Darius Rucker Helps Hometown, Hints at Hootie Reunion

Darius Rucker continues to give back to his hometown this week, performing at the annual Homegrown Concert Series in Charleston, S.C.

"For a lot of years ago Hootie & The Blowfish were into educational charities," Darius tells The Boot, going on to explain how this concert series got started. "We asked a bunch of educators what was the biggest problem they had, and the folks at the rural schools said school supplies. Teachers with their measly salaries were trying to buy supplies for the kids whose families couldn't afford them. So we started this thing called Homegrown where we will do a show, and we'll get word out to the fans that they should go to Target or Wal-Mart and buy school supplies. In Charleston, we play for about 9,000 people and we fill up about four school buses with supplies."

With Hootie & The Blowfish taking a break in touring, Darius decided to use his newfound success in country music and scheduled the concert as a solo act. But then he decided a little extra star power couldn't hurt.

"I knew I couldn't sell it out by myself, so I was thinking, 'Who am I gonna get?' This is the good thing about country music. I was hanging out with Dierks [Bentley] when I was touring with Brad, and I explained this concert concept to him and I said, 'I'd love for you to do this.' Without hesitation he said, 'Absolutely.' And then I had to call him because we had to change the date, and he said, 'Man I'll fly myself to wherever I need to be.' That's what is so great about the folks in country music -- they are always there to help you out."

The Homegrown Concert event will be held at the Family Circle Stadium in Charleston this Thursday, Aug. 13. "It will be a great night," Darius promises, adding, "We look forward to returning for the Homegrown Concert as Hootie in the coming years."