Rucker closes out 2011 Oregon Jamboree
Posted by AnneMarie Knepper, democratherald.com / Sunday, July 31, 2011 10:51 pm
SWEET HOME — The headliner arrived by helicoptor.
In a Grand Ole Opry T-shirt and Nike cap, singer/songwriter Darius Rucker took the stage a few minutes early Sunday evening at the Oregon Jamboree.
The crowd showed their appreciation for the former Hootie and the Blowfish frontman by singing along to hits from his two successful country albums, Learn To Live and Charleston, SC 1966.
Rucker thanked country radio for playing his records and giving him “a whole new career.”
He also thanked country fans for “letting him in” adding, “I’m having a blast.”
Between songs, including a few from the Hootie days, Rucker flicked guitar picks into the gaggle of young women (and a few men) in the special section directly in front of the stage.
Listeners of all ages swayed to the singer’s sentimental baritone as the sun set on the 2011 country music festival.
Clay Walker preceded Rucker on the main stage.
Laura Bell Bundy opened the day, followed by Jerry Jeff Walker.
About 12,000 people were in attendance Sunday, according to organizers.