VERO BEACH — Much has happened in Jake Owen’s life since he last played before his adoring hometown audience last April. He’s gotten married, had a baby girl, and, last week, he made his television debut performing “The One That Got Away” at the American Country Awards, where he was recognized at the Breakthrough Artist of the Year. His THE SUMMER NEVER ENDS 2012 tour made history, with the most consecutive sold-out shows in the 11-year history of the CMT ON TOUR franchise.
Saturday night, Vero Beach’s hometown hero ended his tour before a sold out crowd in Holman Stadium, delighting old friends, former classmates, and fans who came from out of town. The weather smiled on Vero Beach, unlike last year, when the December concert had to be postponed. A crescent moon rose above Vero’s own field of dreams as fans, dressed in denim and cowboy hats, drank beer, danced, cheered and sang along with Owen for more than two hours.
The slow moving traffic from all directions into the stadium didn’t dampen the spirits of concert goers once they got inside and into the spirit of the evening.
Concert proceeds benefited the Jake Owen Foundation, which was created to offer its support on a national level to children battling cancer and other childhood diseases while also lending its support to local youth organizations and various charities Indian River County, including Autism Speaks and the Mardy Fish Foundation.
“This is more than just a concert,” said 93.7 morning show host Geoff Moore. “Google St. Jude’s Hospital and if it doesn’t bring a tear to your eyes, you have no heart.”
“This place looks beautiful from my point of view,” shouted Owen, who thanked the enthusiastic crowd for enduring the traffic jam.
“I think it’s so cool that he comes back to his hometown and gives back so much to this community. I love the fact that his foundation supports such relevant organizations,” said Vero Beach resident Karen Mantell. “He does so much for local schools, cancer, and autism.”
Fans of all ages boogied in the aisles as Owen sang all of his hits.
“Jake Owen is my favorite country singer,” said Oslo 8th grader Madisen Gaw. “I have all his CDs.”
Owen asked the crowd to indulge him, since it was the last stop on his tour.
“If you don’t mind, I’m going to add a few songs,” he said. They didn’t, and he proceeded to play for another hour, including a slow Conway Twitty ballad, especially for his mom, a terrific cover of Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places,” and “Family Tradition.”
The crowd started dispersing while Owen was still playing, dancing all the way back to their cars to avoid the traffic jam, but they kept their car windows down, so they could catch the encores played by Owen, who was clearly delighted to be back among friends and family.
