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!

Brainerd Attractions

Lakes Jam is just over two months away, a music event that brings even more culture and fun to the already buzzing Brainerd Lakes Area.

Referred to as Minnesota’s Playground, the area is home to unique entertainment options to suit all ages and interests.

Let’s break down some of the most popular attractions and highlight events happening during Lakes Jam.

The Brainerd International Raceway and Resort is one of the area’s entertainment hotspots. At the tail end of the Lakes Jam Music Fest, you can catch the Bracket Drag Racing Series featuring some of the best amateur drag racers in the country competing in ten different classes. Head to the tracks Saturday and Sunday as the event winners will be announced.

Also at the raceway, this year’s Harley Owners Group (H.O.G) Rally is being paired with Lakes Jam. With H.O.G activities throughout the area, and special concert offers, joining the rally is a great way to experience the music and fun. Click here to register. The raceway offers several camping options from its full-service RV site to the 200-acre open campground.

If you prefer the indoors, the Holiday Inn Express and Suites is a great option. With modern amenities, free Wi-Fi and access and the Three Bear Waterpark, the Holiday Inn has a little something for everyone. The waterpark boasts a large activity pool, adult hot tub, waterslides, lazy river and more. Wherever you decide to stay, you’ll want to make sure you get plenty of rest for the vast amount of daytime activities the area has to offer.

From hiking and biking, to horseback riding, the Brainerd Lakes Area has a variety of recreational trails. The award winning Sand Hog bike trail is just one of several mountain bike trails in the area. The Pillsbury State Forest, located just outside of Brainerd, has over 27 miles of off road cycling trails along with miles of hiking.

Numerous parks throughout the Brainerd area offer scenic hiking trails, through forests, around lakes, and along flowing rivers and streams. However if you feel like exploring the trails without putting in all the work, try a scenic horseback riding adventure. For more information or to contact a Brainerd area riding stable, click here.

After an afternoon exploring the trails, cool off at the lake. With over 450 lakes around the Brainerd area there is never a shortage of water activities.  From fishing to water skiing, tubing or kayaking, chances are there is a water activity you can enjoy. If you’re looking to stay in town, cool off at one of the Brainerd area’s three waterparks.

You can also meet one of Brainerd’s most famous residents and his blue ox, Babe, at Paul Bunyan Land. The park features rides and concessions, and is complete with unique buildings and displays so you truly feel like you are experiencing the legend of Paul Bunyan.

The Brainerd area is also a great shopping destination. Unique gift shops and boutiques are located throughout the surrounding communities. From home furnishings to homemade fudge, these shops have a little something for everyone.

Lakes Jam is the perfect way to kick off summer and experience all of what the Brainerd area has to offer. With adventures and activities for people of all ages and interests, Brainerd is the perfect destination for a weekend getaway.

For more information regarding Brainerd area attractions and activities, click here to request a visitors guide.

Festival camping 101: Lakes Jam Camping Options

So you think you have what it takes to camp like a rockstar? These tips will help you go toe-to-toe with mother nature and come back victorious...or at least with your dignity and self-respect.

Plan…DUH!
Rockstars often don’t know where they’re going...that’s the tour manager’s job. You don’t have a tour manager, so hike up your skirt and take charge of the trip. You don’t have to follow a strict agenda, but knowing where the bathrooms are and WHO is playing WHEN helps.

Who Packed Toilet Taper?
What to bring along is crucial. Too much and you risk looking like a “Can’t-Hack-It”, bring too little and you risk leaving your friends in a situation like this:

Just remember enough clothes to go through the weather and enough from home to be sure someone won’t notice you borrowing their toothbrush. Camping like a rockstar is less about baggage and more about necessities!

Pick Your Campsite Style
Picking the site is just as important as remembering where it is. It’s like deciding where to park. The spot closest to the action might make leaving less of a choice and more of a waiting game. Do your research on the differences between each site and pick one suited to your camping style. Are you camping with the comfort of an RV , or do you just need a place to keep your stuff out of the rain while you are off scouting for Bret Michaels?

