Darius Rucker is now firmly rooted in country music but the CMA award winner recently returned to his musical roots in his home state of South Carolina, reuniting with his Hootie & The Blowfish band mates for the group's annual Homegrown Roundup.

The initiative began in 2003 after members of the band became concerned with cuts in educational spending which adversely affected low-income families in the state. The singer says that no matter where he goes, he will always be passionate about the worthwhile cause. "This is our home," Darius tells the Greenwich Time. "Our kids go to school here."

In addition to the performance by the band, the yearly event also includes the opportunity for students to get everything from hair cuts to dental check-ups as they prepare for their first day back to school. More than 40 companies also donated school supplies that children could pick up free of charge. In addition, fans attending the concert were encouraged to bring items such as crayons and paper to the evening concert, which would then be distributed to schools throughout the Charleston school district.

Asked if the state's education system had improved over the years, Darius replies, "I don't think that's for us to say. I'm just going to try to make it better."

Darius spends much of his time donating his talents. The generous singer raised $49,000 for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital by performing a benefit concert during CMA Music Festival this past year, along with fellow stars Randy Houser, Radney Foster, Jamey Johnson, Jake Owen, Hank Williams, Jr. and Kid Rock. He also headlined the Grammy Block Party in Nashville, Tenn. in May, raising funds for flood relief.

His sophomore album, appropriately titled 'Charleston, SC 1966' hits stores October 12. He is currently on the road with good friend Brad Paisley, as part of Brad's H20 World Tour. Find his busy touring schedule here.

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