Initial doubts about his ability to cross over to country music were soon dispelled when, on the strength of the top three singles the album has produced—”Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” “It Won’t Be Like This for Long,” and “Alright,” all of which reached the No. 1 spot on the U.S. Country Songs chart—Rucker was nominated at the 2009 Country Music Association Awards. Nominated for three awards, Male Vocalist of the Year, Favorite Male Artist, and New Artist of the Year, Rucker made history by being the first African-American winner in 30 years. His win sent country music blogs into overdrive as to the relevance of this achievement.

When asked about what he felt about being compared with the legendary Charley Pride, in an interview Rucker said, “When I was making the record, I didn’t really think about the cultural or historical significance. But when my record started getting into the charts, I started hearing things and I had to pay attention. Anytime you’re mentioned with Charley Pride — and Ray Charles, too — it’s a great feeling! To be one of the few African-American men to fare well on country radio, I can’t help but feel great about that.”

When his single “Don’t Think I Don’t Think About It,” made it to the No. 1 spot, he shared how he felt at that time. “Making this record, I never thought about being an African-American guy making a country record. I just thought I was a guy making a country record until my first song went top 20 and people started talking about it. I’m proud of that, I’m proud of being that guy who has taken up where Charley Pride left off.”

Today, country music blogs are once again abuzz with news regarding his second country album. Of course, his fans are hoping he will record the same brand of country songs that gave him hit singles with his debut offering.  At present, Rucker is preparing to continue the last leg of the American Living Unstoppable tor with Rascal Flatts. This month, he is also set to go back into the studio to record materials for his second country album. About this second album Rucker says, “I’m very excited with the songs. I think this last record ended up being about where I am today. This next record may be a lot more about what it took to get there. We’re writing some songs, and I’m going to cut a Radney Foster track for this record. I’m just really excited again.”

When asked about its release date, Rucker says, “We’re going to play it by ear” to which he adds, “When I leave the studio, and when I put it on in my car and can listen to it over and over, then I’m happy.”

For more information about Rucker’s latest activities, you can check out http://www.dariusrucker.com/.

Among the quintessential American traditions that we have, a backyard barbecue party ranks up there as one of the most favorite activities that we do during this time of the year. Imagine multiplying all the elements a hundred fold–with more people, more food and booze, and throw in superb performances from the best country music acts dishing up new country songs from their latest album, and you will have an idea what the “Bands, Brew, and BBQ” series of events will be like. For all Saturdays and Sundays of February, Seaworld and Busch Gardens will host the live concert series in both venues.

According to the official statement released, “Bands, Brew, and BBQ” represents “four weekends of sizzling live performances from award-winning country and classic rock artists, the smokin’ hot flavor of blazing barbeque, ice-cold beer and all of SeaWorld’s and Busch Gardens’ thrilling attractions, rides and shows. This year, the series of events held in Seaworld in Orlando and at Busch Gardens in Tampa Bay, Florida promises “four weekends of mouth-watering food, fun and music.” This unique concert series offers music, food and a whole lot of fun for fans who will participate in the shows lined up in both events.

After each musical performance, guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat BBQ buffets, and relax with friends and loved ones with ice-cold Budweiser while listening to the best country music songs performed by the musical guests. At Seaworld, guests will not only be able to enjoy new country songs from their favorite artists, they can also enjoy a mouthwatering picnic through the All-You-Care-To-Eat Picnic pass that can be availed at the Seaworld Pavilions Area from 11:30 am to 4 pm. The menu consists of backyard barbecue classics such as hamburgers, hotdogs, and corn on the cob, as well as house favorites such as Seaworld’s BBQ Spare Ribs, Budweiser BBQ Chicken, Budweiser Baked Beans, BBQ Pulled Pork and Smoked Barbecue Salmon, among others, all washed down with a cold bottle of Bud.

Last February 6, fresh from their Grammy Award win, The Zac Brown Band opened the show at Seaworld, giving their fans a rousing set of new country songs from their debut album. Scheduled performances from other artists have also been announced for subsequent dates: Montgomery Gentry (February 13), John Rich of Big & Rich (February 20), and Yes (February 27). Meanwhile, over at Busch Gardens, artists slated to perform include Willie Nelson (February 14), Huey Lewis and the News (February 21), Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo (February 28 ).

For the concerts that will be held at Busch Gardens, VIP tickets are available at $27.95, which guarantees reserved seating at the Center/Front stage area of Gwazi Park. The VIP ticket also comes with a meal pass that could be redeemed at any Busch Gardens restaurant. For the Seaworld patrons, the VIP ticket has a $49.95 price tag and comes with a reserved seating option at the Bayside Stadium during the concert. It also comes with an All You can eat BBQ Buffet meal at the Sea Harbor Pavilions, as well as various Quick Queue front-of-the-line privileges.

For more details and booking information, you can visit: http://www.bandsbrewandbbq.com/