Darius Rucker to perform for Independence Day Celebration Published April 14, 2015 By Angela Woolen Robins Public Affairs ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Darius Rucker will be the performer for the 33rd annual Warner Robins Independence Day Celebration on July 3. Col. Chris Nick, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service commander, announced his performance Monday during a press conference at the Museum of Aviation. Formerly the lead singer for Hootie and the Blowfish, Rucker has transitioned to a successful country music career. His album "Southern Style" is No. 1 on the Billboard Top Country Album chart. With Hootie and the Blowfish, Rucker had 16 singles on various Billboard charts and won a Grammy award in 1996 for Best New Artist. "Most importantly he's a true patriot," said Nick. Rucker has performed many concerts for members of the military, including a Tour for the Troops, which he will be a part of again in 2015. He has also toured in the Middle East and Europe as part of Hootie and the Blowfish. A new venue for the annual event was also announced. The concert will be held at the Museum of Aviation instead of McConnell Talbert Stadium. The change is due to the turf being replaced on the field, said City of Warner Robins Mayor Randy Toms. "We're pleased to be a part of the historic partnership between the base and the community," Toms said. The gates will open at 6 p.m. for the free event. Parking will be available at Anchor Glass and Ga. Highway 247 will be blocked off for part of the day July 3 near the museum. The concert will start at 7:30 p.m. with opening acts still be finalized, according to Chrissy Miner, 21st Century Partnership chief operating officer. The night will conclude with a fireworks display. Toms said keeping Rucker's plans to come to Warner Robins a secret has been hard for him to keep. "I think it's a perfect fit," said Toms.