The Meadows Entertainment Preview 2018

ENTERTAINMENT PREVIEW 2018 Exclusive interviews!

TOMMY JAMES

of Tommy James & The Shondells

MARK MCGRATH of Sugar Ray

Full calendar of events THE KENTUCKY DERBY Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival 52nd ADIOS & much more!

Anniversary

Anniversary

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Contents

The Meadows Rocks!

Experience the Meadows Casino

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A letter from Jeff Kotula

The Meadows is set to become the concert and entertainment destination in Washington County.

Rockin’ On The Rail

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Check out the lineup for amazing regional acts on The Apron.

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Get crafty

Celebrate Derby Day! The Meadows Casino is the place to be on May 5.

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Get crafty The 2018 Corks & Kegs Festival places an emphasis on local beers, wines and spirits.

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Keep on truckin’ Throw your diet out the window Memorial Day weekend.

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A great race The 52nd Adios Week kicks off on July 21.

Over and over

Tommy James & The Shondells will play some familiar tunes on June 2.

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Entertainment Preview 2018

Experience The Meadows Casino

JEFF M. KOTULA, President Washington County Chamber of Commerce Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency

When we consider the economic advancements our industries and county have achieved over the past several decades, we have to recognize the significant role The Meadows Casino Racetrack Hotel has played in our success – not only as an economic driver for Washington County, but as an industry that has created economic impacts throughout our area.

Since gaming was introduced to Washington County more than a decade ago, The Meadows Casino has grown into one of the county’s largest employers and the county’s largest tourism attraction. Providing employment to more than 1,300 team members who work at the facility, The Meadows Casino has created opportunities for thousands of local residents to make a living and provide for their families. In addition, the establishment of gaming has increased the viability of our horse-racing industry, which supports countless equine and agricultural families in our area. The multiplying effects of this employment is substantial – supporting countless families and local business in our region. This, combined with the millions of dollars The Meadows Casino contributes annually to the Washington County Local Share Account Program, demonstrates the substantial positive impact The Meadows Casino has on our economy.

And as we welcome The Meadows’ continued investment in our community, we must also recognize that the casino offers much more than gaming. It is first and foremost a premier destination that offers worldclass entertainment, casual eateries, fine dining and hosts countless community events. It is remarkable that at this one facility you can enjoy amenities and attractions such as the Corks & Kegs Festival, The Meadow Lanes Bowling, Bistecca Steakhouse, exciting nightlife and concerts from well-known entertainers – all without stepping foot on the gaming floor. The Meadows Casino has transformed the Racetrack Road Corridor into a vibrant entertainment destination that attracts millions of visitors each year to experience the best of our region.

The Meadows Casino has become just that – An Experience – something that we not only visit and enjoy but also take with us and remember when we go home. It is an experience of fun, excitement and of great times with facility and friends. It is an experience unique to Washington County and something that more than five million guests to the casino each year take home with them.

The Meadows Casino Entertainment Preview 2018 PUBLISHED BY

122 S. MAIN ST., WASHINGTON, PA 15301 724.222.2200 32 CHURCH ST., WAYNESBURG, PA 15370 724.852.2602 www.observer-reporter.com

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THOMAS P. NORTHROP, PUBLISHER LUCY NORTHROP CORWIN, DIRECTOR OF NEWS MATT MILLER, VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER KATIE GREEN, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR OF NICHE PUBLICATIONS CAROL DEANGELO, MARKETING DIRECTOR CONTRIBUTORS: MARK MARIETTA, FRANCESCA SACCO

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The Meadows rocks!

Photos by Chris Gooden Photography

There’s a lot going on at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino this summer and fall, and in addition to live racing, casino games and fun festivals, they’ve got a very impressive lineup of 16 major national acts coming to The Events Center.

“We want to continue to build our offer experience in the region – events and entertainment are a natural connection for us,” says Kevin Brogan, vice president of marketing at The Meadows. “We want our guests and potential guests to have

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opportunities to visit us for a variety of reasons.”

And with 16 shows this year, that’s really pushing The Meadows to the next level in entertainment in Washington County. “I believe this places us as one of the top entertainment venues in the region,” Brogan says.

