Jelly Roll’s international debut includes performances in Canada. He will be playing at the Meridian Center in St. Catharines, Ontario on July 8, with proceeds benefiting the Heather Winterstein Foundation.
The next day, July 9, he’ll be at Ottawa’s Bluesfest, sharing the stage with Carly Rae Jepsen, Charley Crockett, Future Islands, Killer Mike, Maroon 5, and Mt. Joy, among other artists.
It marks a significant step for the “Save Me” singer after touring extensively across the continental U.S.
“The Heather Winterstein Foundation and the family of Heather Winterstein are grateful that Jelly Roll is honouring us with his very first Canadian concert on our behalf,” Foundation executive director Jennifer Dockstader said in a statement.
“His dedication to raising awareness, sharing his story of healing, and supporting substance use disorder treatments are a beacon of hope for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people alike across Turtle Island.
His message brings the struggles of our loved ones into the open and helps us celebrate the healing journeys of our relatives in our community, offering opportunities for equity and reconciliation.”
Jelly Roll, aged 39 and known for his three No. 1 hits on Canadian radio, will be visiting Canada for the first time. He is set to perform at a benefit for the Heather Winterstein Foundation.
This foundation is dedicated to supporting indigenous youth with mental health and addiction issues, as well as providing scholarships for careers in healthcare.
This marks a significant occasion as Jelly Roll expands his reach beyond the United States to support a meaningful cause in Canada.
“When the opportunity to bring in Jelly Roll surfaced, we jumped on it,” Ottawa Bluesfest executive and artistic director Mark Monahan said in a statement. “He has an amazing story, and he’s a great performer.”
The arrival of country star Jelly Roll is so significant that the festival is adjusting its schedule to start a day earlier to accommodate his performance on the RBC Stage.
Tickets for his July 9 show at Ottawa Bluesfest will go on sale at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 19, through the festival’s website.
Before announcing these Canadian dates on Tuesday, Jelly Roll had not scheduled any shows in Canada or overseas due to visa restrictions stemming from past arrests and convictions.
“It’s funny, America has finally agreed to let me leave and give me a passport, but some countries won’t let me come because of my felonies,” Jelly told Jon Bon Jovi in an interview earlier this month. “We’re working on that. I think it’s going to work in my favor.”
Jelly Roll has been candid about his troubled past, which includes multiple incarcerations starting from a young age, including drug charges and a significant prison sentence for aggravated robbery.
These legal issues had long-lasting consequences, such as difficulties in obtaining a passport and performing internationally due to restrictions on travel for former felons.
Until recently, these barriers prevented him from booking shows outside the United States. His upcoming performances in Canada mark a new chapter, reflecting his perseverance and the opportunity to share his music on an international stage despite past challenges.
