show with April Wine in Truro, Nova Scotia, close to where it all started. Despite a massive snowstorm, fans filled the arena to enjoy the band’s performance. He announced that he might drop in and perform with the band, from time to time, if they are in his area….but his days of touring coast to coast are over.

Despite being referred to as a “new lineup,” it’s worth noting that the other members have been with April Wine for quite some time. Brian Greenway has been part of the group for an impressive 46 years, while Richard Lanthier and Roy Nichol have been with the band for 13 and 11 years, respectively. Although Marc Parent is the newest addition, he is not new to the music industry and brings much experience to the band. With a group of experienced rockers like this, April Wine is in a strong position to continue their legacy as one of Canada’s most iconic rock bands. Fans are eagerly anticipating their next performance, curious to see what these talented musicians will bring to the table.

OPENER: Savage Cabbage

DIRECT SUPPORT: Carl Dixon Does the Guess Who

T icket Prices:

• G A: $15
• V IP: $30
• P remium: $60
• F ront Row: $75

W e can't wait to see you there!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ROCKIN’ THE DOWNS CONCERT SERIES FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Where can I purchase General Admission, VIP, and Premium tickets?
A: You may purchase concert tickets online at BataviaConcerts.com OR at the Lucky Treasures Gift Shop.

Q: What is the difference between Premium, VIP, and General Admission Seating?
A: Great question! Premium seating guarantees a seat in the first 5 rows behind the Front Row and chairs are provided. VIP also has seats provided and is in the rows directly behind the Premium section.

Please note: Premium and VIP seats are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, those that arrive earlier will be able to claim the best seats available in their given section.

General Admission seating is in our lawn area. Those who purchase tickets in the lawn section are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs or rent one for $5 from Make-A-Wish. Limited rental chairs are available.

Q: Where do the Rockin’ the Downs Concerts take place?
A: All Rockin’ the Downs concerts will take place outside on the racetrack rain or shine.

Q: Is the Rockin’ the Downs Concert Series at Batavia Downs open to all ages?
A: YES! (Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.)

Q: Are there any free tickets or give-a-ways available?
A: DUE TO LIMITED SEATING THERE ARE NO FREE TICKETS. There will be prize drawings for tickets on the gaming floor.

Q: Can I bring my own chairs/blankets?
A: Yes, you may bring your own chairs for sitting in the General Admission area. VIP ticket holders are not required to bring their own chairs as seating is provided but can use their own chair if desired. Make-A-Wish will have chair rental for $5 (limited chairs are available).

Q: Is there ADA seating?
A: Yes. A designated ADA section is reserved for those who may need extra space. A shuttle will be onsite to transport individuals to and from the gaming facility to the concert venue outside on the racetrack.

Q: Are cameras permitted?
A: Small handheld or personal cameras are allowed. Professional cameras of any kind are not permitted without a media pass.

Q: Can I bring my dog to a Rockin’ the Downs concert?
A: No, unless it is a certified service animal. Paperwork is required.

Q: Is outside food or beverage permitted?
A: No.

Q: Will there be food or beverage for sale?
A: Within the concert venue on the racetrack, multiple food vendors will be on site. Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will be available for purchase on-site using drink tickets. Drink tickets will be sold for all beverages purchased.

Q: May I bring in a backpack?
A: No, backpacks and large tote bags are not allowed.

Q: What time do doors open? What time do the bands go on stage?
A: Doors open at 4:00PM for each Rockin’ the Downs concert. Typically, music will start at 5-5:30 PM and the headliner will go on stage at around 8-8:30 PM, depending on the concert.

Q: Are concerts rain or shine?
A: Yes. For the safety of our patrons, concerts will be cancelled in the case of severe weather – i.e. thunder, lightning, or very strong winds. Umbrellas are permitted in case of rain. Please be respectful to other patrons in the concert venue when using an umbrella.

Q: Where do I park?
A: Free parking is available in our parking lot across the street. Valet parking is also complimentary but limited.

Q: How can I redeem the $10 Free Play that comes with my ticket?
A: You must be a Player’s Club member to redeem the concert ticket Free Play. Free Play can be redeemed within 72 hours of the concert date stated on the ticket, starting at 8 am Friday morning of the concert to the following Sunday at midnight. If you already have a Player’s Club card, there is a mobile Player’s Club unit in the Paddock Room to redeem your ticket Free Play or redeem Free Play at Player’s Club on the Gaming Floor. If you are a new member, you can sign up for a Player’s Club card & account at the Player’s Club desk on the Gaming Floor. A Player’s Club member will mark your ticket and print you out a Free Play $10 voucher. Please note, only those 18+ are allowed to redeem free play and enter the gaming floor.

Security Procedures

Visitors attending Rockin’ the Downs concerts throughout the summer are encouraged to arrive early to ensure orderly entry into the concert. Gates open at 4:00 PM for VIP ticket holders and General Admission. Re-entry to and from the concert venue is allowed. Please ensure your belongings and chairs are secured as Batavia Downs is not responsible for lost or stolen items.

In addition, any patron who is removed from the concert and attempts re-entry will be charged with criminal trespassing. Anyone who is removed from the premises by violating these rules is subject to possible arrest and being barred from Batavia Downs property.

All bags and persons are subject to security inspection. The following information is designed to assist in expediting the entry process.

ITEMS THAT MUST BE PLACED ON THE SECURITY INSPECTION TABLES:

• • • ALL METAL
    • Bags (Diaper bags and small purses are permitted – No larger than 12″ X 12″)
    • Cell Phones
    • Keys
    • Electronic Devices
    • Chairs
    • Blankets

PROHIBITED ITEMS AT ROCKIN’ THE DOWNS CONCERTS

·

• • • Any item deemed inappropriate or dangerous by security
    • Weapons of any kind
    • Air horns
    • Animals (unless a service animal)
    • Backpacks/Large tote bags
    • Bicycles (within the secure perimeter)
    • Fireworks
    • Glass containers
    • Illegal drugs/drug paraphernalia
    • Laser pointers
    • Outside food or beverage, including coolers (unless have called venue ahead of time for specific medial purposes)
    • Professional video and photo cameras (unless individual has an approved media pass)
    • Selfie sticks, tripods, or monopods

ALCOHOL CONSUMPTION

• • Any guest who is deemed intoxicated upon arrival will not be permitted to enter.
  • Anyone under the age of 21 who has alcohol on them will be removed from the site.
  • Any adult who provides alcohol to someone under the age of 21 will be removed.
  • Staff will ask for proof of age from anyone wishing to purchase alcohol and those individuals will receive a wristband.
  • Anyone who staff believes to be intoxicated will be immediately removed.