Anthony Kearns to Perform at the Maryland Million

World-renowned tenor Anthony Kearns will be performing "God Bless America" on the 30th anniversary of Jim McKay Maryland Million Day on Sat., Oct. 17, 2015 at Laurel Park, and at the annual Maryland Million Gala on Friday, October 16, 2015, it was announced. Kearns' performances follow on the heels of his participation in the World Meeting of Families 2015 in Philadelphia for Pope Francis, where he sang in honor of His Holiness' visit to the U.S. on September 27, 2015.

The Maryland Million was founded by ABC sportscaster Jim McKay as part of his dream of creating a race day like the Breeder's Cup for Maryland. Now named in his honor, the race day has been a tradition since its founding, and is second only to the Preakness in Maryland racing events. Cricket Goodall, executive director of the Maryland Million Ltd., said that she is "thrilled to have such a renowned performer as a highlight of the 30th anniversary festivities, both to help host the Gala and to sing on race day."

Ms. Goodall noted that "it is with generous support from Marilyn Payne-Doetsch that Mr. Kearns was able to be an important part of our event this year." Mr. Kearns said he appreciates the opportunity to sing on Jim McKay Maryland Million Day, which combines two of his great passions: music and horses. "I have a great love of horses and horse-racing, stemming originally from a purchase of a horse with my colleagues in The Irish Tenors," he said.

Kearns hails from County Wexford, Ireland - home of famed Irish horse trainer Aidan O'Brien - and many great horse breeders, trainers and jockeys. "The village in Wexford where I grew up was known for horses, particularly show jumpers" he added. Mr. Kearns will perform a selection of classical, popular and inspirational songs at the Maryland Million Gala. He will also be a celebrity guest host to assist with a live auction benefiting the Maryland Horse Industry Foundation.

Jim McKay Maryland Million Day is this Saturday, with the post time for the first race at 12:15 pm, and the last race about 6:00 pm. More than 15,000 people are expected to attend "Maryland's Day at the Races". Mr. Kearns' performance of "God Bless America" is planned for approximately 4 pm, and he will also be a part of one of the winner's circle presentations during the day.

In 1999, Anthony Kearns took the American television audience by storm as the youngest member of the wildly popular musical group, The Irish Tenors with whom he has 10 CDs and five PBS specials. Their CDs have gone Gold, Platinum and Double Platinum. Mr. Kearns frequently performs at charity concerts, on television, and with the finest symphony orchestras and opera houses in the world. In 2012, he sang at the 137th Preakness at Pimlico Race Course during a special Military Tribute - and he has enjoyed high-profile appearances at horse-related events in Saratoga Springs, NY, Salamander Resort in Middleburg, VA, and Louisville, KY, to name a few. Kearns has had the honor to sing for three U.S. Presidents, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and Medal of Honor recipients, and more recently, at the Pre-Mass concert in Philadelphia for Pope Francis.

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