Jelly Roll Turns Soaring Eagle Concert Into An Unforgettable Message Of Redemption

Last Friday night, Jelly Roll brought his Little Ass Shed World Tour to the outdoor hillside venue behind Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort in Mount Pleasant, delivering a performance that was equal parts concert, testimony, and celebration.

Joining him for the July 3 date of the tour were Mitchell Tenpenny along with rising singer-songwriters Ethan Burdick and Sunny Black.

Sunny Black, Ethan Burdick And Mitchell Tenpenny Set The Stage

Although severe storms had battered much of western and southern Michigan earlier in the day, only a brief shower drifted over the venue as Sunny Black opened the evening.

Sunny Black turned down an opportunity to compete on "American Idol" in 2025, a decision that seems to have worked out for him just fine. (Photo via John Reasoner)

The North Carolina native performed a short three-song acoustic set with a guitar slung over his shoulder, featuring his originals "Lonely" and "Breaking Even" from his recently released EP before wrapping with Hank Williams Jr.'s "Family Tradition." His smooth country vocals immediately connected with the crowd.

Next came Ethan Burdick, whose career took off after being discovered on TikTok, eventually leading him to Nashville. The Washington native blended folk, country and pop influences throughout his set, performing "I Think I'm In Love," "Hey, I'm Ethan," and his radio single "I Get The Picture," looking right at home performing in front of thousands.

Ethan Burdick helped open the show for Jelly Roll at Soaring Eagle on July 3. (Photo via John Reasoner)

Mitchell Tenpenny wasted little time turning the energy level up several notches.

He exploded onto the stage with "To Us It Did," showcasing impressive guitar work before rolling through crowd favorites including "We Got History," "Truth About You," and "Alcohol You Later."

During a medley featuring "Fly," "This Is How You Did It," and "Ride Wit Me," Mitchell welcomed his bass player and brother, Rafe Tenpenny, to share vocals.

Country hitmaker Mitchell Tenpenny performed several of his own hits for the Soaring Eagle crowd before Jelly Roll hit the stage. (Photo via John Reasoner)

Later in his set, guitarist Jeff Cibulka, a Grand Rapids native, took center stage to help lead into a spirited performance of Bob Marley's "Three Little Birds." Tenpenny wrapped things up with his first #1 hit, "Drunk Me," before seamlessly transitioning into the Goo Goo Dolls' classic "Iris."

As entertaining as the opening acts had been, everyone knew why they were there.

The moment Jelly Roll stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere changed instantly.

He kicked off the night with his new single "Hands Up," and the crowd immediately responded, jumping and throwing their hands into the air right along with him.

Jelly Roll's Message Of Faith And Second Chances

Born Jason Bradley DeFord just outside Nashville, Jelly Roll has never hidden from his past. Throughout the evening, he openly discussed his time behind bars, struggles with addiction and depression, the challenges of fatherhood, and his continuing faith journey.

Rather than simply performing songs, he shared stories that connected deeply with the audience. His message remained consistent throughout the night: nobody has to face life's struggles alone.

Jelly Roll brought more than music to Soaring Eagle on July 3; he also brought a message of redemption. (Photo via John Reasoner)

One of the evening's most powerful moments came when Jelly Roll talked about returning to church in 2024 after accompanying his daughter.

"I might wear it differently than others," he told the crowd, "but I have a heart for God, and I have a heart for Jesus."

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He followed those comments with a heartfelt rendition of Brandon Lake's "Hard Fought Hallelujah."

Jelly's musical versatility was on full display all night.

Originally launching his career as a rapper in 2003, Jelly Roll revisited those roots during "Liar," powered by an energetic drum intro from drummer Pork Chop.

Later, after telling the audience that there are "two kinds of people — those who listen to music and those who feel music," he lightened the mood with snippets of TLC's "No Scrubs" and the Backstreet Boys' "I Want It That Way."

He also took time to shine the spotlight on his opening acts.

Sunny Black and Ethan Burdick returned to the stage to join him on "Friends In Low Places," before Jelly Roll predicted that in five years they'd likely be headlining their own tours.

Fans Become Part Of The Show

One of the night's most memorable interactions happened when Jelly Roll recognized fans he'd seen at previous concerts.

Thousands of fans enjoyed Jelly Roll at Soaring Eagle on July 3. (Photo via John Reasoner)

After thanking them for continually supporting him, he instructed his management team to gather their information before telling them they would never have to buy another ticket to one of his shows again. Future tickets, he promised, would be waiting for them.

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Throughout the night he encouraged fans to bring signs because he genuinely enjoys reading them.

One sign caught his attention: "Hailey is 892 days sober."

The crowd erupted as Jelly Roll congratulated her, reminding everyone that sobriety is a daily victory, not a one-time accomplishment. He dedicated "Winning Streak" to her.

The audience sang every word of "Son Of A Sinner" before Jelly Roll took a quieter moment to introduce "Bloodline."

Speaking about breaking generational cycles of addiction, he shared how his daughter became the first member of his family to graduate from high school and attend college.

"My bloodline didn't determine who I was going to become," he told the crowd.

The song became another emotional high point of the evening.

Michigan Connections Draw Huge Reactions

Jelly Roll also spent time introducing members of his band.

He recognized longtime guitarist Kasey Strums, who originally joined him as a drummer in 2014, recalling their very first show together at Papa Pete's in Kalamazoo.

Later, keyboardist Matt Ferranti—who graduated from Bay City Central High School—received one of the loudest ovations of the night after Jelly Roll revealed his Michigan roots.

As Ferranti played piano beneath flames rising from the instrument, Jelly Roll delivered an emotional performance of "I'm Not Okay."

Moments later, the mood shifted once again as Ferranti launched into Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock And Roll," sending the crowd into another singalong.

The momentum continued with "Need A Favor" before Jelly Roll took time to recognize Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson, praising his work helping rehabilitate offenders.

Although insisting he wasn't getting involved in politics, Jelly Roll joked that if Swanson ever became governor, he'd gladly support him. The crowd responded with loud applause as cameras found Swanson standing near the stage.

Jelly Roll also wished manager John McNeilly a happy birthday, leading thousands of fans in singing "Happy Birthday" before closing the evening with "Save Me."

Despite earlier severe weather leaving a few empty seats and patches on the hillside, the crowd's energy never reflected it.

By night's end, Soaring Eagle felt completely full.

More Than Just Another Country Concert

More than simply another country concert, Jelly Roll delivered a show centered around redemption, hope, faith, second chances, and healing.

His music entertained, but his message resonated even more.

Whether fans came for the hits or left inspired by his story, it was difficult to walk away without believing that people truly can change—and that sometimes the right song, at the right moment, can make all the difference.