Little Big Town’s “Take Me Home Tour” Captivates a Sold-Out Van Andel Arena
Grand Rapids,Michigan (November 9,2024)-Grand Rapids’ Van Andel Arena played host to Little Big Town’s “Take Me Home” tour on November 9, 2024. The night marked a celebration of the group’s 25-year career, with a performance spanning decades of hits highlighted by their signature harmonies. Joined by the legendary Sugarland and new comers The Castellows, the evening was a showcase of country music styles, with Little Big Town’s set as the clear centerpiece.
The Castellows, a sister trio from Georgia, opened the night with a set that highlighted their neotraditional country style. Ellie, Lily, and Powell Balkcom introduced themselves to the crowd with a blend of uptempo tracks and ballads. Their harmonies, polished and sincere, anchored their 6-song abbreviated set, particularly during a standout cover of Levon Helm’s “Hurricane.” Their time on stage was full of promise and energy, leaving the early arriving fans warmed up and ready for what was to come.
Sugarland followed, bringing a wave of familiarity and fun, kicking off their 13-song set with “Won’t You Be my Neighbor,” a cover of Fred Rogers Mister Rogers theme song. Jennifer Nettles and Kristian Bush, who have been performing together for over two decades, continue to have that same connection with the audience that they had throughout their 22-year career. Nettles’ powerful voice, still as young and vibrant as ever, led the charge with Bush providing harmonies and rhythm on guitar and mandolin. Their setlist featured hits from their extensive catalog such as “Stay,” “Settlin’,” and “Stuck Like Glue,” that brought a mix of nostalgia and excitement to the arena.
The musical chemistry between Nettles and Bush was forefront throughout their set, as it should, whether they were trading playful banter or blending seamlessly on harmonies. Sugarland ended the night with their 2018 anthem “Something More,” a song whose hopeful message seemed to resonate strongly with the crowd. Their lively performance served as the perfect elixir for what would soon follow.
As the lights dimmed, Little Big Town emerged from beneath the stage to the opening notes of “Bones.” Karen Fairchild, Kimberly Schlapman, Jimi Westbrook, and Phillip Sweet took their familiar places, showcasing the vocal unity that has been their hallmark for 25 years. From the opening moments, the group’s harmonies were at the forefront, demonstrating why as a group, they have traditionally remained one of country music’s most respected acts.
Saturdays setlist was a hit filled offering, covering all eras of the band’s career. Early career singles like “Little White Church” and “Bring It On Home” were delivered with the precision layered harmonies fans have come to love, while newer tracks such as “Next to You” and “Better Man” showed the bands evolution. The group alternated between upbeat anthems like “Pontoon” and “Day Drinking” and slower, reflective songs such as “Sober” and “Hell Yeah,” the latter which gave Phillip Sweet a chance to shine with his deep resonating vocals .
One of the more notable highlights of the set came when the group stripped down their sound for an acoustic session while sitting close together in the middle of the stage. Performing songs “Rich Man” and “Daughters,” the band’s harmonies stood out in their purest form. The simplicity of these arrangements allowed their voices to take center stage, creating an intimate atmosphere that felt almost unexpected in the vastness of the massive arena.
The band also incorporated some unexpected covers into their set. Their rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” had Westbrook taking the lead on vocals and the rest of the group layering in their signature harmonies for riveting take on the classic mega-hit. Another surprise cover, Fleetwood Mac’s “The Chain,” injected a rock edge into the show, allowing Little Big Towns backing band to “stretch their legs” delivering a red hot performance that energized the sell-out crowd.
Later in the set after the playful fan favorite “Wine,Beer,Whiskey,” Sugarland returned to the stage to join Little Big Town for two collaborative numbers. The two groups revisited their 2008 collaboration on “Life in a Northern Town,” blending their voices seamlessly on the song’s layered, choral-style arrangement. They followed with Phil Collins’ “Take Me Home,” the namesake of the tour, that would have made Collins himself get up and sing along. The combination of six voices singing in unison was both powerful and deeply moving, serving as a reminder of the strong bond between the two groups.
Little Big Town saved some of their biggest hits for the end of the night. “Girl Crush,” a song that sparked debate upon its release in 2014, was met with loud adulation as the audience sang along to every word. The band closed their 22 -song set with “Boondocks,” a celebration of their Southern roots that brought the entire arena to its feet. These final songs showcased not only their ability to write crowd-pleasing hits but also their knack for connecting with their audience on a more intimate yet personal level.
Throughout their 90-minute set, Little Big Town displayed the artistry and cohesion that have sustained their 25-year career. While each member took turns in the spot light, it was their collective sound that left the strongest impression. Their ability to blend their voices with such precision and emotion remains their defining trait.
The production of the show was equally noteworthy. The lighting and visuals were polished but not overbearing, complementing the music without overshadowing it. The band’s stage presence was natural and understated, relying on their vocal talents rather than elaborate theatrics. As the final notes of “Boondocks” echoed through Van Andel Arena, the crowd’s standing ovation affirmed the group’s place in the hearts of their fans. For those in attendance, it was a night that highlighted the power of live music and its ability to bring people together, one harmony at a time.
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