Maryland Jockey Club President Tom Chuckas on Thursday announced that singer Lorde "will headline the Preakness Stakes’ InfieldFest concert on May 17," according to Wesley Case of the Baltimore SUN. Chuckas said, "We believe Lorde is cutting edge. Some people think she’s the next Madonna or Lady Gaga." Case noted booking the 17-year-old Grammy winner "follows the recent trend of the Maryland Jockey Club, along with the production company I.M.P., landing 'ascending talent' for its annual concert." This year's InfieldFest "marks the sixth year since the Preakness Stakes’ infield shifted its focus from alcohol-fueled debauchery to providing a music festival environment at the Triple Crown event." Chuckas said of booking talent, "Five years ago, no one showed any interest. Now, at least when we go down this path, they know what it is. The other musicians that have played here talk it up." Case wrote the selection of Lorde is a "bold, intriguing decision," and the Maryland Jockey Club and IMP "should be applauded for this surprising risk." Chuckas said last year's was attended by approximately 120,000 people and the goal for '14 "is to obviously break that." He added that ticket sales are up 15% from last year at this point, and that figure was "reached before the announcement of Lorde" (BALTIMORESUN.com, 2/6).
