GRAMMY® award winning artist Michael McDonald will headline this year's HITS Championship Weekend Sunday, September 9 with a live concert following the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix.
HITS President and CEO Tom Struzzieri proudly welcomes rock royalty Michael McDonald to center stage with excitement, noting no better way to thank exhibitors for their continued support.
“The three classes that will take place on that Sunday have always been about giving back to the customers who support the HITS product throughout the year. Pairing those with a concert of this caliber is another demonstration of our appreciation and a great tool for drawing spectators beyond the equine set to the show grounds for the competitions,” he said. “It adds a great family-friendly flavor to the weekend and helps to put folks in the bleachers, so it’s a true win-win.”
Beginning his singing and songwriting career as a soulful baritone backup with Steely Dan, McDonald added a unique flavor to the celebrated American rock band sound. After being recruited by the Doobie Brothers, he quickly became front man to the guitar driven rock band know for such hits as Takin’ It to the Streets, What a Fool Believes, and Minute by Minute. McDonald’s talent flourished when he built his solo career releasing successful singles including Yah Mo B There, Sweet Freedom and On My Own with fellow GRAMMY® winner Patti Labelle. McDonald’s hit songs have held multiple spots on both R&B and Pop charts, including his album Motown, which earned platinum sales certification as well as two GRAMMY® nominations. Most recently, McDonald’s solo efforts include a unique blend of cover songs and new original compositions for his third Motown inspired album, entitled “Soul Speak.”
Week VIII of HITS Saugerties will begin Wednesday, September 5 and feature one last qualifying opportunity for the Pfizer Million — the $50,000 Wild Card Grand Prix, presented by Pfizer Animal Health — before the famed HITS Championship Weekend gets underway. Beginning Friday, September 7, Championship Weekend kicks off, showcasing the Diamond Mills $500,000 Hunter Prix Final, the Pfizer $1 Million Grand Prix and the debut of the HITS $250,000 Hunter Prix Final — totaling $1.75 million in prize money on a single day.
Exhibitors showing during Week VIII at HITS-on-the-Hudson will receive complimentary passes to all events and award ceremonies as well as concert access. A limited number of VIP areas are available for upgrade purchase. Luxury accommodations for VIPs include week-long table reservations with upgraded dining options and premium seating for eight. VIPs will also enjoy preferred seating for the Michael McDonald concert.
Tickets for Championship Sunday and the Michael McDonald concert go on sale Wednesday, May 23. All concert ticket purchases include not only a live performance from Michael McDonald, but admission to the Diamond Mills Hunter Prix Final, HITS Hunter Prix Final and the Pfizer Million. General admission tickets can be purchased in May at the Bardavon, Ulster Performing Arts Center, HITS Box Office and through Ticketmaster.com. Tickets are $25 dollars in advance and $30 on event day. General Admission is on a first come first serve basis with festival style seating.
To purchase tickets for the much anticipated Michael McDonald concert, please visit:
• Bardavon Box Office, 35 Market Street, Poughkeepsie. (845) 473-2072
• Ulster Performing Arts Center Box Office, 601 Broadway, Kingston. (845) 339-6088
• HITS Box Office, 319 Main Street, Saugerties. (845) 246-8833
• Ticketmaster.com, (800)745-3000