80-583: Musikfest is an American music festival that has been held annually since 1984 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in the Lehigh Valley region of eastern Pennsylvania . It is the nation's largest non-gated free music festival. The festival begins on the first Friday in August, though it has been preceded since 2015 with a Thursday preview night involving the premium stage and adjacent areas. The festival ends
160-584: A Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Reds fan. Rucker's mother died in November 1992 of a heart attack. His grief inspired two Hootie & the Blowfish songs: "I'm Goin' Home" and "Not Even the Trees." On April 21, 1995, his girlfriend, Elizabeth Ann Phillips, gave birth to Rucker's first child, a daughter, Carolyn Pearl Phillips. Rucker married Beth Leonard in 2000. Their first child, daughter Daniela Rose,
240-476: A country singer and released his second album, Learn to Live (2008). Its first single, " Don't Think I Don't Think About It ", peaked at number one on Hot Country Songs chart, making it the first song by a Black artist to do so since Charley Pride in 1983. It was followed by three similarly successful singles: " It Won't Be Like This for Long ", " Alright ", and " History in the Making ". In 2009, he became
320-623: A polka band each night. Beyond that, however, Musikfest's music, food, and other attractions represent a broad range of cultures. Musikfest is presented by ArtsQuest, a nonprofit arts organization founded to celebrate arts and culture in the Lehigh Valley and beyond. Proceeds from the event benefit ArtsQuest ventures such as the Banana Factory community arts center in South Bethlehem , and other nonprofit groups throughout
400-643: A record producer who has also produced for Brad Paisley and Trace Adkins . Rucker also made his Grand Ole Opry debut in July 2008. The single reached number one in September, making Rucker the first solo, African-American artist to chart a number one country hit since Charley Pride's " Night Games " in 1983. Learn to Live was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) on February 6, 2009, and received
480-493: A 62-year-old music teacher, ran an open mic night and worked as a roadie. On February 1, 2024, Rucker was arrested in Williamson County, Tennessee on two misdemeanor drug charges and one misdemeanor vehicle registration violation. He was released after posting $ 10,500 bail. In a statement given to The Tennessean , Rucker's lawyer Mark Puryear claimed that Rucker was "fully cooperating with authorities related to
560-1251: A Creativity Tent, Themed Arts & Crafts Sessions, a Musikfest-wide Treasure Hunt, and mural painting done by various children (and adults) as a tribute to the 30th anniversary of Musikfest. Sofa Kings, Lucky 7, Joe Stanky and The Cadets, Jimmy Sturr and His Orchestra , The Aardvarks, Fritz's Polka Band, The Nerds, Philadelphia Funk Authority, The Rob Stoneback Big Band, Jump City Jazz Orchestra, Beantown Swing Orchestra , Joe Weber, Brian Clayton, Crazy Hearts, Tommy Guns Band, Joyous, The Exceptions, Boogie Wonder Band, The Soul Cruisers, Main Street Cruisers, Desire, Emily's Toybox, Joe Kroboth, John Stevens' Doubleshot, HALA Dance Expo, Alex Torres Band, The Wholigans, The English Channel, The Blue Meanies, Strawberry Fields, Walt Groller Orchestra , Bud Hudenski and The Corsairs, and The Alex Meixner Band. Cast in Bronze Mike Lorenz, Blackbird Society Orchestra, Two Cent Jazz Band, The Smoke Rings, The Uptown Underground, The Hot Club of Philadelphia, Kristi Lynn Quartet, Tony Gairo Trio, Alignment, Helix, Dan DeChellis Trio, Jessy Carolina and The Hot Mess, Pamela Webb, Frenchy and
640-580: A bar in 1993 when Woods was 18. Rucker sang at the golfer's wedding with Hootie & the Blowfish and at his father's funeral. His interest in golf goes well beyond his relationship with Woods; he was a VIP guest of Team USA at the 2016 Ryder Cup , and he attended Arnold Palmer 's funeral shortly before the Cup. For the Undercover Boss series episode "Celebrity Undercover Boss: Darius Rucker", which premiered May 12, 2017, Rucker disguised himself as
720-669: A board member of the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children's Hospital in Charleston, where his mother worked for over thirty years from the time Rucker was a child, and has helped raise millions of dollars to help build a new hospital. He also made a commitment to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital after touring the facility in 2008. Since then, Rucker has spearheaded an annual event resulting in over $ 1.6 million raised for St. Jude's to date. Headlining Co-headlining Supporting In November 2023, it
