Some things just go together - like country music by the water on a summertime Friday night. This year's Bayfront Country Jam paid off on all of that, kicking off the 4th of July Weekend with a night full of music.

Local rising star Rafe Carlson kicked off the evening, playing one of the biggest stages on his home turf. The Hermantown native got the opportunity to set the tone for the night in front of a large hometown crowd. Carlson was followed by George Birge, who got his start thanks to social video platform TikTok. The Texas-born singer-songwriter kept the lakeside party going, including with his biggest song, "Beer Beer, Truck Truck".

California native Tyler Rich was up third for the Friday night lineup, bringing his pop-country tones to the Bayfront stage. Rich spent much of his set crooning love songs, including his 2018 hit "The Difference"; though he did share "his favorite song about his ex" ("Still Love You) and a country-fried version of Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean" in the middle of his set.

While not wearing blue jeans (they were more of a white color), Jake Owen took to the stage barefoot to cap off the night. Opening with his current radio hit "Best Thing Since Backroads", the Florida-born star spanned the course of his career, including his first radio hit "Yee Haw" from 2006, "Eight Second Ride" from 2009, 2013's "Days Of Gold, and Platinum-certified hits like "American Country Love Song", I Was Jack (You Were Diane)", and and "Down To The Honkytonk".

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Owen recollected growing up next to the water in Florida while pointing out Lake Superior, and broke into a waterside-themed portion set that included his hit "Beachin'", along with a cover of Jimmy Buffett's "Margaritaville".

Jake ended his night with a little nostalgia and romance, providing an encore that included his hit love song "Made For You" and arguably the biggest hit of his career so far, "Barefoot Blue Jean Night".

Relive the night with some photos from the show!

Bayfront Country Jam 2022 Featuring Jake Owen

Jake Owen headlined a night of music at Bayfront Country Jam 2022, which also included Tyler Rich, George Birge, and Rafe Carlson.

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