With Hootie & Friends In 2024 Line-up Annual Two Day Festival Had a 90's Vibe,  While Showcasing Various Music Genres

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer

In early October when the weather cooperates and the lowcountry is free of 'hazy, hot, & humid', North Charleston's Riverfront Park is a perfect location for music festivals and events. This years Riverfront Revival experienced such ideal conditions, allowing thousands to enjoy pristine weather, while enjoying perhaps the best line-up during the third annual two day music festival created by Charleston's own Darius Rucker. 

Those who know Rucker understand he embraces a wide variety of music genres. While he came to fame with Hootie & the Blowfish and continues to have a thriving contemporary country music career, Rucker appreciates pop, rock, R&B, hip-hop, bluegrass, folk, and alternative country music. Furthermore, Rucker much like his own rise to stardom, understands for newer bands to gain attention they need the opportunity to perform in front of larger audiences.

Since launching Riverfront Revival in 2022 Rucker has done just that, inviting local, regional, and up and coming artists to showcase their music alongside established performers, with 2024 perhaps the best line-up overall. And with Hootie celebrating the 30th anniversary of their monster breakthrough album 'Cracked Rear View', Rucker put aside his solo success to have the band close out their Summer Camp With Trucks tour at the festival Saturday night (Oct 12th). 

Although the prior two Riverfront Revivals focused more on country music, the 2024 had a distinctive 90's theme, with a combined four acts all making their marks in the 90's decade. Hootie's summer touring partner Collective Soul took part, as did hip-hop artists Arrested Development, and long time Hootie friends Sister Hazel.

If fans wanted a blast from the past, when Bill Clinton resided in the White House, than the 2024 Riverfront Revival provided an overdose. To top it off fans were introduced to the outlaw country music of Jamey Johnson, who is easily this generation's Willie Nelson.

Although the aforementioned were strewn throughout Saturday's line-up, Friday night was just as stellar, with alternative rockers The Revivalists, joining indie artist Paul Cauthen before southerners Tedeschi Trucks Band closed at the evening.

Layered nicely earlier on both days were Palmetto state native Brady Smith (a Windjammer regular), Charleston's own Elizabeth Covington and Gritty Flyright, 18 year old Nashville guitar prodigy Grace Bowers and her Hodge Podge Band, as well as up and coming country artist Hailey Whitters. 

Let me not overlook the all girl country group July Moon, featuring Piper Bateman, Braelyn Watt, and Charleston native Page Mackenzie. While Mackenzie has been a regular in and around the lowcountry for years, since joining July Moon earlier this year, the trio have been garnering rave reviews, especially with their current single 'The Highway', with their soon to be released song 'What a Woman Should Be' sure to become an anthem for females across all music genres.  For more on these up and comers visit https://www.julymoonofficial.com/

Much like America has become multi-cultural, Rucker and his appreciation for all types of music has made the Riverfront Revival an eclectic mix of artists and bands that appeal to a wide range of music lovers. As Hootie & the Blowfish say goodbye to their 30th anniversary tour, fans can anticipate Rucker will return headlining with his brand of country, bringing along some of his favorite musical acts as well.

Showcasing sponsors:

While the 2024 festival presented as a well oiled machine, the two day event doesn't happen without special partners and a bevy of local vendors. Aside from the South Carolina Education Lottery (Hootie & Rucker support education initiatives), the heavy hitters were Jack Daniels, Tequila Herradura, Truly Hard Seltzer, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Owen's Craft Mixers, Bud Light, and Wicked Weed Brewing out of Asheville NC. 

Easily one of the most well received newcomers was Splash Refresher, the fruit-refreshing water beverage that loves self-care as much as you. Highly enthused reps from the company were on hand to dole out flavors such as Wild Berry, Pineapple Mango, Lemon, Acai Grape, and Mandarin Orange. Remember how the candy Pop Rocks used to burst into your mouth, imagine Splash explodes across the palate in vibrant flavors at the very first sip. This healthy and new beverage is going to make a big splash (pun intended) in the industry. Check them out at https://www.splashrefresher.com/

Regarding culinary delights, Riverfront Revival offered a plethora of menu options. Of the 20 food vendors, nearly half came from the lowcountry. Those with brick & mortar locations as well as well-trafficked food trucks set up camp on spacious Riverfront Park lawn.

Among the delicious local delectables included Bangin Vegan Eats, Big Daddy's Loco Food Truck, Miller's All Day, Roti Rolls, and the King of Pops (so cool). My personal favorite Smash City Burgers are without question one of the best destinations to chow down on the quintessential smashburger. Trust me, no one does it better than Smash City Burgers. 

It wouldn't be an all day music festival without shopping. A dozen arts and crafts vendors from all over the map, offering up a wide variety of jewelry, clothing, hats, trinkets, and one of kind handmade personal items. If you were looking for Riverfront Revival T-shirts or other festival collectibles than the oversized merchandise tent near the park entrance easily satisfied the urge.

Seemingly the now annual Riverfront Revival gets bigger and better every year. While it would be hard to top a moonlit night under the stars swaying to familiar Hootie & the Blowfish songs, I feel certain the 2025 rendition will be beyond epic as Rucker's notoriety and his fondness for various music genres has artists calling him, pleading to take part.

Next year's event is already set in stone, as October 10th and 11th have been set aside for the 2025 rendition, keeping the festival on the new Friday Saturday schedule. And while the musical line-up aside from Rucker has yet to be determined, several of the vendors and sponsors will no doubt remain the same.

A big shoutout to the the first responders (especially the North Charleston Police), volunteers, and behind the scenes personnel for providing safety and support for the event. As they say 'it takes a village', and in this case it takes a year in the making to pull something as awesome as Darius Rucker's beloved Riverfront Revival.  Stay tuned Charleston.