800-720: A capacity of about 275,000 spectators, but has " fallow years " roughly every five years, so it is the biggest non-annual greenfield festival in the world. The oldest annual dedicated pop music festival in the world is Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands , though in other genres, there are much older ones: the Three Choirs Festival in the UK has run annually since 1719. The Queensland Music Festival, established in 1999 and headquartered in Brisbane Australia,
880-476: A deal with Edwin McCain and made a guest appearance on McCain's debut album, Honor Among Thieves . In regard to the future of Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker was quoted by CBS news as stating in late 2011, "I don't think we'll ever break up totally. We're Hootie & the Blowfish. ... We'll make another record and do another tour someday. I don't know when, but it will happen. There's one more in us." After
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#1732793414620960-488: A detailed poster, incorporating hidden imagery within his colorful vision. Capturing a joyful image of a father with his daughter hoisted onto his shoulders at Musikfest, Cooper wanted to bring warmth to his painting as the two share the same experience from different perspectives. After going virtual for 2020, Musikfest returned from August 5 to August 15, 2021, with another community celebration to mark its 38th year. Musikfest 2021 differentiated from previous years, honoring
1040-410: A form of seasonal, cultural festivity, structured around a schedule of music performances, or concerts. Music festivals generally feature regular and extensive programming, than more spontaneous or improvised forms of music festivity. In traditional genres such as folk and classical music, a music festival can be defined as a community event , with performances of singing and instrument playing, that
1120-451: A manifestation for creating escapism and a seasonal cultural economy to experience ritually and collectively. Another type of music festival is the music education , often organized annually in local communities, regionally, or nationally, for the benefit of amateur musicians of all ages and grades of achievement. Entrants perform prepared pieces or songs in front of an audience which includes competitors, family and friends, and members of
1200-429: A minute in my life," he later told The Arizona Republic about the record. "I was listening to a lot of Notorious B.I.G. and Lauryn Hill at that time, and I wanted to make a neo soul record." He also said in the article that he doesn't anticipate recording an R&B-styled disc again. "Country music is my day job now. I'll probably do this till it's all over, but that album was a lot of fun." Rucker appeared on
1280-572: A nationally known recording artist. These premium concerts, along with select shows at other stages, require paid tickets to gain admission. Musikfest is rooted in the Bethlehem area's German roots, and most of the festival's venues use Platz , the German word for place or square, at the end of their names. A popular place for eating and listening to music, for example, is the large "Festplatz", which includes 300 dining tables, and usually features
1360-561: A new single titled "Same Beer Different Problems" in April 2022. Later in the year, he confirmed that he would be releasing a new album which would feature a collaboration with Chapel Hart . Rucker subsequently announced that his seventh solo album, Carolyn's Boy , named after his mother, would be released in 2023. He featured on the single " To Be a Man " by Dax in October 2023. On November 7, 2016, Rucker told ESPN that he had become
1440-475: A nomination for Best Country Solo Performance for the 56th Annual Grammy Awards . At the awards ceremony on January 26, 2014, Rucker won, becoming only the third African American recording act (the first being Charley Pride , the second being The Pointer Sisters ) to win a vocal performance Grammy Award in a country music category. On August 25, 2014, Rucker released a new single titled " Homegrown Honey " to country radio and to digital retailers. It served as
1520-502: A partner in MGC Sports, a sports agency that currently represents golfers (among them Steve Stricker and Kenny Perry ), football players, and coaches. He added that he was planning to reduce his performance commitments from 100 dates per year to about 30, and that he thought his experience in the entertainment business would be an asset to potential clients. Rucker will be able to work without restrictions for golfers, but because he
1600-399: A platinum certification on August 7, 2009. The album's second single, " It Won't Be Like This for Long ", spent three weeks at the top of the country chart in mid-2009. Its follow-up, " Alright ", became Rucker's third straight No. 1 hit, making him the first singer to have his first three country singles reach No. 1 since Wynonna in 1992. The album's fourth single, " History in the Making "
