With diverse guests – from Brooks & Dunn and KISS’ Tommy Thayer, to Jamey Johnson and Radney Foster – for nearly a decade, singer/songwriter and 3x GRAMMY winner Darius Rucker has spearheaded an event focused on amazing music, memorable collaborations and heartfelt stories resulting in over $1 million-and-counting raised for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Rucker continues that tradition this summer with his 9th Annual “Darius and Friends” benefit concert. The event, which unofficially kicks-off CMA Music Fest week, is set for Monday, June 4 returning to Nashville’s historic Ryman Auditorium for a second year. Pre-sale tickets will be available Tuesday, April 17 at 10 a.m. CT and tickets go on sale to the general public on Friday, April 20 at 10 a.m. CT at www.ticketmaster.com.

“When you see first-hand what this organization can do for families, it’s remarkable,” Rucker reflects. “Over the years we’ve met so many survivors, families of patients and volunteers whose lives have been changed by St. Jude. It’s one of my favorite shows of the year.”

The New Yorker calls Rucker’s voice “extraordinary: rich, round, and full of nuance,” and perhaps the same can be said for his heart. Rucker made a commitment to support St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital after touring the facility known around the globe for treating childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases in 2008.

Friends performing with Rucker in past years have included Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, Randy Houser, Charles Kelley (Lady Antebellum) and Kenny Rogers, among others. The lineup for this year’s event will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets to the 9th Annual Darius & Friends start at $50 for General Admission and go up to $150 for VIP options. Tickets will be available through the Ryman box office and www.DariusRucker.com.

For more information on “Darius and Friends,” please visit www.DariusRucker.com.