Darius Rucker’s 16th Annual “Darius and Friends” Concert Lights Up Nashville With A Star-Studded Surprise For St. Jude

What began as a promise nearly twenty years ago during a life-changing visit to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has grown into one of country music’s most anticipated and heartfelt traditions. On Monday night, three-time GRAMMY Award winner Darius Rucker brought his sold-out “Darius and Friends” benefit concert back to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for its 16th year, and once again, he delivered an unforgettable night of music and generosity in support of the children and families of St. Jude.

Credit Amy Schromm

The concert, which serves as the unofficial kickoff to CMA Fest, packed out the Mother Church well before the lineup was announced, a testament to the event’s enduring spirit and Rucker’s influence. One by one, surprise guests joined Rucker onstage for a rotating setlist filled with hits, unreleased tracks, beloved covers and plenty of camaraderie.

After an electric live auction and donation round that raised thousands more for St. Jude, Rucker opened the show with a brand-new song alongside his No. 1 smash “Beers and Sunshine” and the crowd favorite “Radio.” He then welcomed the first of many friends to the stage: rising artist Austin Williams, who hyped the crowd with his viral “90s Rap Mashup” and heartfelt new single “Crazy Over You.” Williams, a tourmate of Rucker’s this fall, set the tone for a night of genre-crossing talent and big-hearted performances.

Kashus Culpepper, the recent Billboard Country Rookie of the Month, earned one of the night’s biggest ovations with his original songs “Southern Man” and “Pour Me Out,” before channeling southern rock legend with a gripping cover of “Can’t You See” by The Marshall Tucker Band. Lanie Gardner, known for her poignant storytelling, followed with emotional performances of “Six Feet Deep” and “Cry,” then gave fans a sneak peek of her new EP Polaroids with “Takin’ The Slow Ride.”

Between sets, Rucker kept the energy high, diving into a catalog of hits that reminded the audience just how deep his musical roots run from solo country No. 1s like “Alright,” “Come Back Song” and “For The First Time” to Hootie & the Blowfish classics like “Hold My Hand” and “Only Wanna Be With You.”

Country-rock standout Tyler Braden brought grit and power to the night with his Platinum-certified hit “Devil You Know” and “Right on Track,” a cut from his acclaimed debut devil and a prayer. He closed out his set with a roaring cover of Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire” that had the pews shaking.

Then came one of the night’s biggest surprises: country superstar Luke Bryan. A longtime friend of Rucker’s, Bryan delivered hit after hit “Huntin’, Fishin’ and Lovin’ Every Day,” “Play It Again” and “Country Song Came On” and took a moment to pay tribute to Rucker’s years of dedication.

Catherine Powell for Ryman

“We’ve hosted a charity event at my house for five years,” Bryan said. “Darius Rucker I don’t think he’s ever missed one of them. He’s always supported me when I needed him, and I’m just glad to be here supporting him… sixteen years!”

As if the night couldn’t get any bigger, the final guest of the evening drew thunderous applause as Morgan Wallen took the stage. In an incredibly rare appearance at a venue as intimate as the Ryman, Wallen performed the recently released “20 Cigarettes” and his 6x Platinum fan favorite “More Than My Hometown.” Currently dominating the Hot Country Songs chart with all 37 tracks from his new album I’m The Problem, Wallen is once again rewriting the record books and doing it with the kind of humility that shined through during his performance.

Catherine Powell for Ryman

“I met this kid five or six years ago at a friend’s house, and he was playing songs that blew my mind,” Rucker shared in his introduction. “He’s become a superstar. He’s a good friend of mine; he’s my brother.”

“It’s an honor and a privilege to be here tonight,” Wallen said. “Thank you, Darius, for having us.”

By the time the final chord rang out, it was clear this wasn’t just a concert it was a celebration of community, purpose and country music’s unique ability to make a difference. Rucker’s “Darius and Friends” once again raised the bar, bringing together some of the genre’s brightest stars in a show that honored the heart behind the hits and the cause behind the curtain call.