1680-460: A pop-star edition of the quiz show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? in July 2001. He also portrayed a singing cowboy in a television commercial for the fast-food company Burger King , promoting its TenderCrisp Bacon Cheddar Ranch sandwich in 2005. In the commercial, he sang a jingle set to the tune of " The Big Rock Candy Mountains ". In 2006 Rucker lent his voice to the track " God's Reasons " written by Dean Dinning and Joel A. Miller for
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#17327934146201760-646: A sense of purpose that makes Rucker feel like a member of the country family, rather than calculating interloper." Rucker made visits to various country stations around the United States, explaining that he was aware that he was the "new kid on the block." Mike Culotta, the program director of Tampa, Florida , radio station WQYK-FM expected that Rucker would be "somebody who would have entitlement," but instead said that "Darius engaged everybody." When Rucker found that "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" went to number one, he cried. On November 11, 2009, Rucker won
1840-550: A specific charitable cause . At music festivals associated with charitable causes, there may be information about social or political issues . The Pythian Games at Delphi included musical performances, and may be one of the earliest festivals known. During the Middle Ages , festivals were often held as competitions. The music festival emerged in England in the 18th century, as an extension of urban concert life into
1920-399: A ten-year hiatus, Rucker and the band announced that they would be touring with Barenaked Ladies in 2019 while also releasing a new album that same year. Their sixth studio album Imperfect Circle was released on November 1, 2019. In 2001, he made his solo R&B debut album, The Return of Mongo Slade, for Atlantic Records. Because of contractual changes, it was never released by
2000-414: A unique image for it and attracting visitors. For example, Lollapalooza, Electric Daisy Carnival Las Vegas, Ultra Music Festival, Electric Forest, and others. While contemporary festivals are often represented as flourishing grounds for extraordinary experiences, they increasingly serve as a way to create cultural identity, lifestyle, community, belonging and self-actualisation. Furthermore, festivals are
2080-636: Is a collaboration with Sheryl Crow on " Baby, It's Cold Outside ". May 30, 2015, Rucker headlined Philadelphia's famous XTU 31st Anniversary Show at the Susquehanna Bank Center. Christopher Bousquet named President of the Hootie fan club Rucker makes an appearance on Sister Hazel 's 2016 album, Lighter in the Dark . On January 6, 2016, Rucker announced that he was working on his fifth country album. The album's lead single, "If I Told You"
2160-507: Is inspired by Radney Foster 's solo debut album, Del Rio, TX 1959 . Its first single was " Come Back Song ," which Rucker wrote with Chris Stapleton and Casey Beathard . It was his fourth country number one as well as a NO. 37 hit on the Hot 100. The album's second single was " This ", which was released to radio in November 2010 and also reached No. 1 in the country chart. Rucker wrote it with Rogers and Kara DioGuardi . " I Got Nothin' "
2240-606: Is not registered with the NFL players' union , he initially will only be able to meet with NFL players under very limited circumstances. Rucker has hosted the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate at Long Cove Club in Hilton Head since 2012. The three-day tournament annually hosts some of the top women's intercollegiate golf teams in the country. Rucker is an ardent South Carolina Gamecocks fan as well as
2320-403: Is often presented with a theme such as a music genre (e.g., blues, folk, jazz, classical music), nationality , locality of musicians, or holiday . Music festivals have developed as an industry which contributes to national economies. For example, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival earned $ 115 million in 2017. Music festivals can be a way of building a brand for a destination, creating
2400-572: Is that participants can learn from one another rather than compete. Such festivals aim to provide a friendly and supportive platform for musicians to share in the excitement of making music. For many, they provide a bridge from lessons and examinations to performing confidently in public; for a few of the top performers, they provide a pathway to further professional study of music in a college, university or conservatory. Milwaukee , Wisconsin 's 11-day event, Summerfest , promotes itself as "The World's Largest Music Festival." Operating annually since 1968,
