Hootie and the Blowfish – “Homegrown” in South Carolina

Hootie and the Blowfish return to South Carolina Aug. 11 for the band’s annual “Homegrown” concert at Family Circle Tennis Center in Charleston.

The concert is truly a homecoming for band members Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim Sonefeld; they met when they were freshmen at the University of South Carolina in Columbia.

Supposedly the idea for the band came about when Bryan heard Rucker singing in their dorm shower. Hootie and the Blowfish began their career playing at local Columbia watering holes. If you have the band’s first album, Cracked Rear View (it sold over 16 million copies, so there’s a good chance you do) take a look at the cover art. In the upper right hand column you’ll see the band sitting on the steps of USC’s Longstreet Theatre.

Hootie and the Blowfish has been on hiatus since 2008 while Rucker pursues a solo career in country music. The “Homegrown” concert is more than just a reunion; it is a way for the band to help communities in their home state. Concertgoers are asked to bring along donations of school supplies, all of which are donated to local schools in need. Since the concerts began in 2003 they have raised well over $150,000 in supplies.

Hootie and the Blowfish is well known for its community engagement in South Carolina. Not only does the Hootie and the Blowfish Foundation work to support education and music in the schools but members also have donated their time in playing charity concerts for organizations like The Animal Mission of the Midlands.

These yearly concerts have become a South Carolina tradition and can sell out quickly. Tickets are $25-$30 and are on sale now at Ticketmaster.com or Ticketmaster Charge-by-Phone at (800) 745-3000.

For more information about Hootie and the Blowfish visit www.hootie.com.