“There aren’t many places hosting 16 national acts, particularly in a five-month window.”

He’s right. In fact, the only other location in Washington County with more national acts on the books

this season is KeyBank Pavilion in Burgettstown. And when you add the Rockin’ On The Rail concert series (see more on page 16) to that, you’ve really got a top-notch entertainment destination.

“This year, we have nationally-recognized acts from the ’60s up through the ’90s with a focus on providing a much wider offering than we previously would have considered.

With 16 concerts this year, it is our intent that people in this region will begin to look to us for their entertain-

ment needs, much beyond casino gaming,” Brogan says.

One of those nationally-recognized acts, Vince Neil: The Voice of Mötley Crüe on July 6, has a bit of history with The Meadows entertainment manager, Richie Paulos – Mötley Crüe was the first live concert Paulos saw, back in 1978. Specifically, it was Mötley Crüe and White Snake in New Jersey on Aug. 13, 1978. He was just 15 at the time.

Fast forward to 1995, and Paulos was working in Las Vegas as a

bartender/food runner at the Hard Rock Casino pool where he again came across Vince Neil and they shared stories.

Now, in 2018, Paulos has the power to book what he wants to book. He saw Vince Neil was available, and although Neil was over Paulos’ budget, he made a case to book him and was successful.

Paulos hasn’t spoken with Neil, but doubts he will remember him.

“He’s a rock star. I’m really hoping he’s the same, cool guy and I

can approach him.”

It was Paulos’ life-long dream to work in the entertainment industry.

He’s worked in the casino industry for roughly 20 years; six of those with The Meadows – and no doubt, he’s only going to get busier as The Meadows continues to build on their entertainment offerings.

Look for more than 16 major national acts on the docket next year as Brogan continues his mission to make The Meadows the summer concert destination.

Of course, the benefit to those who attend a show at The Meadows is the amount of other amenities right on-sight, no matter if you are there to attend a major concert or a regional act.

“In addition to great dining, harness racing, bowling and banquets, every Saturday after Live Racing, June through Labor Day Weekend, we are hosting free concerts outside on the Racing Apron,” Brogan says.

“This will be a great opportunity to catch some of the region’s top entertainers in a unique experience.”

For more information on The Meadows and the full lineup of live entertainment, visit meadowsgaming.com.

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Entertainment Preview 2018

Johnny Angel & The Halos

Rockin’ On The Rail After racing is over on Saturdays, stick around!

Join THE MEADOWS every Saturday night for free live concerts on THE MEADOWS APRON JUNE 2–SEPT. 1. Fantastic local bands will perform as soon as racing is complete at approximately 5:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted – and food and drink will also be available. Start times may fluctuate due to racing. For more information, visit meadowsgaming.com.

Dancing Queen

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June 2 JOHNNY ANGEL & THE HALOS June 9 RYAN CAIN AND THE ABLES, 3:30 p.m.

June 16 AIRBORNE featuring JEFF JIMERSON June 23 TONY JANFLONE JR. June 30 THE DELANEYS July 7 MATT BARRANTI BAND July 14 DARLING NIKKI featuring JASON WALKER July 21 BON JOURNEY July 28 NOMaD, 6 p.m.

Aug. 4 DANCING QUEEN Aug. 11 THE STICKERS Aug. 18 JUKEBOX Sept. 1 BASTARD BEARDED IRISHMAN

Entertainment Preview 2018

Celebrate Derby Day! Photos by Chris Gooden Photography

Couldn’t make it to Churchhill Downs? Don’t worry! Don your favorite hat and head to the MEADOWS RACETRACK for Western Pennsylvania’s biggest Derby party. Watch the Derby on the huge outdoor screen right after the conclusion of live harness racing. The band NO BAD JUJU will perform beginning at 3 p.m.

The annual hat contest features a $100 top prize plus bragging rights. And, NOMAD will perform live starting at 3 p.m. at THE MEADOWS HARMAR. The festivities begin at 11:25 a.m. with a live harness racing card that features Pennsylvania’s finest 3-year-olds competing for about $250,000 in purses. Many of the horses will be returning to The Meadows in JULY for the DELVIN MILLER ADIOS PACE FOR THE ORCHIDS, so the Derby Day program could be an exciting preview of the track’s signature event.

