Ed Roland’s Sweet Tea Project to perform at Braves’ home opener

FUN AT TURNER FIELD

The AJC's Howard Pousner gives you the rundown on everything from special events to new food options to ticket deals and transportation. See what's in store for the Braves' home games.

In the 30-plus years that Ed Roland has been performing, not much has prompted a bout of nerves.

But a couple of years ago, he was asked to sing the national anthem at an Atlanta Falcons game and that, he said with a laugh, “threw me for a loop.”

The combination of a late-night flight back from a gig, zero sleep and the usual apprehension that singers feel when tasked with the anthem cued Roland’s butterflies-in-stomach.

But the frontman for Collective Soul and the Sweet Tea Project is much calmer about his second stab at the iconic song, which he and the Sweet Tea Project will perform prior to the first pitch of the Atlanta Braves' home opener Friday.

“It’s not that hard of a song to sing,” Roland said, “but it will be better because I’ll have the guys with me to give it a Sweet Tea vibe.”

While Roland and Collective Soul bandmates (brother Dean on guitar, Will Turpin on bass, Johnny Rabb on drums and Jesse Triplett on guitar) are readying the release of their long-awaited ninth album, “See What You Started by Continuing” and an ensuing tour, Roland still plays in his rootsier side band a few times a month.

He and the Sweet Tea crew — Christopher Alan Yates, Brian Bisky, Mike Rizzi and Jesse Triplett — will perform an hourlong set in the Turner Field plaza before the Braves and the Mets take the field at 7:35 p.m. Friday.

Roland, a native of Stockbridge who lives with his family in Sandy Springs, is a lifelong Braves fan and said he’s curious to see what this transition year brings for the team.

He and his buddy Jeff Dauler from Q100 often take in a few games each season for some “boy time.” But this year Roland is also planning outings to Turner Field with his 5-year-old son, Lennon, for some bonding time with daddy.

Roland should relish whatever summer days he has with his family. Plans call for the first single from the new Collective Soul record to hit radio in June, with the album following in September. An 18-month tour to support “See What You Started …” will follow. And yes, Roland promises there will be a hometown show.

So now that he’s checked the Falcons and the Braves off his list of Atlanta sports team performances, how about the mighty Hawks?

Roland laughs.

“I thank them for having the city excited about basketball again. I really think they’re going to keep that team formula going (into the playoffs),” he said. “And if they make it to the finals, I hope Collective Soul could be there. We’ll rock (the arena) to get everybody ready.”