2480-412: Is the largest music festival by land mass, as a state-wide music biennial music festival, over a three-week period during July. Lists of music festivals in: Darius Rucker Darius Carlos Rucker (born May 13, 1966) is an American singer, musician, and songwriter. He first gained fame as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of rock band Hootie & the Blowfish , which he founded in 1986 at
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2560-973: The Bethlehem Area School District , SOStenuto Music Outreach Program presented by the YOUniversity of Music & Arts, and various retailers, vendors, and sponsored kiosks with interactive events, wares for sale, and contests. Bethlehem Baroque, Andrea Wittchen, Kim and Reggie Harris , Linaria Ensemble, and Muriel Anderson Robin Spielberg , Abaca String Band, Charisse Baldoria, Southside Brass, and Quattro Due Many of Musikfest's stages feature free entertainment and activities. CC Coletti, Eric Steckel , Friar's Point, Christine Ohlman , Craig Thatcher Band, Leftover Cuties, Sean Nowell, The Red Elvises , Todd Wolfe Band , The Royal Scam, Jamie McLean Band, Mike Scala, Station, Hadden Sayers, Holly Williams , Idol Kings, Duffy Kane, Ball in
2640-709: The Country Music Association New Artist of the Year award (formerly known as the Horizon Award), making him the first African American to do so since the award was introduced in 1981. Only one other African American has won at the CMAs: Charley Pride, who won entertainer of the year in 1971 and male vocalist in 1971 and 1972. Rucker released his second country album, Charleston, SC 1966 , on October 12, 2010. The title
2720-589: The University of South Carolina along with Mark Bryan , Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, and Dean Felber . The band released five studio albums with Rucker as a member and charted six top 40 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 . Rucker co-wrote most of the songs with the other members of the band. His debut studio album, an R&B record titled Back to Then (2002) was released through Hidden Beach Recordings . Six years later, Rucker signed to Capitol Nashville as
2800-451: The University of South Carolina . Bryan first heard Rucker singing in the shower, and the two became a duo, playing R.E.M. covers at a local venue. They later recruited Felber and finally Sonefeld joined in 1989. As a member of Hootie & the Blowfish, Rucker has recorded seven studio albums: Cracked Rear View – 1994, Fairweather Johnson – 1996, Musical Chairs – 1998, Scattered, Smothered and Covered – 2000, Hootie &
2880-638: The national anthem at the Outback Bowl in Tampa , Florida . On May 11, 2013, Rucker was the speaker at the commencement ceremony for the University of South Carolina in Columbia . Before his speech, he received an honorary doctorate of music. Rucker also sang the national anthem at the NBA finals on June 16, 2013. On December 6, 2013, it was announced that Rucker's version of "Wagon Wheel" had earned him
2960-883: The "Musikfest Color-Me-Rad 5K"; a 5K run with a twist, the runners were pelted with paint bombs from onlookers, as well as dodging and throwing paint bombs at each other. Also new to the festival was the First Annual Musikfest Volunteer Photography Exhibition. The exhibition highlighted the talents of the dedicated volunteers who document Musikfest each year. The exhibition featured the work of Dave Happel, Keith Huylebroeck, Joseph Ledva, Jeff Levy, Greg Ludwig, Diane Richter, Bob Yurko, and Adrianne Zimmerman. Other events included interactive dance performances, late night stand-up comedy acts, multilingual Catholic masses , Presbyterian worship services, Methodist Celebrations, musical acts booked and presented by marketing students from
3040-524: The 32nd iteration of the annual music festival, took place from August 7 to 16. Musikfest 2014 took place from August 1 to 10. Denis Azabagic, Fairfield Duo, Zig Zag Quartet, Grace Adele Spruiell, and City Winds Trio Michael Dease, Heather Friedman, The Cook Trio, Barbara Martin & Vince Lewis, Two Cent Jazz Band, Hambone Relay, The Dan Wilkins Group, Nashaz, Blackbird Society Orchestra, The Barrel House Brothers, Hot Club of Philadelphia, Michelle Wiley Quartet, Hot Bijouxx, Brooke DiCaro, Blair Crimmins and
3120-517: The 36th year of the annual music festival, which ran from August 2 to 11. 2018 marks the 35th Anniversary of the annual festival, which ran from August 3 to 12. A special "35th Anniversary" poster was created by Dan Mugrauer, tattoo artist and owner of Blood Moon Tattoo Syndicate in Ambler, PA. The artwork will also be used for the official festival mug and souvenirs, while being incorporated into other official festival merchandise and apparel throughout
3200-600: The Artsquest Center, the PNC Plaza and the Yuengling Musikfest Cafe. This year's festival was special in that it was the 30th anniversary of Musikfest, and as such, many special events and concerts were planned to commemorate this event. The final day of the festival was capped by an impressive fireworks display presented by Garden State Fireworks . New to the festival was an event called
