There’s something about a summer night at Alpine Valley Music Theatre that feels like stepping into a time machine. As you walk through the gates, the lush, rolling hills of East Troy seem to echo with memories of legendary performances from years gone by. But on Saturday night, it wasn’t just the nostalgia in the air; it was Hootie & The Blowfish, back on stage for their “Summer Camp with Trucks" tour and ready to remind everyone why they became – and remained – a household name many years ago.
Fans of all ages, from those who’ve been following Hootie since the ‘90s to younger listeners, packed the amphitheater and the massive lawn, creating an atmosphere that was as electric as it was nostalgic. And with a lineup that included special guests Edwin McCain and Collective Soul, the night promised to be one for the books.
As the evening unfolded, it became apparent that Darius Rucker and the rest of the band had put together something special for their fans, a setlist that was both a trip down memory lane and a showcase of their enduring talent. Whether you were there for the hits, the deep cuts or just to soak in the legendary vibes of Alpine Valley, there were countless reasons you shouldn’t have missed this concert. And if you did, well, here are 10 reasons why you’ll be kicking yourself for the next couple weeks.
1. A blindingly good opening
Hootie & The Blowfish know how to kick off a show, and they did just that with "I Go Blind." This fan-favorite had everyone on their feet from the first chord, setting the tone for an evening full of sing-alongs and nostalgia. It was the perfect opener to remind everyone why they fell in love with Hootie and company decades ago.
2. An iconic setting
Alpine Valley is more than just a venue; it’s a rite of passage for music lovers across the country. Nestled in the rolling hills of southeastern Wisconsin, this legendary amphitheater has hosted legends like The Grateful Dead, Pearl Jam and Hootie & The Blowfish (well before last night). With its lush surroundings and top notch acoustics, there are few better places to experience live music. The vibe at Alpine Valley is something you just can't replicate at a standard arena show; it's a summer camp for music fans.
3. A taste of Darius Rucker's solo hits
Hootie & The Blowfish may have been the headliners, but fans were treated to a mini Darius Rucker solo concert throughout the set. Rucker broke out some of his country music solo hits like "Alright," a feel-good anthem that had the crowd clapping along. And of course, the night wouldn’t have been complete without his famous cover of "Wagon Wheel," which has become a modern-day classic in its own right. Rucker's solo work added a fresh twist to the evening, showing his versatility as an artist.
4. Edwin McCain left us asking for more
Starting the night off right, Edwin McCain set the tone for the evening with his soulful voice and heartfelt lyrics. Best known for his hits "I'll Be" and "I Could Not Ask for More," McCain reminded everyone why he's been a staple in the acoustic rock scene since the '90s. His performance of "I'll Be" had the crowd swaying in unison, proving that this love song is still the ultimate wedding anthem, even today. As the first act, McCain only had enough time to perform a few songs, setting a great tone for the rest of the evening but definitely leaving us wanting more.
5. A setlist with everything
The band delivered a setlist that was as diverse as it was satisfying. With 22 songs spanning their greatest hits, deeper cuts and of course some of Rucker’s solo tracks, there was something for everyone. Whether you came for the classics like "Let Her Cry" or were hoping for a surprise cover, Hootie & The Blowfish didn’t disappoint. The mix of old and new kept the crowd engaged and excited for what would come next.
6. Only wanna end the set with you
They saved the best for last with an encore that had everyone in the crowd singing along to their biggest hit, "Only Wanna Be With You." It was a perfect way to end the night, leaving the audience with a tune that they’d sing all the way home in their best Darius Rucker voice. The band’s energy during this final song was off the charts, proving that even after all these years, they still know how to bring down the house.
7. Edwin McCain returns for "Solitude"
Just when you thought you’d seen the last of the opening act, Edwin McCain made a surprise return to the stage to join Hootie & The Blowfish for a heartfelt rendition of "Solitude." The chemistry between McCain and the band was palpable, making this one of the night’s most memorable moments.
8. Collective Soul rocked the Valley
If you missed Collective Soul, you missed out on some serious '90s nostalgia. The Georgia rockers took the stage as the second opener, and they didn't disappoint. With their iconic hit "Shine," they had everyone in the crowd singing along to the famous "Heaven let your light shine down" refrain. In a memorable moment, the band also paid tribute to Aerosmith, the rock legends who just announced their retirement and was the first band to bring Collective Soul on tour many years ago.
