June 11, 2026

We purchased tickets for the ADA Lawn at Bethel for Darius Rucker but never got to actually see him perform. The first 2 opening acts although not bad were not why we bought tickets (nobody goes for the openers alone) Austin Williams went first, not my vibe for sure, I’m there for country and he’s sounding hard rock mode. Then George Birge plays and it was definitely heading in the right direction, just as he finished up with his final performance, about 8:20 pm. A Bethel Security Staff Member greets us and asks us to follow him that a bad storm is coming and then suddenly an announcement over the system announces everyone needs to shelter in place. All General lawn folks report to the museum and all others in ADA and Pavillion pack in as tightly and safely as you can until it passes and the ” All Clear” is announced. We waited for them to give the “all clear” until roughly 11 pm when the rain, lightning and windstorm started picking up again. We made the decision since I am in a metal wheelchair and not feeling super safe to make the dash to the car to head home. Just as we get on the highway for home about 11:15pm we got a text from Bethel Woods saying the shelter in place is now lifted and all may proceed back to the performance area the show we heard started around 11:30 ish and he played the full set. Friends with seats in the Pavillion that stayed said they didn’t get home until 1am ish but it was a great show. Late or Not Darius always delivers!! Hopefully the weather will be kinder next year and we will see him perform.

Until the next show, stay dry and see you soon at Bethel Woods.