by Shawn Nowlin
Elmwood Park was packed to capacity on June 15, for a wonderful cause. In March, after partnering with Downtown Roanoke Incorporated Inc., the Life Ring Foundation announced that three-time Grammy award-winner Darius Rucker was coming to the Star City for a benefit cancer concert. The primary objective of the Fighting Kids’ Cancer initiative is to add a pediatric cancer treatment center through Carilion.
Approximately 4,500 tickets at $60 a piece were sold with 13 percent of every ticket going directly to help children in Southwest Virginia.
Vice President of Marketing and Communications with Downtown Roanoke Inc. Jamie Clark said in a press release, “It was a packed house. We advised people to make sure they read over the important show day information.”
Said Life Ring Foundation co-founder Kelly Woolwine, “We are on a mission to improve survival rates for our kids with cancer in the Roanoke Valley. We are so moved that Downtown Roanoke Inc. gave us an incredible opportunity to raise money and awareness for this critical cause.”
Wearing a grey baseball cap, a Philadelphia 76ers Dr. J shirt, and blue jeans, Rucker and his band rocked the stage for nearly two hours. No stranger to performing in outdoor venues, Rucker, known as an engaging country music artist, regularly interacted with the audience throughout his set.
Timothy Jackson waited patiently for “Wagon Wheel” to be performed. When it happened, he made sure that his camera was ready to capture the moment.
“The first time I heard of Darius was in college and I instantly became a fan. Halfway through the show, I had to pinch myself to see if this was actually happening. Darius Rucker represents the rare musician whose music stands the test of time,” Jackson said.
Tickets went on sale on March 17 and completely sold out in less than 24 hours. Gates opened last Thursday at 6 p.m., two hours before the show began. Drinks and food were available. Vendors included Bootleg BBQ, Martin’s Downtown, Mr. Kettle Koran, and Chick-fil-A. Because Elmwood Park is ADA accessible, there were seating options for handicapped individuals.
Byron Thompson had to pull a few extra work shifts to afford the tickets for his wife and children but said the experience was all worth every penny. “Practically everyone knew the songs, almost word for word. Knowing that traffic was going to be crazy, I made sure to plan accordingly,” Thompson said.
Continuing, he added, ”Black people, Caucasians, Asians..every demographic loves Darius Rucker. He is a consummate professional and never cheats you with effort. I hope he returns to Roanoke again.”
