DARIUS RUCKER | LIVE AT YAAMAVA’

Live at Yaamava’

September 19th, 2025 Review by Shane Pase

There’s something to be said for consistency. In a music world where artists constantly reinvent themselves, Darius Rucker has found his sweet spot and settled into it comfortably. The September 11th show at Yaamava’ Resort & Casino in Highland proved that whether he’s fronting Hootie & the Blowfish or leading his country band, Rucker’s natural charisma and easygoing stage presence translate perfectly.

As someone who caught Hootie back in their Charleston bar band days at spots like the Music Farm and Windjammer, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Rucker’s country incarnation. Those early shows were loose, fun affairs where the band’s chemistry was obvious and Rucker’s personality dominated the room. Fifteen years into his country career, I’m happy to report that nothing’s changed – except maybe the hats in the audience.

Yaamava was sold out, or close enough to it. The venue itself deserves mention – it’s one of those rare spaces where the acoustics are dialed in perfectly and sight lines work from every angle.

Whether you’re down front or in the back, you’re getting the full experience. The sound was crisp and balanced all night, which matters when you’re dealing with both country arrangements and rock covers.

Rucker opened with “Forever Road” and immediately had the crowd in his pocket. It’s a gift he’s always had – the ability to make a room feel intimate even when it’s filled with a couple thousand people. His voice sounded great, warm and rich without any of the strain that sometimes creeps in during long tours. Rucker’s voice remains uniquely, well, Rucker.

The setlist was smart, mixing his country hits with just enough Hootie material to satisfy longtime fans. “For the First Time” and “This” got solid reactions, but the energy really picked up when he dove into “Only Wanna Be With You” early in the set. Seeing all these folks in cowboy boots singing along to a song that defined alternative rock in the ‘90s was one of those moments that makes live music special, though a bit surreal.

Rucker’s band deserves credit for handling the genre-hopping seamlessly. They nailed the country material and adapted well to the Hootie songs, though you could tell those tracks were outside their usual wheelhouse. The real test came with the covers – “Family Tradition” worked perfectly, showing Rucker’s deep country roots, while “Takin’ It to the Streets” proved the band could stretch beyond their comfort zone.

The surprise of the night was “Love Letter to America,” a new song Rucker mentioned they’d been working on in the studio recently. It’s a heartfelt, emotional track that fits perfectly with his catalog – patriotic without being preachy, personal without being overly sentimental. The crowd responded well despite not knowing it, which says something about both the song and Rucker’s ability to sell new material.

What struck me most was how comfortable Rucker seems in his current role. There’s no sense that he’s trying to prove anything or chase trends. He’s found his lane in country music and he’s working it effectively. Songs like “Beers and Sunshine” and “Homegrown Honey” feel natural coming from him, not like calculated attempts to fit in. He even joked about his early days in Nashville and being told by the country music execs that he would never make it in country. Maybe they never felt the country undertones in some of Hootie’s music?

The Hootie songs scattered throughout the show were handled with care. “Let Her Cry” got a huge response, and “Hold My Hand” near the end of the main set had the whole place singing along even with its “countrification.” These weren’t nostalgia trips – they felt like legitimate parts of his current repertoire, songs that still mean something to him and his audience.

The encore was perfectly constructed. Starting with the new “Love Letter to America” showed confidence in the material, while the unexpected “No Diggity” cover proved Rucker’s playful side is still intact.

If you have ever been to a Hootie show, especially in the early years, you know they would bust out some crazy covers and mashups. But everyone knew what was coming to close the show. “Wagon Wheel” has become his signature song, and that night’s version reminded you why. The crowd was on its feet from the opening notes, singing every word.

Looking around Yaamava during the show, I couldn’t help but smile at the scene – Southern California concertgoers decked out in full cowboy gear, singing along to everything from Hank Jr. covers to ‘90s alternative rock hits. It shouldn’t work, but somehow it does, largely because Rucker makes it feel effortless.

The guy who used to work Charleston crowds at dive bars has figured out how to command much bigger rooms without losing what made him special in the first place. He’s still funny, still engaging, and still sounds great. Country music suits Darius Rucker just fine, and Thursday night at Yaamava proved he’s got plenty left in the tank.

For longtime fans wondering if the magic translates, the answer is yes. Different genre, different band, same guy who made those early Hootie shows so memorable.

Some things don’t need to change. Though I am still disappointed he didn’t play “Fake ID” (If you know you know).

SHOW PHOTO GALLERY

by Shane Pase Photography

>

TO FOLLOW

SID 250919 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR