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!

Lakes Jam's Interview with Chris Hawkey

Hawkey hails from a small town along the Ohio-Indiana border - a place where he spent countless hours daydreaming about life as a famous musician. Hawkey says a personal favorite has always been John “Cougar” Mellencamp. Mellencamp’s lyrics, such as those from his all-time favorite song, “Minutes to Memories,” kept him during sad or lonely moments...and inspired him not to let go of his musical aspirations.

“Days turn to minutes

And minutes to memories

Life sweeps away the dreams

That we have planned

You are young and you are the future

So suck it up and tough it out

And be the best you can.”

Hawkey took these words to heart; at age 15, he began performing in bars near his hometown. Knowing he wanted music to be his life’s work, but needing a “contingency plan,” Hawkey signed up for radio broadcasting school after graduating high school. This turn out to be a fortuitous decision, as radio quickly became another passion. Hawkey says being a radio announcer also provides a very natural pathway to the music world.

As is the case with most radio DJs, Hawkey’s career carried him all over the United States, finally depositing him in the Twin Cities. Nowadays, Hawkey makes a home in the Twin Cities, where he’s a member of KFAN’s popular morning show, “The Power Trip.”

As he settled into his radio life here in MN, Hawkey discovered a vibrant local music scene. He enthusiastically began playing in a handful of cover bands before finding his niche with “Rocket Club.” Hawkey says the group just “clicked.” They immediately took to writing their own country rock songs, one of which was the breakout hit, and debut album namesake, “North Country.” The Billboard-rated song was the first of three nationally-rated and radio-played Rocket Club tunes. However, in spite of this success, Hawkey says the band was and has remained adamantly opposed to big business influences or record company pressure. 

With the triumphs of Rocket Club under his belt, Hawkey set about doing something he’s always dreamed of - releasing his very own solo album. Hawkey says he couldn’t resist the bright lights and wealth of talent percolating in Nashville. He tapped into some of the top songwriters in the business - including smash hit-maker Lee Brice - in order to finish the self-titled record, which he describes simply as “from the heart, earnest country.”

And, long story short, you’ll be able to hear the fruits of Hawkey’s labors during this year’s Lakes Jam.

Unlike other music festivals he’s played, Hawkey says he appreciates Lakes Jam for the variety of artists and styles. With one night of country and another of rock, Hawkey says it becomes very clear just what kind of a strong connection the two genres have.

“Lakes Jam is kind of a no-brainer,” Hawkey says. “Frankly, I wish I’d come up with the idea!”

Catch Hawkey on the main stage on June 27th - learn more here!

Lakes Jam 2014: Bigger and Better

3 Days, 15 Bands, 1 BIG Party!

Lakes Jam 2014 is in full swing. The line up has been announced and event promoters have been busy preparing for another unforgettable experience. The 2014 headliners include Bret Michaels, Gretchen Wilson and Uncle Kracker. See below for full line up.

For those of you who joined us last year, you may notice that Lakes Jam has even more to offer in 2014. Even the website got a new look! Lakes Jam expanded to a 3 day Country & Rock Music Festival and now offers full service camping! That includes water hookups, electrical hookups, sewer hookups, private fire ring and more. Every site that is reserved for 2014 will have the right to reserve that site again for the following year. Hop on the train now, only 150 full service sites are available. Every year Lakes Jam plans to be bigger and better than the last. This is a ride you don’t want to miss!

Speaking of not missing out, Early Bird tickets are on sale now. Sale ends February 15th, 2014. Follow Lakes Jam on Facebook for the latest news and updates.

Saturday June 28th

Main Stage

Bret Michaels | 10:00pm 

Uncle Cracker | 8:00pm 

Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas | 6:00pm 

ThundHerStruck | 4:00pm 

Secondary Stage 

Captain May I | Last Call 

Madd Company | 2:00pm 

Kings Ransom | 12:00pm 

Friday June 27th

Main Stage

Gretchen Wilson | 10:00pm

Maggie Rose | 8:00pm

Buckey Covington | 6:00pm 

Chris Hawkey | 4:00pm 

Secondary Stage 

Jeremiah James Korfe | Last Call 

Jeremiah James Korfe | 2:00pm 

Roadhouse 6 | 12:00pm 

Thursday June 26th 

Secondary Stage 

Chris Hawkey | 10:00pm 

32 Below | 8:00pm 

Electric Almighty | 6:00pm