Darius Rucker Amazed at Work Still Needed in New Orleans

Darius Rucker kicked off 2011 by performing the national anthem at the Allstate Sugar Bowl in New Orleans, as well as hosting a free, pre-game concert for his fans. While those could events could be found on numerous bucket lists, it was another activity he was anticipating the most: joining hundreds of volunteers to clean up the hurricane-ravaged Ninth Ward neighborhood.

"I saw all the help the Ninth Ward still needs after all these years," Darius tells Parade magazine. "It's amazing that it's five years later and we still have work to do. It's something I really looked forward to being a part of."

The platinum-selling singer is a seasoned performer of the national anthem, having sung it at several major events, including at the World Series, but the 44-year-old is still apprehensive. "I still get very nervous," Darius admits. "I sing my note to myself about a hundred times before I go out there."

Darius is looking forward to a busy new year. In addition to heading out on the road to open several shows for his good friend, Brad Paisley, the former Hootie & the Blowfish frontman is also planning his own shows. "I'm going to go out and headline a lot of shows this year," he reveals. "I've got plenty of songs to play now from both records. When we play, we want everyone to leave going, 'Man, that was fun.' That's our goal every night as a band."

He may be doing some solo shows, but his future goals include sharing the stage with another one of country's hottest acts. "In my perfect world, I'd probably go out with Lady Antebellum," he revealed to The Boot. "I think a double-headlining bill with Lady A would be a lot of fun."

Darius will jump start his busy year with a show in Green Bay, Wis. January 20. See his tour schedule here.