Summer of the Arts - Working at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts: Country Gang

The first country concert of the year! It was hard to escape country music when I was in North Carolina so I've grown accustomed to it and daresay I have grown to appreciate the twang and endless songs about beer, trucks and jeans. Luckily, each of these artists have hit the big time on the charts and form a pretty nice touring package. Jake Owen began his career in 2006 when he released his first album, Startin With Me. He has since followed with four other albums that have all reached the top 5 of the country charts. He writes nearly all of his songs and has a more rock oriented sound that falls right in line with many contemporary country singers today.

His openers were Jordan Davis and Chris Janson. Davis was more a traditional country pop singer who had a pleasant, if un-distinctive voice and repertoire. Janson was something totally different. As the youngest person ever inducted into the Grand Ole Opry, Janson has certainly made a name for himself already. His songs are distinctive as they fully embrace the redneck culture that has pervaded over the country music scene and he isn't afraid to show off his trailer park roots. Janson is a rather eccentric performer but knows how to get a crowd going and I liked him for his unique presence that I think a lot country singers would consider over the top. Jake Owen was more restrained but still a top notch performer. He engaged the audience fully and even went out into the lawn which is super rare. He invited a few people on stage to watch the show up close and personal and seemed to really enjoy performing in every way. His songs were meant for the stage and his fans were standing and singing regardless of being wet or dry (it rained during much of the show). His stage set was bigger but he also did an acoustic set that showed off his talent on a more personal level. Owen has some serious musical chops and it was one of the better country shows I've seen!

My favorite part of the show was when he sang his song "Good Company". It has more of a reggae style that I really like and it's just a feel good summer song! Keep playin' Jake!

Looking forward to more shows in the future!