Lakes Jam – Brainerd Minnesota – June 23rd-25th 2022

It was a great time gathering with the festival folks up north in Lakes country Minnesota! Set in the middle of Brainerd International Raceway which is a fun-filled venue anytime of the summer! Typically a raceway for local and national events, for Lakes Jam 2022 BIR was transformed into a summer festival filled with both rock and country artists to kick off the coming Fourth of July holiday.

Friday featured Mark Wills, Jameson Rodgers, Gabby Barrett and Jon Pardi.

Jameson Rodgers was a fun loving guy who got the crowd immediately ready for the party with “Cold Beer Calling My Name”. “Some Girl” was another obvious favorite that had everyone singing along. The entire set felt just like hanging out in your buddy’s backyard having a great summer BBQ.

Performance by American Idol past contestant, and 3rd runner up, Gabby Barrett was a standout. Her chemistry with band member Cade Foehner, who  happens to be the father of her child(ren) and past American Idol fellow contestant, was on fire! The smiles stretched across the stage between the two as they performed with the full band and even more during their duets. “I Hope”, a top 10 country hit, was a huge crowd pleaser along with the remainder of the set.

Jon Pardi headlined the evening with timeless country style. “Last Night Lonely” was this reviewer’s favorite! His classic cool performance finished off the day with smooth vocals and a true country vibe.

Saturday featured Eric Chesser, Derek Jones and the 50 South, Priscilla Block , Jordan Davis, and Cole Swindell.

Derek Jones and the 50 South honors love for country and loyalty with songs such as “Free To Leave” and “Last of a Dying Breed”. The energetic stage performance kept the crowd on their feet and raising their glasses.

Next up to keep the party in full swing was Priscilla Block who kicked the set off with “Welcome to the Block Party”. She and the band brought an energy and honesty to the stage that was refreshing and truly uplifting. Her honesty speaking to the crowd on mental health and overcoming criticism came through in full with her song “Peeked In High School”. Overall she was a highlight of the entire day and just so much fun to watch. She even told a story of riding around the BIR racetrack in a Busch Light golf cart with some fest campers!

Jordan Davis and Cole Swindell closed out the fest with hits that kept the festival goers partying into Sunday!

I would be remiss not to mention the side stage performance from local band Kings Ransom that kept us entertained between main stage sets. These guys covered the best party songs and had us dancing til BIR curfew!