3280-410: The Blowfish - 2003, Looking for Lucky – 2005 and Imperfect Circle - 2019, also charting within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 six times. All six albums feature songs that Rucker, Bryan, Felber, and Sonefeld wrote. As the frontman, Rucker began to be called simply "Hootie" by fans, though the band title combines the nicknames of his college friends. Before his rise to fame, he lived in
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3360-633: The Country Airplay chart in May 2013. True Believers was released on May 21, 2013. The album's third single, " Radio ", was released to country radio on July 22, 2013. The album's fourth single, "Miss You", was released to country radio on February 3, 2014. On October 2, 2012, Rucker was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry . Halfway through his set at the Opry that night he answered questions from
3440-998: The Hookers, Chickentown, Michael Gallant Trio, and Joe Wagner Trio In anticipation for this year's Musikfest, a summer series of concerts are scheduled leading up to this year's Musikfest, with some occurring after the festival has ended. Aetna Americaplatz : Carolyn Wonderland , Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes , The Interlopers, Jesse Dee , Atlas Road Crew , Melodime, Sam Hunt , James Supra Blues Band, AJ Smith & The Apollo, Robin McKelle & The Flytones, Wild Child, Scythian , Kevin Gordon, Marla & The Juniper Street Band, Stone Flower, Jeffery Broussard & The Creole Cowboys, Keystone: A Tribute to Jerry Garcia, Southern Hospitality, Friar's Point, Igor & The Red Elvises , JD McPherson , Aaron Tracy Band, Scott Bradlee's Postmodern Jukebox , Craig Thatcher Band, Mike Mettalia and
3520-535: The Hootie song "Drowning," a protest song against the flying of the Confederate flag above the South Carolina statehouse. Shortly after gaining a measure of fame, Felber and Rucker (who consider themselves best friends) moved into an apartment in Columbia, South Carolina . With Rucker's recognition as the frontman of a successful band came increased opportunities. In October 1995, he was asked to sing
3600-517: The House, Trespass, Rick Estrin & The Nightcats , The Hunts, Lights Out, Here Come the Mummies , Quiet Company , Sarah Ayers, Splintered Sunlight, Erick Macek, Jeff Thomas' All Volunteer Army, and The Blues Brotherhood. Musikfest's family venue – kids' rides, activities and arts & crafts, children's performers, outdoor venue, with covered and uncovered seating. Planned events this year include
3680-552: The Last Time and it was released on October 20, 2017. Rucker appeared as a mentor on seventeenth season of The Voice for Team Blake . Rucker released Beers and Sunshine in August 2020 under Capitol Records, and released a "summer mix" version of the song in 2021. In 2021, Rucker contributed a cover of the Metallica song " Nothing Else Matters " to the charity tribute album The Metallica Blacklist . Rucker released
3760-1271: The Midnight Shift, Todd Wolfe Band , and The Blues Brotherhood Wells Fargo Festplatz : Jolly Joe Timmer, The Sofa Kings, The Golden Tones, Bud Hundenski and the Corsairs, The Amish Outlaws, The Nerds, Philadelphia Funk Authority, Brian Kirk and the Jirks, John Stevens' Doubleshot, M80, Rubix Kube, The Exceptions, Joyous, The Soul Cruisers, Boogie Wonder Band, John Stanky and the Coalminers, Scott Marshall and Marshall's Highway, Crazy Hearts, The Main Street Cruisers, Desire, The Fabulous Greaseband, The Polskie Swingmasters, The Polka Brothers, The Aardvarks, The Blue Meanies perform The Kinks, The British Invasion Tribute, The Glimmer Twins, Strawberry Fields – The Ultimate Beatles Tribute Band, Walt Groller Orchestra, Alex Meixner Band, The Uptown Band Air Products Handwerkplatz : Polynesian Dance Productions and Cast in Bronze Martin Guitar Lyrikplatz : Lily Mae Plaza Tropical : Blue Wave Theory, Briar Rabbit, Lines in
3840-614: The Punk , Bumper Jacksons, Blair Crimmins and The Hookers, Frank Giasullo Quartet , Hot Bijouxx, and Ben Mauger's Vintage Jazz Band. Music festival A music festival is a community event with performances of singing and instrument playing that is often presented with a theme such as musical genre (e.g., rock , blues , folk , jazz , classical music ), nationality , locality of musicians, or holiday . Music festivals are generally organized by individuals or organizations within networks of music production, typically music scenes,
3920-562: The Sky, Arc and Stones, Grandpa Rage, The Romantic Era, Cedar Green, Bushmaster Musikfest 2013, which is once again presented by ArtsQuest, took place from August 2 to 11. The festival included hundreds of performances by bands, artists, comedians, artisans, and buskers. They performed on over 14 indoor and outdoor stages and venues throughout Bethlehem's historic 18th-century downtown, the Sands Casino SteelStacks Plaza,
