There’s a famous saying that goes, “there’s no place like home.” It proves itself to be true time after time, even if the place you regard to be home isn’t your own place of dwelling. Many of you who are reading this article would likely consider your favorite concert venues to be a “home,” or simply being at your favorite artists’ shows can be like “home.”
Two decades into their careers, the Jonas Brothers are still hosting performances around the globe, giving fans everywhere a taste of “home,” no matter where they may be. The group is currently on their Jonas20: Greetings from Your Hometown Tour, celebrating their milestone anniversary and the release of their latest album titled Greetings from Your Hometown.
Taking the opportunity to see the Jonas Brothers in my own hometown of Chula Vista, a suburb of San Diego, was no brainer. On September 2, nearly 20,000 fans filled the North Island Credit Union Amphitheater to celebrate a band that has clearly stood the test of time in the digital age, and create memories that will be shared for even more decades to come!
As the lights dimmed across the amphitheater, a video message greeted the audience. Visuals of Jonas Brothers fans from shows around the world flashed on screen as the crowds heard the message, “What if I told you tonight that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be? Not just in this city, not just at the show, but in this moment?” Scenes from different stages of the Jonas Brothers’ career were displayed, as fans were reminded that the past 20 years have been full of ups and downs for both the trio and us alike. But no matter how windy our paths in life may be, the “detours” (as mentioned in the video) will always lead us to that place we need to be. For the sake of the tour, that would be home, and regardless of where everyone regards to be their physical home, tonight the Chula Vista concert would be our home.
The Jonas Brothers made an entrance by standing together in a power pose, as fans cheered non-stop! The trio kicked off their nearly two hour show with “Remember This,” which kept the warm and fuzzy vibes from their introductory video flowing. Each member greeted the crowd individually, and shouted out their hometown of Wyckoff, New Jersey.
“Tonight we are celebrating a 20 year journey,” Nick said. “Not just us on stage, but each and every one of you were a part of this. Whether you’re a long time fan or if this is your first Jonas brothers show tonight, welcome to the family. We’re happy to have you.”
While the setlist for the night featured songs from all throughout the Jonas Brothers’ careers, one must admit it truly feels good to sing along to the classics. When the members went on to play “S.O.S.,” the entire crowd was sent into a huge frenzy. Suddenly, I was transported back to 2007, and my childhood infatuation with the Jonas Brothers began to replay in my head. I was reminded of the excitement of connecting my hot pink 4th generation iPod Nano to my low-quality Spongebob Squarepants speakers to play the song. I remembered how it was my bragging right at the time to be able to show my friends that my parents allowed me to purchase the song on iTunes. I also thought about the countless Disney Channel-centric sleepovers my friends and I would take turns hosting at our homes, and all of us absolutely losing our brains when the “S.O.S.” music video would come on TV.
The wonderful mix of nostalgia and dopamine is a huge part of the magic of a Jonas Brothers concert, and so is the sensation of hearing the trio’s backing band helping them bring their music to life on stage. Ever since the Happiness Begins Tour in 2019, the Jonas Brothers’ tour performances have put a great emphasis on the backing band’s brass section. Not only did these musicians audibly enhance the performance of songs such as “Vacation Eyes” and “Sucker,” but they also skipped and danced all around the stage! Their enthusiasm was contagious, and it made the crowd become even more excited during the performances.
A major focal point of the Greetings from Your Hometown Tour has been the laundry list of special guests the Jonas Brothers have brought out at shows. A recurring theme was that most artists who were invited to join the brothers hailed from the city they were appearing in. So far, fans have been treated to surprise appearances from artists such as Demi Lovato, Hanson, Fifth Harmony, Kelsea Ballerini, and more. There was plenty of speculation about who would appear in San Diego, especially after Joe Jonas made an Instagram story post alluding there would be more than one guest for the show. My personal prediction was Switchfoot and Jason Mraz being the special guests for the night, as they both represent San Diego with pride day in and day out.
Sure enough, my wish was granted! Switchfoot joined the Jonas Brothers to perform “Greetings From Your Hometown,” the title track from the album that they helped pen. Switchfoot also performed their classic track “Dare You To Move.” Soon after, the Jonas Brothers introduced Jason Mraz on stage, causing the crowd to erupt in cheers.
“What’s up neighbors?!” Mraz shouted as he gripped his guitar. The Jonas Brothers then joined him in singing “I’m Yours,” as the crowd lit up the amphitheater with a sea of flashlights.
A true unexpected surprise for me happened towards the end of the concert. The Jonas Brothers were performing “Burnin’ Up,” then all of a sudden, Big Rob emerged to perform his verse on the song!
As a night full of excitement approached its conclusion, the Jonas Brothers made sure to end the night on a high note. In an effort to give the crowd a glimpse of how it was like writing songs and creating music in their living room, their younger brother Franklin Jonas was brought on stage, as well as their father, Kevin Jonas, Sr., to play the piano. Together, everyone performed an emotional rendition of “When You Look Me In The Eyes.”
By no means was this my first time seeing the Jonas Brothers on tour, but I felt like there was something extra special about seeing them at this stage in my life, in the first concert venue I ever worked at, and most importantly, in my own backyard. (Technically… my house is only 15 minutes away.) Being able to reconnect with old friends, meet new people, and enjoy the very music I grew up listening to was everything I could ever ask for.
Thanks for stopping by, Jonas Brothers. When you return to San Diego in the future, just remember that mi casa es su casa.