Hootie & The Blowfish Are Back

By Robin Gibson

Hootie & the Blowfish have reunited for an epic tour aptly named after Group Therapy, the dive bar that introduced them to an entire generation of Columbia, S.C., college kids before the rest of the world knew the band's name. These are the first true shows to take place in the Capital City in over 20 years. For each night's show, the band's Foundation has partnered with Central Carolina Community Foundation on "HootieGives" to benefit three different local causes.  

Wednesday, September 11: Donations for 9/11 Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina to support military personnel and first responders

Thursday, September 12: School supply drive for Richland County Public Education Partners & SC for Ed (specific items needed: pencils, dry erase markers, copy paper, facial tissues, bleach wipes)

Friday, September 13: Non-perishable food drive for Harvest Hope Food Bank

Monetary donations can be made in several ways, and, the best part? The band is matching up to $20,000 per beneficiary. 

Online: www.HootieGives.org

Text: SCHEROES, SCSCHOOLS and/or HARVEST to 44-321 to donate to each respective cause

Mail: Send a check to Central Carolina Community Foundation (2142 Boyce St, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201)

With the rich, bluesy vocals of Darius Rucker and gleeful harmonies of guitarist Mark Bryan, bassist Dean Felber and drummer Jim "Soni" Sonefeld, Hootie & the Blowfish have sold over 25 million records worldwide to date after their infectious melodies hit the airwaves in 1994 with hits such as "Hold My Hand," "Let Her Cry" and "Only Wanna Be With You." As the two-time GRAMMY Award winners celebrate the 25th anniversary of their monumental Diamond-certified debut album Cracked Rear View, they now embark on tour in support of their forthcoming sixth studio album under a new record deal with Universal Music Group Nashville. The tour will wrap with a U.S. finale before the album drops on November 1st.