Darius Rucker fans lined up early to get out from the cold, and into their seats. The venue was pumping from the second fans entered the doors. The energy in the room did not let up until the show was over and it was finally empty! It did not seem possible for the place to be filled with more excitement, until Darius fans were allowed to rush the stage during the encore and the room grew twice as loud! With two encores, it seemed the fans were in denial of the show’s ending. When it finally came time to leave, people’s faces were filled with mixed emotions of sadness and absolute satisfaction.

Darius fans were treated to opening act Gypsy. Once the country group was finished performing and the brief intermission was coming to an end, seats began filling up in anticipation of the show’s start. Darius opened with the first track from his hit album, “Forever Road.” From the moment he stepped out onto the stage, Darius was grabbing hands, nodding to fans that stood out, and making funny comments about how he could not read the signs people were holding up in the audience. He even stated, “I’m a Carolina boy. I can’t read and sing at the same time!” It had the crowd roaring with laughter!

Darius sang several Christmas songs, in honor of the holiday season, including his most recent release to itunes, “Candy Cane Christmas.” Darius stated that he co-wrote “Candy Cane Christmas” several years ago, but was waiting for the perfect time to release it. The fans ate up the jazzy, old-time sounding Christmas tune.

Mr. Rucker also covered songs like “Purple Rain,” by Prince, and “Keep Your Hands to Yourself,” by the Georgia Satellites. He did a number of Hootie and the Blowfish songs as well, including, “Hold My Hand,” “Let Her Cry,” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” It was apparent during these songs that there were some former diehard Hootie fans in the room.

Throughout the show, many individuals held out a sharpie marker, along with a number of personal items, including concert tickets, cowboy hats, photos, etc. Darius told his fans that he would get to signing at the end of the show. As promised, Darius walked along the edge of the stage, signing people’s shirts, cowboy hats, ticket stubs, and pictures. He even snapped a picture with a lucky fan or two! Overall, it was a great night filled with rockin’ good times!

Kelly Jean