HE ONLY WANTS TO BE WITH YOU. Darius Rucker has conquered both rock and country charts with his soulful voice. (Submitted photo)

Darius Rucker – a rock hitmaker with Hootie & the Blowfish who has gone on to solo stardom as a country signer – will perform at the annual Ashley for the Arts festivals on Aug. 9, 2025, in Arcadia.

Rucker is the first headliner the festival has announced so far. Unlike other music fests in the region, which typically unveil their lineups all at once, the folks at Ashley for the Arts like to spread out the news – and the anticipation.

Gen X-ers likely remember Rucker as the lead singer for Hootie & the Blowfish, who blew up the rock and pop charts in the mid-1990s with hits like “Hold My Hand,” "Let Her Cry,” and “Only Wanna Be with You.” A decade later, Rucker’s sound evolved toward country, and he started making hits like “Alight” and “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It.” Along the way, he became the first Black musician to win the Best New Artist Award from the Country Music Association.

Ashley for the Arts will take place Aug. 7-9 at Memorial Park in Arcadia. Tickets are now available online, with three-day general admission tickets available for $35 plus fees until Feb. 15 (when prices will go up). Learn more on Facebook and Instagram or visit ashleyforthearts.com to keep an eye out for future lineup announcements.