Lakes Jam 2014 Recap

Lakes Jam 2014 might be over, but this completely unforgettable weekend is definitely still fresh in our memories!

As numerous sources have confirmed, our Lakes Jam Saturday crowd shattered attendance records - even as the thunder clouds rolled in!

The three-day musical party was hosted by the Brainerd International Raceway, just north of Baxter on Highway 371. The entire three-day line-up brought down the house, including show-stoppers Chris Hawkey, Bucky Covington, Maggie Rose, Clay Walker, ThundHerStruck, Starship ft. Mickey Thomas, Uncle Kracker and, of course, Bret Michaels.

If you jammed with us, then you’ll probably remember these moments. If you weren’t - take a note. Hot on the heels of our second Lakes Jam festival, we’re just getting revved up - so we’ll be waiting to see you at Lakes Jam 2015!

It didn’t take long for the most devoted of jammers to show up – these guys were more than willing to pose for a first-day party picture.

Some of our jammers took an unorthodox approach to their get-ups for the festival.

Let’s face it; summer and beer go together like, well, Lakes Jam and beer. And the beer did flow. 

Case in point.

Bucky Covington was a favorite of Friday jammers. We can tell, based on his smile, that it was completely mutual.

And here’s country music favorite, Maggie Rose charming the crowd on a gorgeous Friday evening.

And, we can’t say enough about Minnesota boy and hometown favorite Chris Hawkey – the crowd couldn’t get enough.

 

And, Hawkey took full advantage of all our Lakes Jam meet-and-greets, including this awesome shot of Hawkey and Saturday showstopper Uncle Kracker. 

Ah, speaking of Saturday…

Thanks to Mother Nature, muddy shoes were all the rage that day. 

 
BUT, the rain wasn’t much of a problem for anyone. In fact, as these guys showed, it was actually pretty awesome.

Also, the irony of the thunderstorm picking up just as ThundHerStruck began their set was pretty sweet. Fortunately, the weather cleared up and the ladies were able to completely kill it onstage.

 

Uncle Kracker was the penultimate act of Saturday, and he brought it.

And, wrapping up a weekend of fun – Bret Michaels. And what a show!

Michaels demonstrated the true spirit of Lakes Jam better than we ever could have imagined when he made a dedication to our service members. A true class act.

He also set Twitter ablaze with his chart-topper, “Every Rose Has It’s Thorn.”

So, there you have it. Thanks to EVERYONE who came out and shared their weekend, photos and spirit with us during Lakes Jam 2014!

Believe us – we’re already pumped for next year!

The wait is over; Lakes Jam 2014 has arrived!

The wait is over; Lakes Jam 2014 has arrived!

As you prepare for three days of great music, beer and fun with family and friends, we urge you to take a moment and think about exactly what makes all of this possible.

See, Lakes Jam is more than just a great big party. It’s a celebration of all the things that make our country and communities great! With the Fourth of July just around the bend, we’re compelled to remember all the people, past present and future, who give their lives to protecting and preserving the freedoms we enjoy here in the United States!

As you pack your cars and run last-minute Lakes Jam supplies errands, we encourage you to take notice of all the things you probably take for granted in your daily life. The gas you pump into your car in order to get around. The stores, owned and operated by your friends and neighbors, fully-stocked with everything you need. The schools that shape your childrens’ young minds and help them grow into successful young adults. Hospitals, everywhere, to help you when you need it most. Homes and neighborhoods that are safe, warm and comfortable.

This list could go on and on, but you get it. So, in this final run-up to Lakes Jam, we have one request of you; reach out to someone in uniform in your life, and give them a big thank you for everything they do.

Because, without that person and those like them, we wouldn’t have nearly as many reasons to celebrate.

Happy Fourth, Lakes Jammers. Let’s celebrate music, each other, and America.

Preparing for a Music Festival

Tickets? Check. Transportation? Check. Beer? CHECK. Friends and family on board? Check and check.

So, the basics in advance of your camping trip during Lakes Jam are covered. So, what else??

If you’re one of the hundreds of folks planning to camp out for the weekend, you’ve probably already made your “must pack” list, and checked it twice.

But, as anyone who’s ever set off on a vacation of any length knows, there will always be that short list of forgotten odds and ends that you wish you’d thought about before hitting the road.

So, in advance of the summer’s big Brainerd Lakes area party, here’s a short list of things you’re gonna want to have on hand.

EXTRA WATER AND BOTTLE

This one might seem pretty obvious, but it’s essential. Our advice? Pack the amount of water you think you’ll need...and then double it. With all the food, beer and dancing at Lakes Jam, hydration is key to keeping you going. Be ready!

BABY WIPES

Camping is messy business, which is always expected. BUT, there are going to be times when you’ll want to freshen up, quickly and simply. Bring a stockpile of wet wipes for your hands and face. It’s an easy, low-commitment way to freshen up all weekend long.

HEADLAMP / FLASHLIGHT

Summer days are long, but sooner or later, it’s gonna get dark. Don’t get stranded, wandering around, looking for a bathroom or something you dropped without a light source. Headlamps are a nice, hands-free option, but a good old fashioned flashlight will also come in handy. 

SUNBLOCK AND BUG REPELLENT

It’s MINNESOTA! Don’t forget these two crucial products. You can live without shampoo and body lotion. But if anything has the potential to ruin your Lakes Jam weekend, it’s a body riddled with burns and bug bites!

FIRST AID KIT

We DO have a first aid kiosk here at Lakes Jam, but if you’re in need of something simple like an aspirin or a band-aid, it’s pretty nifty to have that on hand - rather than spend valuable jammin’ time looking for one. 

TOILET PAPER

Here’s one that needs to make it onto any pre-music fest camping checklist. Of course, toilet paper is provided in our numerous restrooms, but let’s face it - there are a ton of people at Lakes Jam. Coming prepared with your own rolls of Charmin will ensure you’re not caught at the porta-potty empty-handed. 

EXTRA SOCKS

Wet socks are a bummer, especially at night when the temperature drops. Make sure you have a few extra pairs stuffed in your bag. 

CHARGER / EXTRA BATTERY

If you’re like me, you’re so used to plugging your phone into the same charger, attached to the same outlet, every day. And, in the excitement leading up to your Lakes Jam trip, you may forget to detach it from it’s home base. Well, consider this your reminder. After all, a phone is more than a phone - it’s your camera for capturing all the memories of the weekend!

EARPLUGS
Not the most rock and roll reminder, but if you’re planning to get close to the monitors, you might want to pack some ear plugs. Party on - and save your hearing in the process!

SMALL BAG

Last but not least, you’re going to want a small bag for all of these essentials when you’re on the go! For the adventurous, we suggest a nice, hands-free fanny pack. You’re camping; it doesn’t matter what you look like! 

Here’s what we’ve put together. If you have any tips about what not to forget in advance of a Lakes Jam campout, add a comment below!

Click here to purchase Lakes Jam Tickets!