Jake Owen and Jimmy Buffett. [Photo Kaila Jones]

A little bit country … a little bit beachy … a whole lot of love. Nearly 1,000 Jake Owen fans enjoyed the close camaraderie of musicians and friends at the ninth annual Jake Owen Foundation Benefit Concert, held this year at the Corporate Air Hangar.

Owen brought along some of his famed musician friends – including special guest Jimmy Buffett – to share the spotlight and raise money for his charities, including St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital and local organizations in his hometown of Vero Beach.

Last Saturday night’s concert was a departure from Owen’s high-tech concerts for the masses. The intimate gathering was a welcomed experience for those lucky enough to snag a ticket.

The hangar had been transformed into an elegant venue, with 94 tables adorned with white linen tablecloths topped with tropical centerpieces created and donated by Monti’s Flower World.

The staging was simple – three stools, three microphones and eight talented musicians taking turns singing and sharing anecdotes with the appreciative crowd.

Performers Chase Rice, Matt Stell and Larry Fleet opened the show, also relating stories about Owen, their careers and the excitement of meeting Jimmy Buffett backstage.

The crowd erupted with cheers and applause as the legendary Buffett took the stage with his bandmate Mac McAnally.

“I am honored to be here in Vero Beach, helping raise money for Jake’s charity and to share the stage with these amazing songwriters and musicians,” said Buffett. “And seeing a young country superstar give back to his hometown is gratifying.”

Buffett and McAnally delivered a memorable acoustic performance, delighting the crowd with some of his favorite hits, including “Son of a Son of a Sailor,” “It’s My Job,” “Volcano” and “A Sailor Looks at 40.”

Owen channeled the crowd’s enthusiasm after Buffett’s stirring performance into raising some serious cash for charity with a heated live auction. Nearly $300,000 was raised through the auction, including a whopping $70,000 bid to enjoy a golf outing with Owen and professional golfer Brooks Koepka. A weekend in Nashville, with Owen as a personal tour guide, brought an astonishing $65,000.

Melbourne resident Erin Bir was exuberant as the high bidder of the guided weekend in Nashville.

“I came down for a girls weekend with my friend and now we’ll be planning a trip to Nashville,” said Bir.

When asked what had compelled her to spend such an exorbitant amount on the auction item, Bir said, “I met Jake today at the pool at Vero Beach Hotel and Spa and he was very nice. I think he’ll be a good tour guide. Besides, my husband just bought a plane last week, so I figured I could do something for me. But it’s really all about charity.”

Owen closed out the show sharing the stage with fellow Treasure Coast resident Scotty Emerick and songwriter Craig Wiseman. He ended the show with his hit song, “A Barefoot Blue Jean Night.”

Owen’s fundraising weekend also included a golf tournament at Quail Valley Golf Club, and kickball and fishing tournaments.