The charity event formerly known as the Belmont Ball and the Belmont Celebration will have a new name, a new location, and a new entertainment format when it debuts on Thursday, June 8. The event, hosted by the New York Racing Association and The Jockey Club, will benefit the Grayson-Jockey Club Research Foundation (GJCRF) and World Hunger Year (WHY).

The Belmont Bash will be held at the Hard Rock Café in New York City’s Times Square and will feature cocktails, dinner, an auction, and a concert by the critically acclaimed Beatles tribute band known as The Fab Faux (www.thefabfaux.com).

In keeping with the musical theme, legendary New York disc jockey Pete Fornatale will serve as master of ceremonies. The concert will be recorded for broadcast at a later date on Fornatale’s satellite (XM) and terrestrial (WFUV 90.7 FM) radio shows.

“We are very excited about this event and exceptionally proud to be helping the causes of equine research and world hunger in the same night,” said Charles E. Hayward, president and chief executive officer of the New York Racing Association. “Besides raising money for these two charities, the Belmont Bash will undoubtedly raise awareness of the Belmont Stakes two days later