Fun Kentucky Derby Facts Few sporting events are shrouded in history and tradition as much as the Kentucky Derby. Billed as “the fastest two minutes in sports,” the Derby began in 1875 and is celebrated each year on the first Sunday in May. Many horse racing fans make entire weekends out of the Derby, planning their celebrations months in advance of the race. For those who cannot travel to Churchill Downs and attend the race in person, viewing parties are available all over the globe – including at The Meadows Racetrack!

The pageantry surrounding the Kentucky Derby is well documented, but the following are a few interesting tidbits about the famed “Run for the Roses.”

• The Kentucky Derby began when Meriwether Lewis Clark traveled to Europe and attended the Epsom Derby in England. Clark was inspired to create a similar horse racing event in America.

• 2018 marks the 143rd running of the race.

• Elegantly dressed women donning over-the-top hats will grace Churchill Downs for the race. Many begin planning their styles and securing their hats weeks in advance.

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• Each year, roughly 120,000 mint juleps are consumed at Churchill Downs. The mint julep is the traditional drink of the Derby, and it is made with Kentucky bourbon, simple syrup, mint, crushed ice and powdered sugar.

• Secretariat is the fastest horse in Derby history, crossing the finish line in less than two minutes.

• There have been 19 winning horses in Kentucky Derby history whose names begin with the letter “S”.

• On Derby Day, the infield at Churchill Downs will host 80,000 celebrants.

• The Kentucky Derby race track is 1.25 miles, which has been the standard since 1896. The first Derby races were slightly longer, at 1.5 miles.

• Male horses win the race more often than females. Of the 40 fillies to compete throughout Derby history, only three have won.

• The best finish for a female jockey at the Derby was fifth place.

Rosie Napravnik finished fifth while riding Mylute in 2013.

• “The Run for the Roses” refers to the red rose blanket that will be draped over the winner of the Derby.

Entertainment Preview 2018

Keep on truckin’

Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival gears up for its third year Photo by Chris Gooden Photography Get ready to taste the best food on four wheels!

Join Observer Publishing Company Friday, May 25, through Sunday, May 27, as they transform The Meadows Racetrack and Casino into a culinary road map for the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival. More than 50 of the region’s best food trucks will be in attendance, plus live entertainment, craft beer and wine, regional artisans and vendors and lots more!

We’re not just talking funnel cakes and carnival fare – though, there will be plenty! – we’re talking sushi from Nakama, crunchy goodness from the Original Crunch Roll Factory, mac and cheese like you’ve never imagined from the Mac & Gold Truck, eclectic desserts from the Sugar and Spice Food Truck – the list goes on and on.

On Friday, live racing begins at 5:30 p.m.

It’s also Family Fun Night, which will include kids’ activities, vendors and artisans and a select number of food trucks. DJ AJ Fresh will play music from 7:30-9:30 p.m. The evening will be capped off with a fireworks display at dusk.

The weekend’s entertainment will include performances by Ruff Creek and Jimbo and The Soupbones on Saturday and Velveeta and the Move Makers Band on Sunday.

“When we originally discussed the idea for a food truck festival, our end goal was to attract a decent sampling of food trucks. When we doubled our efforts in year two, it was my goal to host the largest food event in the tristate area,” says Carole DeAngelo, marketing director for the Observer Publishing Company. “What we have proven is that people will travel hundreds of miles to attend our event because we have the most food trucks, the best entertainment and now the most kids’ activities around.”

Admission to the Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival is free all weekend. The Greater Pittsburgh Food Truck Festival is brought to you by the Observer- Reporter and powered by South Hills Auto.

For more information, visit pghfoodtruckfest.com. Oh, and come hungry!

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Entertainment Preview 2018

Over and over Tommy James & The Shondells’ songs have long-standing staying power thanks to a large number of covers

By KATIE GREEN

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If you’re a fan of Tommy James & The Shondells and planning to see the June 2 performance at the Meadows Racetrack & Casino, you may already know that the band has a rich history in Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania. Perhaps you were even one of the 80,000 who purchased the “Hanky Panky” recording in a span of just 10 days following local disc jockey Bob Mack’s unearthing the twoyear-old single at one of his clubs back in the ’60s.