4000-419: The annual music festival took place from August 4 to 13. On Saturday, August 5, a special 5k run dubbed the 'Musikfest 5K' was held in downtown Bethlehem during the festival Musikfest 2016, the 33rd iteration of the annual music festival, will take place from August 5 to 14. — Aretha Franklin was to perform on August 8, but due to unforeseen logistical issues, the concert was cancelled Musikfest 2015,
4080-646: The audience which included a question from Brad Paisley . Paisley said: "I have two questions. One, are you still the worst poker player in the world? And two, would you like to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry?" Rucker accepted, and it became official on October 16. Rucker was a featured performer at the C2C: Country to Country festival in London on March 17, 2013, which was headlined by Carrie Underwood . On News Year's Day 2013. he sang
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#17327934146204160-547: The basement of the Sigma Phi Epsilon house at the University of South Carolina, attempting to launch his career through the college bar scene. Rucker's signature contribution to the band is his baritone voice, which Rolling Stone has called "ingratiating," TIME has called "low, gruff, [and] charismatic," and Entertainment Weekly has characterized as a "barrelhouse growl." Rucker said they "flipped"
4240-522: The community, along with one or more adjudicators or judges. These adjudicators, who may be music teachers, professors, or professional performers, provide verbal and written feedback to each performer or group. The adjudicator may be someone whom they might never meet in any other way, as is the case when an adjudicator from another city is brought in to judge. They also usually receive a certificate, classified according to merit or ranking, and some may win trophies or even scholarships. The most important aspect
4320-686: The festival attracts between 800,000 and 1,000,000 people each year, and hosts over 800 musical acts. The Woodstock Festival in 1969 drew nearly 500,000 attendees, and the Polish spin-off Przystanek Woodstock in 2014 drew 750,000 thus becoming the largest open air annual festival in Europe and the second largest in the world. In comparison, the Roskilde Festival in Denmark, attracts about 135,000 spectators each year. Glastonbury Festival has
4400-527: The film The Still Life . In early 2008, Rucker signed to Capitol Records Nashville as the beginning of a career in country music. His first solo single, "Don't Think I Don't Think About It" (which he co-wrote with Clay Mills ) debuted at No. 51 on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts for the week of May 3, 2008. It is the first single from his second album, Learn to Live . For this album, Rucker worked with Frank Rogers ,
4480-619: The first Black American to win the New Artist Award from the Country Music Association , and the second Black person to win any award from the association. His third album, Charleston, SC 1966 , was released on October 12, 2010. The album included the number one country singles, " Come Back Song " and " This ". His fourth album, True Believers (2013), reached number 2 on the Billboard 200 , and spawned
4560-422: The formula of the all black band with a white frontman, like Frank Sinatra performing with Count Basie . Musically, he has sometimes been criticized or spoofed for not being "black enough". Saturday Night Live ran a sketch of Tim Meadows playing Rucker leading beer-drinking, white fraternity members in a counter-march to Louis Farrakhan 's Million Man March . He also received death threats for singing
4640-514: The grounding presence of music and the energy one would feel at a festival like Musikfest Musikfest 40 took place from August 3 to August 13. Representing the Spanish heritage of a carnival, the colorful 2023 Musikfest poster mural not only commemorates the festival’s 40th anniversary, but also embodies the spirit and liveliness of the Lehigh Valley’s richly diverse culture. Celebrating around
4720-406: The label. Hidden Beach Recordings , an independent label, acquired the masters from Atlantic and released the album as Back to Then in July 2002. The album included work from the production team of Jill Scott , and she made an appearance on the track "Sometimes I Wonder." The single "This Is My World" was featured in the 2001 comedy film Shallow Hal . In regards to the album, "That was just
4800-401: The lead single to his fourth country studio album, Southern Style , released on March 31, 2015. It reached No. 2 on the Country Airplay chart in April 2015. The album's second single, the title track, released to country radio on May 4, 2015. On September 15, 2014, it was announced that Rucker had completed his first Christmas album and that it would be released on October 27, 2014. Included
