May 30, 2025 – Stir Cove – Council Bluffs, IA
Stir Cove in Council Bluffs, Iowa kicked off its summer concert series in a big way on Friday night, May 30, 2025, as Jake Owen brought his Driftwood Ramble Tour to town for an unforgettable evening of country music. The night got started with an awesome set from Uncle Kracker, who set the perfect tone for the night. Thousands of fans turned out to enjoy the music, making it a great start to the summer season.
Uncle Kracker started the show, and he had the crowd on their feet. He’s definitely slimmed down and looked great—healthy, confident, and totally in his element. His voice sounded just as good as ever, and he had a big smile on his face the entire time. You could tell he was genuinely happy to be back on tour, soaking up the energy from the fans and having a blast on stage.
He played all the hits—“Follow Me,” “Smile,” “Drift Away,” and even some throwbacks from his earlier days—which had everyone dancing and singing along. It was a laid-back, feel-good set with a mix of nostalgia and great vibes. Perfect way to start the evening.
After a brief intermission and stage reset, it was time for Jake Owen!
In case you’re not familiar, Owen is a country singer and songwriter from Winter Haven, Florida, known for his laid-back vibe and beachy, feel-good hits. He first broke onto the scene in 2006 with his debut album Startin’ with Me, and over the years, he’s built a reputation for catchy songs and energetic live shows.
His 2011 album Barefoot Blue Jean Night was a game-changer, featuring the title track that became a massive No. 1 hit and a fan favorite. Other big singles like “Alone with You,” “Beachin’,” and “The One That Got Away” helped him rack up multiple chart-toppers and cement his place in modern country music.
Owen’s talent hasn’t gone unnoticed—he won the Academy of Country Music Award for Top New Male Vocalist in 2009 and was named Breakthrough Artist of the Year at the American Country Awards in 2012.
After more than a decade with RCA Nashville, he signed with Big Loud Records in 2018 and released the hit single “I Was Jack (You Were Diane),” which paid tribute to John Mellencamp’s classic. He currently has over 5 million monthly listeners on Spotify, and his latest albums, Palm Trees & Palm Readers: Live in Los Angeles, are definitely worth checking out.
This guy knows how to entertain, and he put on an awesome show! He looked great, full of energy, and you could tell he was genuinely happy to be there. From the moment he hit the stage, he had the crowd fired up and singing along. He was super thankful, constantly shouting out the fans and showing his appreciation, which made the whole night feel even more special.
He played all the hits—“Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” “Beachin’,” “Alone with You,” and more. Every song had the crowd on their feet. His vocals were on point, and he had a natural way of connecting with everyone, making it feel more like a party than a concert. The set design was awesome too—it looked like an outdoor honky tonk bar, complete with hanging string lights and saloon doors, adding to the fun, laid-back vibe of the night.
After the show, he even ventured into the crowd to take selfies and sign a few autographs, which was such a cool moment. Jake Owen comes across as a genuine, down-to-earth guy with a ton of talent. If you get the chance to see him live, don’t miss it!
What a great way for Stir to kick off the summer concert series!
Uncle Kracker
Jake Owen
