Clay Walker

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.

There’s more to the duality of Clay Walker’s debut Show Dog Nashville album Texas To Tennessee than the title. Certainly, the realities of place are as central as this comeback album’s name implies: Nashville busily working toward the next fresh hit; Texas moving at its inimitable and familiar pace. There’s also a mix of songwriting and production approaches, evident and more nuanced relationships between the songs themselves, and the overarching presence of a naturally gifted vocalist who relentlessly pursues his own development as a singer. But don’t mistake those dualities for dichotomy – and certainly not polarity. In a storied career dotted with smash singles, platinum albums and countless honors and acclaim, maybe the connection between country’s timeless themes and music-of-the-moment timeliness has been there all along.

Many of the country fans behind the almost 20 million on-demand and video streams for his latest single “Need A Bar Sometimes” – who may also be among his 750,000 TikTok followers – are wholly unaware of Walker’s history. Discovered in a Beaumont area bar by noted producer and head of Giant Records James Stroud (Toby Keith, Tracy Lawrence, Tim McGraw, Kenny Rogers), Walker was in his early twenties when he started rattling off a string of smash hits. Among them, “Live Until I Die,” “Dreaming With My Eyes Open,” “This Woman And This Man,” “Hypnotize The Moon,” “Rumor Has It,” “Then What,” “I Can’t Sleep” and “She Won’t Be Lonely Long.” His self-titled debut album rocketed to platinum status, the first of four to cross the million-sold mark. Racking up more than 30 charted singles and 11 No. 1s wasn’t without its struggles, however.

“Being born and raised in the Houston area, I thought of myself in the line of George Strait and Clint Black, but my first producer had other ideas,” Walker says. “James Stroud pushed me more towards pop sounds I fought with. What he was saying, and I think he was right, was, ‘Clay, you’ve got some gears to you that will excite people if you let it.’ I was young – 23 – and didn’t really settle with that. But now I’m in a sweet spot in music, in life, and I definitely feel the audience has swung around to appreciating music that makes those connections.”

Those links are obvious on Texas To Tennessee. “Anything To Do With You” opens the album with smooth bore country that would feel right at home on any of Walker’s four platinum CDs. Song two is the counterweight single, with its processed steel guitar lick, wistful pandemic-perfect theme and explosive streaming numbers.

Production was handled in tandem by acclaimed multi-platinum producer Michael Knox (Jason Aldean) and chart-topping songwriter Jaron Boyer (“Somewhere On A Beach,” “Hell Of Night,” “Girl Like You”). Recording took place in Galveston and Nashville.

“Jaron Boyer is the best songwriter I’ve ever written with,” Walker says. “He’s had a bunch of No. 1s and lots of album cuts. Plus, he’s a phenomenal singer and track builder. The total package. As a writer, his phrasing and melodies are just insane.”

While Boyer is second only to Walker himself on writing credits, the duo of songs at the heart of the album finds Walker working with the formerly married songwriting powerhouse of Jennifer Hanson and Mark Nesler. “Cowboy Loves A Woman” embodies the “Texas” in the album title. It’s sequel, the title track, narrates Walker’s journey. Together, they are the most direct encapsulation of his core as an artist and as a man. “Catching Up With An Ol’ Memory” is perhaps the album’s singular moment. The exception that stands astride both worlds with its fresh sonic bed, echoes of heroes past and an airy, vocals-up mix.

“The studio can be intimidating for artists because we don’t do this all the time,” Walker says. “I’m sure this is part of producers doing their job in being cheerleaders, but when I was singing ‘Memory,’ Michael Knox got on the talk-back mic with the band and goes, ‘We got us a real singer, boys. I think this might be the album take.’ That was nice to hear. And then for him to show the respect for that vocal in how it was mixed with vocals at the forefront and all that space around it … Singing well is important to me. Having integrity in my vocal cords, continuing to take voice lessons and working on having what I’m going to call free tone – hey, if you’re not trying to get better you never will.”

“Cowboy” is inarguably the album’s “Texas” anchor. “It reminds me of what made country music great,” Walker says. “Not that it’s the greatest country song. Don’t misunderstand. Nor am I the best singer in country music. I have never and would never claim those things. But I might be in a place where I can connect the value in a song that sounds like ‘Need A Bar’ and one like ‘Cowboy.’ And vocally, I’m at my best right now. There’s an ease in my voice – particularly on ‘Cowboy’ – that just makes sense. I sang it through a couple times and we were done. I didn’t have to press. We just had it.”

Elsewhere on the album, “Country Side” is a slow roll on a two-lane built around a hook so pure, it’s a wonder the song wasn’t written before 2020. “I Just Wanna Hold You” flips the title track’s seeking theme around to come to a similar conclusion, while “You Look Good” offers the album’s most of-the-moment sound in embracing the satisfaction of life well loved. The album closes with the sure-fire in-concert party anthem “One More.”

Texas To Tennessee is also a modern album that nods at an earlier era in its time economy. Clocking in under 30 minutes in its entirety and with more than half its songs under three minutes, it recalls some of country’s historical best in terms of uncluttered writing, directness of message and finely shaved construction.

Walker is quick to point fingers. “Throughout my career, there have been key people who helped me put albums together, find or write good songs and get them out to fans,” he says. “But I saw something with this album I’ve not experienced: what it takes to make a championship happen. The songs are your deep-threat wide receivers. The full support of your record label is the offensive line. Michael and Jaron – these guys ran through walls for me. Everyone has done their part and it’s impressive. You can have talent, be famous or have a few hits, but you can’t win the Super Bowl without champions around you. Man, I’ve got ’em.

Teamwork is also at the core of Walker’s battle against Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Diagnosed in 1996, he has become a passionate advocate and fundraiser for others with the disease through his Band Against MS. Among his efforts are the annual Clay Walker Charity Classic at Pebble Beach. The golf event highlights the highly active way Walker has approached MS, continuing to perform and raise a growing family while showing no signs of slowing.

“It’s very gratifying to be at a point in my life where I can offer something in its fullness,” he continues. “I’ve never quite had that before. I was pegged as a neo-traditionalist early on, but I don’t think I fit that mold. For a lot of reasons – maybe the pendulum of music is in the perfect spot – but today’s music and my style have hit center on this album.”

OPENER: JB Aaron Band

DIRECT SUPPORT: Alyssa Trahan

T icket Prices:

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

We 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.