4880-522: The lives lost to the COVID-19 pandemic through the symbol of the Poppy flower in all operations of the event. Poppies of Remembrance, Lanterns of Hope was created through partnership with New Bethany Ministries to give the community a way to honor those lost, affected and to highlight the first responders of the pandemic. Through the illumination of votive candles inside paper bags, attendees paid respect to
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#17327934146204960-464: The lives lost. Those performing and in attendance were asked to #pausethemusik to take a moment of silence, remembering those who passed. The event poster was painted by fine artist Mandy Martin, drawing inspiration from the revival of Bethlehem through the years. Poppies serve as the focal point of the poster, to represent the growth of the city of Bethlehem and the fest. As the painting began Spring of 2020, Mandy's symbolism took on different meanings as
5040-544: The misdemeanor charges." Rucker released Life's Too Short: A Memoir ( ISBN 978-0-06323-874-9 ) in 2024. Rucker has regularly worked with charities that support sick and underprivileged children, via benefit concerts, volunteering, the World Golf Foundation's The First Tee Program, and the Hootie & The Blowfish Foundation which has raised nearly $ 4.5 million to provide funding to public education systems throughout South Carolina. He serves as
5120-479: The mural’s center image, called a Vejigante, people happily dance among a rainbow burst of color and musical notes, against a colorfully rich backdrop that features the iconic SteelStacks nestled among hills and trees representing the City of Bethlehem. Musikfest 39 took place from August 4 to the 14th, celebrating music and the arts within the community of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania . Fine artist Bart Cooper came up with
5200-487: The music industries, or institutions of music education. Music festivals are commonly held outdoors, with tents or roofed temporary stages for the performers. Often music festivals host other attractions such as food and merchandise vending, dance, crafts, performance art , and social or cultural activities. Many festivals are annual, or repeat at some other interval, while some are held only once. Some festivals are organized as for-profit concerts and others are benefits for
5280-579: The national anthem at the World Series . Frank Sinatra invited him to sing at his 80th birthday party; he sang " The Lady Is a Tramp ." That same week, he made a voice cameo in an episode of the sitcom Friends . He also joined Nanci Griffith on the song "Gulf Coast Highway" for her 1997 album Blue Roses from the Moons , and sang backing vocals on Radney Foster 's 1999 album See What You Want to See . He encouraged Atlantic Records to agree to
5360-425: The national anthem for a game between the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets on September 15. Rucker agreed to perform the song at the behest of personal friend and former Bills player Bruce Smith , whose jersey was being retired that night. He sang the national anthem again ahead of the Saints -Dolphins game held at London 's Wembley Stadium in October 2017, as part of the NFL International Series . Rucker
5440-480: The pandemic progressed. In preparation for the festivities, equipment and the fest grounds were examined before welcoming Darius Rucker on August 5 to mark the start of the festivities. Impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic , Musikfest 2020 was substantially scaled back from its traditional schedule of several hundred shows over the 10-day festival to only five live shows (along with live streaming of these shows). The festival took place July 31 to August 9. 2019 marks
5520-460: The region. Musikfest served as the inspiration for major plot elements of the music film , Killian & the Comeback Kids . Musikfest 41 is scheduled for August 1 to August 11, 2024. Illustrated by Banana Factory Artist-in-Residence and Teaching Artist, Lauren Beck, the artwork depicts a night sky with Musikfest sitting below. Taking inspiration from the transcendent connections people experience when listening to music, Beck wanted to illustrate
5600-496: The release of the album early in the year. The album's lead-off single, " True Believers ," made its chart debut in September. On October 12, 2012, Rucker told Broadway's Electric Barnyard that his album would also be titled True Believers . "True Believers" peaked at No. 18. Its second single is a cover of Bob Dylan and Ketch Secor 's " Wagon Wheel " (previously made famous by Old Crow Medicine Show ), featuring backing vocals from Lady Antebellum . "Wagon Wheel" reached No. 1 on
