Hidden Beats

We Are Story Tellers

Jelly Roll In Victoria

Jelly Roll in Victoria was an electrifying night, marking the launch of his Beautifully Broken Canadian tour at the Save-On-Foods Memorial Centre. The Nashville-born superstar, Jason DeFord, packed the 6,000+ seat venue to capacity, transforming the typically serene city streets into a frenzy of excitement. Long before showtime, thousands of eager fans flooded the area, creating a chaotic yet thrilling atmosphere. Traffic stretched for blocks, and the energy was palpable as concertgoers scrambled for merch and rushed to their seats, eager to soak in every moment. As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Savannah Dexter took the stage, officially kicking off the evening. Her performance set the tone for what was to come, building excitement even further. With the crowd already hyped, the stage was set for an unforgettable night.

Savannah Dexter

Florida-based country-rap artist Savannah Dexter set the stage ablaze, kicking off the night with undeniable energy. Still carving her path in the industry, she captivated the crowd with hits like “Sinner Like Me” and “Love Like This.” Her raw vocals and powerful delivery ignited both movement and emotion, drawing the audience in from the first note.

Moreover, Dexter’s stage presence was magnetic—commanding yet inviting. Each song pulsed with authenticity, blending hip-hop grit with country storytelling, and her passion was infectious. As the night progressed, she pulled the crowd deeper into her world with every verse. By the time her set ended, she had truly left her mark. More than just an opener, she proved that she’s a force to be reckoned with. In the end, her performance wasn’t merely a show—it was a statement. Savannah Dexter is here to stay, and country rap is undoubtedly stronger for it.

Josh Ross

Josh Ross took the stage as the second opener of the night, but his performance felt nothing short of a headliner. With the JUNOs just weeks away, witnessing the talent behind five nominations was truly a privilege. From the moment he stepped under the lights, his energy was electric, and his connection with the crowd was undeniable. Moreover, Ross delivered a powerful set packed with fan-favorite hits like “Ain’t Doin’ Jack,” “Trouble,” and “Single Again.” Each song fuelled the energy in the room, drawing the audience deeper into the experience. His stage presence was effortless, his vocals commanding, and his ability to engage the crowd was second to none. As the night progressed, it became clear that Josh Ross wasn’t just an opener—he was a star in the making. If this was just the beginning, the future for this Hamilton hero looks unstoppable.

Surprise Guest Merkules Changes the Atmosphere

Between Savannah and Josh’s sets, Arena Rockerz cranked up the energy, keeping the crowd hyped. As Josh Ross wrapped up, excitement buzzed through the venue. Then, Rockerz returned with a twist that sent shockwaves through the crowd. Out of nowhere, Surrey’s underground rap legend Merkules hit the stage. The crowd went wild. Gasps turned into deafening cheers. Fans surged forward, eager to get closer, while security scrambled to keep up. For 20 electrifying minutes, Merkules and the rap duo commanded the stage. The energy soared, shaking the venue. The night had officially reached another level.

The Beautifully Broken Captures the Heart and Soul of Victoria

The arena trembles as the countdown nears zero, excitement intensifying with each passing second. Then—darkness. Save-On Memorial erupts. Towering screens flash comforting words: “This is our space.” “It’s okay to not be okay.” “You belong here.” Morgan Freeman’s iconic voice echoes, drawing the crowd in as a video shows Jelly Roll walking through a sea of fans, heightening the anticipation. Suddenly, a blinding light bursts from the floor. Gasps ripple through the crowd. In an instant he’s there, walking among them. Fans reach out, desperate for a connection, and he greets them with a beaming smile. Reaching the second stage, he pauses, taking in the overwhelming energy. A deep breath, a knowing smile—then chaos. Flames shoot from house-shaped beams, engulfing the scene in fire. Then, the first chords hit. The crowd roars. Jelly Roll launches into his soul-shaking anthem, “I’m Not Okay.” As the track ends, he grins and shouts, “Now that’s how you start a show, Canada!” And just like that, Jelly Roll in Victoria had begun.

Setlist & Highlights

Heading into the night, I knew only a few of Jelly’s tracks, but by the end, I wanted more. Standouts like “Halfway to Hell,” “Son of a Sinner,” and “Liar” shined, while surprise covers of Green Day’s “Good Riddance” and Jessie Murph’s “Wild Ones” had the crowd singing. The energy peaked when Josh Ross joined Jelly for a powerful “Friends in Low Places” duet. Midway through, Jelly shared a hilarious childhood story about mistaking a “skunk” for something else, leading to his love for rap. He then tore into a high-energy medley of N.W.A, DMX, OutKast, and Eminem, turning the arena into a massive sing-along. Jelly also paid tribute to Canada with a medley of Nickelback’s “How You Remind Me,” Tom Cochrane’s “Life Is a Highway,” and a show-stopping “Ironic” duet with Savannah Dexter. With his 10+ member crew, he let guitar solos, drum breaks, and vocal showcases shine. The night was a genre-blending spectacle, proving Jelly’s power to unite fans through music.

In Closing

Jelly Roll In Victoria was unforgettable, filled with raw power and emotion. His journey from a troubled past to selling out arenas is truly inspiring, showing that redemption is possible. From the start, Jelly connected deeply with the crowd, urging fans to find strength: “Get strong and keep going.” He also thanked the Canadian government for granting him entry, acknowledging his past with gratitude. As the night neared its end, Jelly stepped onto the B-stage, soaking in the atmosphere before expressing appreciation for the fans. Then, as he launched into “Save Me,” the stage transformed into a rain-soaked spectacle, amplifying the song’s emotional depth. His passion was undeniable. His voice resonated throughout the arena, pulling the audience into his world of struggle, recovery, and triumph. It was more than a concert—it was a powerful testament to resilience and redemption.

Thank You Jelly Roll In Victoria

Jelly Roll In Victoria was a vulnerable performance transformed into a euphoric journey, leaving the crowd with deep, lasting joy. His incredible sets, requiring over 13 trucks, reflected his passion to create unforgettable moments. Beyond the spectacle, his drive to change lives through music shone brightly. The energy he brings is unparalleled, a performance etched in our hearts. On behalf of Hidden Beats and myself, we thank Jelly Roll for everything he does. He’s an unmissable force, and like many others, I’m already counting down to the next chance to witness his greatness. If you’d like to find out more about Jelly Roll or find catch the Beautifully Broken tour, visit here: https://jellyroll615.com/

Send us a message here

© Hidden Beats Corp. All Rights Reserved 2020

(Visited 66 times, 1 visits today)