It was the popularization of that single in Pittsburgh that put Tommy James & The Shondells on the map. “I have a lot to be grateful to Pittsburgh for,” James says. “The record went No. 1 before anyone knew what happened.”

Ergo, “I’m always excited when I get to come and play somewhere near Pittsburgh because there are so many memories for me,” he says.

There are also a lot of ghosts here as well. James has been in the music business for 52 years, and says that a lot of people he used to know here and work with here have passed on – including his mother and father in law, who lived north of Pittsburgh in Mars, Pa. Playing music for more than five decades isn’t something that James thought he would be doing with his life. “Not a chance in the world, no way!” he says. “I’m very, very thankful to the good lord and to the fans for the kind of longevity that we’ve had.

I look out at my concert crowd now and I see three generations of people. It’s very fulfilling.”

And, since more than 300 covers have been done of Tommy James & The Shondells’ songs, it’s probable that some of his fans heard his songs for the first time as covers – teenagers in the 1980s, for example, may have been introduced via Tiffany’s version of “I Think We’re Alone Now” or Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ rendition of “Crimson & Clover.” Let’s not forget the ever-popular “Mony Mony” cover by Billy Idol.

“I’m always very flattered and honored when somebody records one of our songs or when a new group thinks a quick way to a hit is to do one of our songs,” James says. “We’ve been covered by everybody from Prince to Boston Pops. I’m just amazed at how the music has stayed in front of the public.”

Even with such a long and lustrous career, James shows no signs of slowing down. He’s got a weekly show on SIRIUS satellite radio’s 60s on 6 channel called “Getting’ Together with Tommy James,” and a movie based on his autobiography “Me, the Mob and the Music,” is in the works (“They have to find somebody who plays guitar as badly as I do – that’s going to be quite a challenge!” he laughs). In addition, he’s still touring with the Shondells and recording new material – he’s wrapping up a new album, “Alive.”

And in case you were wondering, he’s currently listening to Taylor Swift, whom he thinks is “fantastic!”

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Entertainment Preview 2018

’90s nostalgia

Sugar Ray brings an old-school reggae vibe to The Meadows

By FRANCESCA SACCO The 1990s nostalgia wave has been good to Mark McGrath and his band, Sugar Ray. More than 30 years after the band formed, Sugar Ray is still performing and creating music – they’ll visit the area this September as their annual summer tour brings them to The Meadows Racetrack and Casino.

Although he’s unfamiliar with Washington County, Pittsburgh holds a lot good memories for McGrath.

“Pittsburgh likes the ’90s,” he says. “I have a lot of great memories from over the years. I’m looking forward to coming out.”

After starting out more as a funk metal band in 1986, Sugar Ray gained mainstream fame in 1997 with “Fly.” “‘Fly’ hit and that changed everything. We went from punk rock clubs to arenas,” McGrath says. “We’ve seen it all. We’re a little older now and not as crazy as we used to be, but we’re playing music. That’s why we started this band. It’s an honor to be on stage. We’re all about pleasing the audience.”

Fans can expect to hear their favorite songs during the Sept.

14 performance, as well as some new music. McGrath says Sugar Ray is expected to release a new album at end of August, and that if negotiations go well, sign another major record label.

“We’re excited about the material – 2009 was the last Sugar Ray record,” he says. “If you like the summer, like a little reggae, then I think you’re going to like these new songs.”

While the industry – and even the band – has changed over the years, McGrath says they still have fun.

“You get to a point in music where you either love it or you don’t,” he says. “It took me a long time to consider myself a musician, like 20 years. I’m fortunate to still be able to perform my music. I hate to classify what I do as a job, but it’s the best in the world.”

In addition to performing and recording, McGrath has also dabbled in television. He recently appeared in the first celebrity edition of the reality hit, “Big Brother,” in February. McGrath came in third place in the competition series.

“It was one of the most insane experiences in life,” McGrath says of the show. “I thought it was fun to watch. I never thought I would be involved. It jolted me out of my routine. I never thought I would make it as far as I did.”

As for what’s next, McGrath says he’s content with ways his life has played out and remains open to any opportunities that may come his way.