5680-417: The second Sunday thereafter. Musikfest draws thousands of visitors to Bethlehem from around the nation and world in a celebration that weaves through a Moravian community that dates back to 1741. Festival visitors are treated to hundreds of free shows with great genre variety over the course of the event. Each night, the festival's premium stage, Steel Stage, formerly known as RiverPlace and Kunstplatz, hosts
5760-633: The singles " True Believers ", " Wagon Wheel ", and " Radio ". His first country Christmas album, Home for the Holidays (2014) reached number 31 on the US Billboard 200. His sixth album, Southern Style (2014) reached number 6 on the Billboard 200, supported by the singles " Homegrown Honey " and " Southern Style ". His seventh and eighth studio albums, When Was the Last Time (2017) and Carolyn's Boy (2023) followed thereafter. Rucker
5840-958: The year. To celebrate its 35th anniversary, a special preview night will be held the day before the festival officially begins. Sands Steel Stage at PNC Plaza Harlan Tucker Band, Funky Dawgz Brass Band, The LA Hustle, Erin Kelly Band, Nash East, Adam Doleac, Walker McGuire, The Family Crest , Craig Thatcher Band Chelsea Reed, Bob Wagner Quartet, Gretchen And The Pickpockets, Hot Club of Philadelphia, Red Hot Ramblers, Wack Cheddar, The Jost Project , The Barrel House Brothers, Eric Mintel Quartet Sweetbriar Rose, Ruth Wyand & The Tribe of One, Josh Ronen, Andrea Nardello, Zaire Acoustic Trio The Bryan Tuk Complex, Cunningham & Associates, Philadelphia Funk Authority, PMEA District Band, Steelstacks HS All-Star Band, The Moondogs, The SuperNaturals, The Dull Blue Lights, Magnum, Tommy Zito, Craig Kastelnik and Friends with Bernard Purdie The 34th iteration of
5920-531: Was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina . His single mother, Carolyn, a nurse at Medical University of South Carolina , raised him with his three sisters and two brothers. According to Rucker, his father was never around, and Rucker saw him only before church on Sundays. His father was in a gospel band called The Traveling Echoes. Rucker has said that he had a typical Southern African-American upbringing. His family attended church every Sunday and
6000-434: Was born on May 16, 2001, and their son, Jack, on October 27, 2004. The Hootie song "Where Were You" is about Rucker's strained relationship with his father, and was released only in Europe, where Rucker thought that his father would be unlikely to hear it. His country single "Alright" was inspired by his marriage. Rucker and his wife announced their divorce in 2020. Rucker is a friend of golfer Tiger Woods , whom he met in
6080-485: Was economically poor, and at one point, his mother, her two sisters, his grandmother and 14 children were all living in a three-bedroom house. But he says that he looks back on his childhood with very fond memories. His sister, L'Corine, recalled that singing was always his dream. Darius Rucker has been the lead singer of Hootie & the Blowfish since its formation in 1986. He met fellow band members Mark Bryan , Jim "Soni" Sonefeld , and Dean Felber while attending
6160-520: Was released in September and peaked at No. 3. The singles also crossed over to the Billboard Hot 100, peaking at 35, 36, 30 and 61. "You see a lot of people doing a one-off, saying, 'This is my country record.' But this is a career I'm trying to build. The people that say that they don't get it, I'll let the music speak for itself. I plan to do a lot of country records." —Rucker, Billboard , 2008 Billboard magazine said that "there's
6240-625: Was released to country radio on July 5, 2016. It reached number one in the Country Airplay chart nearly a year later, and peaked at number four on the Hot Country Chart. Rucker also returned to the C2C: Country to Country festival in the UK in March 2017, where he was second on the bill to Reba McEntire . On May 29, 2016, Rucker performed the national anthem prior to the 100th running of the Indianapolis 500 . Rucker also performed
6320-586: Was selected as one of 30 artists to perform on " Forever Country ", a mash-up track of " Take Me Home, Country Roads ", " On the Road Again " and " I Will Always Love You ", which celebrates 50 years of the CMA Awards . On July 24, 2017, Rucker released the second single from his upcoming album, titled "For the First Time." On July 26, 2017, he shared details of his fifth country album, titled When Was
6400-585: Was the album's third single, peaking at No. 18. Also included on the album is a duet with Brad Paisley titled "I Don't Care". Charleston, SC 1966 received a gold certification. On May 20, 2011, Rucker delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of the Medical University of South Carolina. On December 14, 2011, CBSnews.com reported that Rucker was working on a third country album with recording set to begin January 2012 followed by
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