Live Review
It was a beautiful Sunday evening, and the atmosphere was perfect for some spectacular country music. Many people filled the venue, also celebrating this year’s Father’s Day with their dads and other friends and family. At least this time around, there were no clouds in the sky to ruin what was set to be an awe-inspiring set from the legend known as Darius Rucker.
The show was originally scheduled to be on the previous Thursday, but strong storms featuring lightning and heavy rain postponed the concert after opener Austin Williams performed his set. I, among several thousand other attendees, sat in our cars at White Oak Amphitheatre in Greensboro, NC, hoping the storms would subside. Eventually the call was made to move the show to the following Sunday.
Rucker was certainly worth the wait. Following an opening set from artist Caylee Hammock, who filled in at the last minute because of the show postponement, Rucker came out singing the 2008 hit “All I Want.” The crowd was immediately engaged and sang along with him, with their hands in the air during much of the opening few selections.
With a black shirt carrying the words “Stayin’ Alive,” Rucker switched from his red and black guitar to a handheld mic and interacted directly with the crowd at the end of a catwalk. Donning his signature smile the entire time, he even pointed out signs in the crowd, assuring fans that he wasn’t there to just perform, but to give the audience a full experience with him.
The amphitheater was packed, even more so than on the original show date. Many people chose to take advantage of the holiday weekend to see Rucker perform. The venue was gracious enough to make lawn chairs free, and the concertgoers were spread all across White Oak’s lawn.
The Charleston-born artist is also widely known as the lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish, the rock band with classics such as “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be With You.” The latter of these songs was performed as a part of Rucker’s concert setlist. Rucker ended the show with his popular 2013 cover of “Wagon Wheel.”
Despite the several-days postponement, Rucker’s “Songs of Summer” tour stop in Greensboro was certainly worth the wait. The fans who were able to see a once in a lifetime performance from one of country music’s greatest acts. For many attendees, Rucker’s concert was not just worthwhile experience, but also a suprise Father’s Day gift that they will never forget.
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