La PORTE, IN (March 23, 2026) – The City of La Porte announced today that world-famous recording artist Uncle Kracker will headline this summer’s LakeFest, according to Park Superintendent and LakeFest Committee Chair Mark Schreiber.

The “Follow Me” and “Smile” performer will play a free live show on Saturday, July 25, at the Dennis F. Smith Amphitheater in Fox Park. The show will be preceded by a pair of opening acts to be announced at a later date.

Uncle Kracker’s career has included four albums in the Billboard Top 200, with his most notable single “Follow Me” clinching the #1 spot in four countries. His double-platinum duet with international country artist Kenny Chesney soared to the #1 spot on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart. With a breezy sound that blends country, pop, and rock spiked with a splash of hip-hop, Schreiber said Uncle Kracker is the perfect fit for this lakeside show.

“In our search for a headliner, we were looking for an artist that feels like summer – and Uncle Kracker fits the bill perfectly,” Schreiber said. “With a long catalogue of hits that people know and love, we know this show will be hit for fans of all ages. We’re excited to see the community come together for what’s sure to be an incredible night along the lake.”

While there isn’t a bad seat in the park, Schreiber said a limited number of Premium Front Stage Passes will be available for sale for those individuals looking to get a little closer to the action. Passes will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, March 27, at laportelakefest.com. The concert begins at 6:30 p.m.

For more information on this concert and other LakeFest attractions, visit laportelakefest.com.

ABOUT LAKEFEST:
Running July 24-26, LakeFest boasts three days of music, art, food and fun for the whole family on La Porte's Pine, Stone and Clear lakes. Learn more at www.laportelakefest.com.

ABOUT UNCLE KRACKER:
Uncle Kracker cuts right to the chase. He knows people want to kick back, forget about their troubles, and have a good time, so he’s always willing to oblige. For over two decades, the multi-platinum artist born Matthew Shafer has consistently soundtracked such good times with his boldly breezy blend of country, pop, and rock spiked with a splash of hip-hop. The world initially met Uncle Kracker during his stint in Kid Rock’s Twisted Brown Trucker Band, lending his songwriting and musical acumen to seven cuts off the RIAA diamond-certified Devil Without A Cause. However, fans fell in love with him on his solo debut Double Wide in 2000. It not only crashed the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 at #7, but it also picked up a double-platinum certification and paved the way for the gold-certified follow-up No Stranger To Shame [2002]. He has impressively notched #1 entries in three different genre lanes, topping Pop, Adult Contemporary, and Country charts. The platinum “Follow Me” clinched #1 in four countries, while the double-platinum “When The Sun Goes Down” [with Kenny Chesney] vaulted to #1 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks Chart. He made history with his cover of Dobie Gray’s “Drift Away.” It logged 28 consecutive weeks at #1 on Adult Contemporary Radio, earning “the most weeks atop any Billboard chart.” Meanwhile, “Smile” shined across culture. It reached triple-platinum status and landed dozens of syncs, including a spot for The Office and a tribute montage to Regis Philbin on his final episode of Live With Regis & Kelly. Following 2012’s country album Midnight Special, he served up singles such as “Endlessly,” “Floatin’,” and “No Time To Be Sober.” Right on cue, Uncle Kracker continues to create new music with a brand-new album Coffee & Beer out now, featuring singles “Beach Chair,” “Reason To Drink,” and “Sweet 16.”