This fall the gallop of racing horses won’t be the only thing you hear under the twin spires of Churchill Downs. It was announced yesterday that rock group O.A.R. (of a revolution) will be performing on September 9th to celebrate the start of September racing at the track. The show will also feature special guests Allen Stone and Brynn Elliot.
“Music has had a presence at the home of the Kentucky Derby since our track’s earliest days, and we’re excited to partner with Live Nation to renew that tradition with this exciting appearance by O.A.R.,” said Ryan Jordan, General Manager of Churchill Downs. “Our Plaza stage offers an intimate and comfortable setting that’s perfect for both a special evening for O.A.R. and its fans and a wonderful return of live music to Churchill Downs.”
O.A.R. rose out of Maryland nearly two decades ago, writing light songs with irresistible hooks, the band quickly built a loyal fanbase with the help of college radio, one of a kind live shows, and word of mouth. The band has continued together with a constant stream of touring and consistent albums, including their latest which will be released in June called “The Rockville LP.”
They are best known for critically acclaimed albums like “The Wanderer,” “In Between Now and Then,” and “Stories of the Stranger” each of which is peppered with O.A.R.’s brand of funky, catchy songwriting that endears songs like, “That Was a Crazy Game of Poker,” “Shattered (turn the car around),” “Hey Girl,” “Love and Memories,” and “This Town” – to fans in a way that few other artists seem able to manage. The unique airy optimism lends the band’s songs to reach a transcendent level when performed in front of an audience filled with their devotees.
General admission tickets for O.A.R. at Churchill Downs will go on-sale this Friday, May 8th at Noon.
(photo by Josh Goleman)
