COLUMBIA, S.C. — Hootie and the Blowfish isn't just coming to Columbia for three nights this week to entertain: they're also planning to give back.
The group will play three dates at the Colonial Life Arena on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. It's part of their Group Therapy Tour, a nationwide tour that's in conjunction with a new album they've got coming out soon.
But at each of the concert dates, the band is encouraging people to give donations or money. Here's what they'll be doing:
- Sept. 11: 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, supporting military and first responders.
- Sept. 12: School supply drive aiding Richland County Public Education Partners & SC for Ed.
- Sept. 13: Food drive supporting Harvest Hope Food Bank.
How to give:
- Monetary donations will be accepted at all arena entry points on all three concert nights.
- Sept 12 concert: "Fill the bus" with school supplies at concert entry points
- Sept 13 concert: non-perishable food items accepted at concert entry points
- Online at www.HootieGives.org.
- Text SCHEROES, SCSCHOOLS and/or HARVEST to 44-321 to donate to each respective cause.
- Mail a check to Central Carolina Community Foundation (2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201).
Hootie & the Blowfish is comprised of Darius Rucker, Mark Bryan, Dean Felber and Jim "Soni" Sonefeld.
The group formed in the 1980s at the University of South Carolina but shot to superstardom with their 1994 album "Cracked Rear View." The album has since sold over 10 million copies and produced Top 10 hits such as "Hold My Hand," "Only Wanna Be With You," and "Let Her Cry," and the single "Time."
But after a follow up album, "Fairweather Johnson," the group slowed down their output. Lead singer Rucker then went off and began a successful solo country music career.
And while the group has come together for charity concerts over the years, they haven't put out any new music since 2005.
But last year, they announced a return in a big way, surprising fans in December by announcing that, for the first time in over a decade, they would be releasing new music and embarking on the Live Nation-produced Group Therapy Tour in 2019.
This summer, the announced they're releasing a new album of music called "Imperfect Circle" that will be available on November 1. The band is allowing people to preorder an exclusive package at Hootie.com. If people do, they can go ahead and hear their new song, Rollin'.