Visit our interactive map.

Respect the Badger
You’ve got it all put together; bags are packed, site is chosen, and the dog is fed. Sure...you can almost predict the weather and you can almost be sure that your tent doesn't have a hole in it, but mother nature can be highly unpredictable. Take this last tip with you. Respect your surroundings or prepare to stare mother nature in the face: 

Michaels and Wilson Give Back

With the frigid weather we have been having recently, it’s nice to escape the cold by thinking about summer. Summer thoughts include going out on the lake, having barbecues, and spending nights around a bonfire but don’t forget -- it also means Lake Jam!

2014's featured artists include Bret Michaels and Gretchen Wilson. These two artists are not only hard working individuals who provide you with your favorite tunes, but they are also working hard outside of the music industry by giving back to causes that they care about.

photo credit: Travel Channel

Bret Michaels is highly involved in a number of charities. As someone who has had diabetes since the age of six, he has always been passionate about charities and organizations involving the disease. When he became a competitor on the television show Celebrity Apprentice, he was able to win $500,000 for the American Diabetes Association along with an additional $250,0000 from Snapple to go towards researching a cure for the condition. Another television show Bret competed on for charity was Don’t Forget the Lyrics. From competing, he was able to win $250,000 for both St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. 

Aside from charities and organizations, Bret is also a strong supporter of our troops. In 2013, he was honored for his ongoing support of our soldiers including his trips into actual war zones in Iraq and Kuwait to perform for troops while risking his own life. Bret Michaels is one artist who uses his celebrity status to do what he can to try to change the world through supporting charities and organizations and we're honored to have him join us at Lakes Jam 2014. 

Another artist who uses her celebrity status to give back to charities is Gretchen Wilson, who rose to fame in 2004 with her hit “Redneck Woman”. She is an active supporter of charities and organizations involving children, adult education, and the fight to end obesity. In just a few short years, she was able to raise over $1.5 million through her performances for children’s charities including St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital and Make-A-Wish Foundation. She was also a national spokesperson for Country Bands Together, a national obesity education and counseling/support campaign. 

These two artists are not only talented, but they also have huge hearts. Giving back is something many celebrities do, and it’s great to learn some of their passions outside of music. We can’t wait for Bret and Gretchen to make an appearance at Lake Jam this year along the other great artists who are a part of the lineup.

Tickets and full-service campsites for Lakes Jam 2014 (June 26-28) are now available. Come join us for 15 bands, 3 days and 1 big party! 

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

Lakes Jam 2014

The dates for Lakes Jam 2014 are set! Join us at the Brainerd International Raceway June 26-28th in 2014 for another head banging, foot stomping music festival. Lakes Jam is the biggest music festival to hit the Brainerd Lakes area and every year it will keep getting better and better. Each year you can expect something different, fresh and exciting. One thing that will not change is reasonable prices, camping options, great food and drinks and a fun-filled atmosphere. Start planning now because this will be an event you don’t want to miss!

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for some of the most recent updates! Watch this news clip from KSTP for more information about Lakes Jam 2013!

Lakes Jam & The Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals

Brainerd International Raceway is the home of Lakes Jam. When Lakes Jam isn’t blowing the doors off the raceway, BIR hosts drag racing, streetcar showdowns, road courses and more!

This summer, August 15-18, BIR will be hosting the Lucas Oil NHRA Nationals. This will be an experience unlike anything else, featuring the world’s best drag racers and the fastest cars! BIR is a world-renowned track and the fastest drag strip in the country!

Gates open August 12 for Superweek campers and tickets are available now. Every ticket comes with a pit pass. Watch teams tear down their racecars and build them back up. See some of the biggest names in racing such as John Force, Tony Schumacher, Larry Dixon, Ron Capps and more. Take a stroll down Nitro Alley midway and see interactive displays, simulated competitions, and don’t forget to stop by and say hi to the Lakes Jam staff!

Click HERE for more information. See you at the tracks!