Chris Janson Turns Jackson Concert Into an Emotional Family Affair

Chris Janson kicked off the Potter Center's 2026-27 season at Jackson College Sunday night, and he didn't exactly ease everybody into things.

He came out ready to go.

Chris Janson put on an electrifying show in Jackson on October 4, 2026. (Photo via John Reasoner)

The Potter Center has another pretty impressive season lined up, with everything from country and rock to comedy and family shows. But first up was Janson, who brought a mix of the hits, some brand-new music and even a couple songs we haven't officially gotten yet.

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And if you've ever seen Chris Janson live, you know the guy doesn't stand still very long.

Chris Janson Wastes No Time Getting the Party Started

Janson walked out with a guitar strapped on and launched right into "Redneck Life."

Before the song was even over, he'd already broken out the harmonica and made his way to the piano.

That led perfectly into his take on Jerry Lee Lewis' "Great Balls of Fire."

So yeah. We were off and running.

He followed that with "Fix a Drink," dedicating it to the servicemen and women overseas and pointing out the American flags displayed on stage.

New Chris Janson Music Gets Some Stage Time

Janson also gave Jackson a taste of some newer stuff, including "Wild Horses" and "Me & A Beer."

He played "Fun," his collaboration with David Lee Murphy, along with "Don't Tell My Wife," which he said will be on his next album due out next April.

Chris Janson with his wife, Kelly. (Photo via John Reasoner)

That one came with a pretty funny story involving his wife, Kelly, who apparently encouraged him to write it.

And then, because why not, he brought Kelly out and introduced her to everybody.

Janson eventually got to "Good Vibes," and once again showed off just how musical this guy is. Toward the end, he jumped behind the drums and started playing those, too.

Guitar. Harmonica. Piano. Drums.

Show-off.

Chris Janson Keeps It in the Family

There were plenty of family moments throughout the night too.

Janson's son Jesse joined him for "The Real Bass Pro," and since they were playing in Michigan, father and son also tipped their hats to one of our own with Bob Seger's "Old Time Rock and Roll."

Later, with the rest of the band offstage, Janson stood alone with an acoustic guitar and talked about his career as a songwriter.

He's written songs for other artists over the years, but when people ask which one is his favorite, he keeps coming back to Tim McGraw's "How I'll Always Be."

Then things got considerably more emotional.

A Powerful Moment Brings Jackson Crowd to Its Feet

Sitting at the piano, Janson performed his 2017 hit "Drunk Girl" before talking about something else that's apparently been on his heart lately: making a Gospel album.

Janson said after his next country album comes out in April, he plans to turn his attention toward that project.

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He performed "Hold My Hand," then called one of his side-stage crew members, known as "Crash," onto the stage.

Janson explained that Crash has been going through a difficult time and asked him to help sing. The two eventually worked their way into "Amazing Grace," and before Crash left the stage, Janson pulled him in for a hug.

It was one of those moments where the whole mood in the room changed. The crowd responded with a standing ovation.

Chris Janson Saves the Big Ones for the End

Of course, Janson still had a couple pretty big songs left.

He closed out the main part of the night with "Done" and the song everybody knew was coming, "Buy Me a Boat."

Then came one more family moment.

Janson brought his grandson out, held him in his arms and finished the night with Lee Greenwood's "God Bless The U.S.A."

Chris Janson and his grandson at Jackson's Potter Center on October 4, 2026. (Photo via John Reasoner)

That earned another standing ovation from the Jackson crowd and put a pretty solid exclamation point on the Potter Center's opening night for the season.

If this was any indication of what the Potter Center has planned for its 2026-27 season, they're off to a heck of a start.

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Check out some fun pics from the night below, courtesy of photographer John Reasoner.