Lady Antebellum Come Home to the Ryman

Lady Antebellum has the No. 1 best-selling album in the country this week. But there was little fanfare, no special effects, no multi-million dollar stage set and no shooting fireworks Wednesday night as the trio headlined Nashville Ryman Auditorium for the first time. Instead, Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood chose to present a concert that showcased their beautiful harmonies as well as their individual talents, while creating an enthusiasm that infected the audience from the moment the group stepped onstage.

The three lost no time in arriving front and center as they walked out to introduce their special guests for the evening. "One of our guests is my big brother, Josh Kelley," Charles told the audience, while Hillary said of the second guest, "I've known this guy since I went to high school with him. We're both second generation singers. Please welcome Randy Montana."

The son of singer/songwriter Billy Montana presented a three-song set including music from an upcoming album. Josh also did three songs, showcasing material from his soon-to-be-released country album, including 'Gone Like That' and 'Rainin' Whiskey.' He also performed a song which he wrote for his daughter, Naleigh, (with actress Katherine Heigl) titled 'Naleigh Moon.' The singer/songwriter has had five albums in the pop/rock category prior to his new venture into country.

Lady Antebellum opened their set with the perfectly titled 'Stars Tonight,' following it with their hit 'Love Don't Live Here Anymore.' It didn't take too much persuasion by Charles for the crowd to join the band in a sing-a-long on the chorus. They followed with another aptly titled tune, 'Perfect Day.'

By this time the group members were chatting with the audience between songs, urging them to their feet or to clap along with the beat. The enthusiastic crowd was ready to party all night, although Charles did slow things down a little bit, singing lead on 'When You Got a Good Thing,'

"There's a lot of history on this stage and we're honored to be here," Hillary told the audience as she thanked friends, family and fans for being in attendance. "We thought we just had to do something special for you tonight while we are playing here."

With that, the band came out from their posts and gathered around one mic in the middle of the Ryman stage, where they proceeded to harmonize on the country standard 'Lost Highway.' The trio ended the tune a capella to thunderous applause. Next they brought out stools and performed the first song they ever wrote together, 'All We'd Ever Need,' following it with the song Dave and Charles co-wrote with Luke Bryan, which became the singer's first No. 1, 'Do I.'

A blistering guitar solo by Dave introduced their current single, 'American Honey.' He was featured again a few tunes later when a piano was rolled onstage for him to play during the trio's multi-week No. 1, 'Need You Now.' Charles, Hillary and Dave called Randy and Josh back to join them in a version of the Tom Petty hit 'Mary Jane's Last Dance.'

"We ain't done yet," Charles assured everyone as they broke into another of their hits, 'Lookin' for a Good Time' followed by 'Run to You.' The crowd was on their feet as the trio left the stage. A few minutes later, a string quartet came onstage to accompany Lady A on their closing number, the beautiful 'Hello World.'

As the final notes signaled the end of the evening, Charles, Hillary and Dave said their goodbyes and headed backstage, where no doubt their dressing rooms were filled with family and close friends, all on hand to congratulate them for a beautiful evening of music at the Ryman.

Lady Antebellum, Randy Montana and Josh Kelley will return to the Ryman in Nashville tonight (March 11) for the second of their headline shows at the historic venue.

Lady Antebellum on AOL Music