Darius & Friends has become an unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest over the years as fans descend on Music City for the week of festivities ahead. For its third year at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Rucker was joined by friends Jimmie Allen, Kane Brown, Luke Bryan, Sheryl Crow, Travis Denning and Brett Young as well as more than 2,400 fans at the sold-out show. In addition to the announced lineup, “Darius & Friends” has earned a reputation for its exciting surprise guests and the trend continued this year with Lady Antebellum’s Charles Kelley.
After a silent auction and live donation round, St. Jude patients Ian and Warner greeted the crowd with a magic trick that earned a standing ovation to kick off the night. Rucker then got the music rolling with chart-topper “Alright,” immediately bringing the packed Ryman house to its feet once again. He continued with his ninth No. 1 hit at Country radio, “For the First Time,” before introducing newcomer Travis Denning who followed suit with current single “After A Few,” debut single “David Ashley Parker From Powder Springs” and his take on The Allman Brothers Band classic, “Ramblin’ Man,” with its double-guitar solo in the final bridge emitting cheers and leading into yet another standing ovation.
The event is made possible with support from generous sponsors PGA TOUR, CDW, Hendrix Enterprises, UMG, CAA, A. O. Smith, AMD, Arrow and Intel.
Rucker, who has always prioritized philanthropic work, was honored with the ACM Gary Haber Lifting Lives Award last year for his efforts as well as the Harry Chapin Memorial Humanitarian Award at the recent 2019 Music Biz Awards. He continues this tradition of giving in the midst of the now-underway Hootie & the Blowfish Group Therapy Tour, the band’s first full outing in over a decade that comes with news of a forthcoming album with new label home UMG Nashville.
For more information, visit dariusrucker.com or follow on social media @DariusRucker.
