It was at a Jimmy Buffett concert some 25 years ago that Clay Walker had an epiphany.

Walker, a country music star in his own right, sat in the “nose bleed” section to get a feel of what the audience wanted.

“I learned, among other things, that the onus is on the entertainer, not the audience,” Walker said. “If you are an entertainer and you are not having fun on stage with your audience, then you are missing the point.”

Walker and his eight-piece band will be playing July 12 as part of Batavia Downs summer concert series.

For more than 30 years, Walker, 54, has been playing to packed concert venues. He has amassed 11 singles that hit the top of the charts, six platinum or gold records and released 11 albums, the last of which “Texas to Tennessee” was released four years ago.

A native of Beaumont, Texas – the same city whose native sons included Johnny and Edgar Winter, baseball great Frank Robinson and JP Richardson -Walker stays true to his roots.

“People are hungry for good, country music,” Walker said. “When we are on stage, we want our audience – our fans – to have a great time and not worry about things like paying the mortgage.”

And, good songs, too.

“Does this song relate to me,” Walker said.

Walker changes up his set list to make sure “every night is a one of a kind” experience.

Yes, his hits are highlighted but Walker also throws in songs like Jimi Hendrix’s “Little Wing” or Poison’s “Every Rose has a Thorn,” just to shake things up.

“What I want is my fans to leave the show with a mental souvenir,” Walker said.

A true road warrior,. Walker also prides himself on never missing a show. That means playing with a broken collarbone, the flu and fever.

Walker said he is not done.

Not even close.

More new songs are coming.

“I have a lot more to give,” Walker said. “A lot more.”

Tickets are available at www.bataviadownsgaming.com