“I’ve worried about what’s next for so long,” he says. “I just want to raise good kids and perform.”

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Entertainment Preview 2018

A great race Back in 1967, Harness Racing Hall of Famer and Meadows Racetrack founder DELVIN MILLER founded the ADIOS PACE FOR THE ORCHIDS to honor his late, great foundation stallion, Adios. The purse of the first Adios was $85,510.

This year, the top 3-year-olds in harness racing will compete for a purse of about $500,000 – and all of the prestige that comes with an Adios victory. LOST IN TIME, who last year was named the sport’s best 2-year-old, is one of many outstanding horses eligible for the Adios.

ADIOS WEEK KICKS OFF ON JULY 21, with eliminations. A full week of Grand Circuit harness racing action and a number of special events are all part of the festivities.

DJ AJ FRESH will perform starting at 5:30 p.m. Friday, JULY 27 and again at noon Saturday. On Saturday, JULY 28, watch the 52ND ADIOS live at The Meadows. THE MEADOWS will feature live music starting at 6 p.m.

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Entertainment Preview 2018

Get crafty

Corks & Kegs Festival is back and bigger than ever Photo by Chris Gooden Photography Corks & Kegs Festival is Washington County’s premiere craft beer festival, and is quickly becoming one of the region’s largest craft beer events.

The two-day event, Saturday, Aug. 25 and Sunday, Aug. 26, is packed with dozens of craft beers, regional wine, locally-produced spirits, food trucks, live entertainment, vendors and artisans, a classic car cruise and more!

The 2018 Corks & Kegs Festival will have a special emphasis on local beer, wine and spirits, and will pay tribute to Downtown Washington’s rich spirits history. As a celebration of craft beer, Observer Publishing Company does its best to bring the best local and larger regional brewers to Washington.

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“The beer and wine areas have been doubled in space; we’ve increased artisans, vendors and food; and we’ve incorporated regional bands and a car show that generates hundreds of classic vehicles. It truly is a wonderful event!”

Carole DeAngelo, marketing director Observer Publishing Company

“Corks & Kegs was our first endeavor with the Meadows Racetrack and Casino. We were so excited to partner with them on craft beer and wine festival. We had no idea it would be the start of such a beautiful relationship,” says Carole DeAngelo, marketing director for the Observer Publishing Company. “We have worked together to make every aspect of this event exceptional to ensure a oneof-a-kind experience. The beer and wine areas have been doubled in space; we’ve increased artisans, vendors and food; and we’ve incorporated regional bands and a car show that generates hundreds of classic vehicles. It truly is a wonderful event!”

Admission to the Corks & Kegs Festival is free all weekend, and this is a family-friendly event.

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Entertainment Preview 2018

All work … and play

By FRANCESCA SACCO Photo by MARK MARIETTA For Shane Jackson, working at The Meadows Racetrack and Casino just makes sense. A pool player by profession and nature, Jackson enjoys the ever-changing, fast-paced environment of the casino’s gaming floor.

“It was an easy transition for me,” the Weirton, W.Va., resident says about his employment decision. “You’re in the heart of the action, not sitting at a desk or stuck at a cubicle.

There’s never a day that is exactly the same.”

Jackson has been a table games dealer for the last two years, and is currently a dealer at one of the casino’s new games, Stadium Baccarat.

A slot/table game combo, Stadium Baccarat is designed to be more engaging. Jackson says the game provides a “real, live atmosphere that’s a lot of fun.”

“I tell people, ‘if you enjoy the lights, the music and having a good time while getting paid, then this is the place to come,’” the 30 year-old says.

The Meadows Racetrack and Casino has more hiring opportunities than the gaming floor alone. Lauren Gallagher, a talent recruiter for The Meadows, says they are looking to fill roughly 100 positions in anticipation of their busy 2018 calendar of events.

“We want to be fully staffed for the summer season at our Harmarville and Meadowlands locations,” Gallagher says. “We are currently running a no cap referral program. We strive to acknowledge our employees and encourage them to be a part of the community. It really is a great place to work.”

Jackson echoed Gallagher’s sentiment.

“It’s a like second family here,” he says.

For more information or to apply online, visit www.meadowsgaming.com/careers.

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