'Wagon Wheel' hitmaker Darius Rucker is a truly terrific performer, as evidenced by his recent smashing show at Red Rocks Ampitheatre, and he brought his stellar musical skills to the stage on June 3 for his fourth annual 'Darius and Friends' concert, which benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker and pals raised over $95,000 in the process.

The benefit concert line-up included performances from fan favorite acts, such as Luke Bryan, Sam Bush, John Cowan, Radney Foster, Mallary Hope, Randy HouserDustin Lynch and Justin Moore. Fans were more than excited when Joel Crouse, who is opening 16 stadium dates for superstar Taylor Swift this summer, was revealed as a surprise guest.

“I look forward to this event all year long,” the 47-year-old Rucker shared. “I get to share the stage with some of my favorite artists, friends and musical influences.  As much fun as it is, it’s all in the spirit of raising support for St. Jude’s, an organization very dear to my heart. Getting to sing with Sam Bush and John Cowan from New Grass Revival, one of the bands that made me want to be a country singer, made the night even more amazing for me.”

Each artist played a few of their hits before joining Rucker onstage for a group rendition of Hank Williams, Jr.'s classic 'Family Tradition.' Rucker also joined Bush and Cowan for a performance of New Grass Revival's 'Callin' Baton Rouge,' which will probably be etched in his memory forever. Of course, it wouldn't be a complete show without 'Wagon Wheel,' and the singer delivered an encore performance of his No. 1 hit single.

The event, comprised of a concert, auction and golf tournament, certainly paid off, raising $95,260 to help the hospital provide the best care possible to children with cancer -- at no cost to their families. Everyone knows how much Rucker loves a good game of golf, so it was only fitting that his favorite game was integrated into one of his favorite events.

The golf tournament, which took place the day after the concert, included many country artists, including Dierks Bentley, Jay DeMarcus and Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, Charles Kelley of Lady Antebellum, among others who were swinging their clubs 'fore' this phenomenal cause.

Rucker, who is currently out on the road for his True Believers Tour with special guests Rodney Atkins and Jana Kramer, should be extremely excited about the philanthropic efforts that will benefit many sick children and their families.

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