What's in the Texas water? We've got 3 new Dierks Bentley fan clubbers who've just joined the DB Congress! Welcome to the family, stacelovesdierks, jstalongtalltexan, and his wife, dallas_c86!
That's 36 reps in Texas and 725 total dedicated to supporting and promoting Dierks daily! Check them out and join the fun! http://www.dbcongress.blogspot.com/p/representatives.html
Be sure to do your congress duty and vote and request Dierks daily!
Only a week after his dad's death, Dierks Bentley is right back where he is the most at home--on stage.
Photo Courtesy of the CMA
Saturday, June 9 in Detroit at the annual Hoedown, Dierks dedicated "My Last Name" to his dad. I don't know how he held it together to get through it, but he did! When he finished, he said, "thank you, that was for my dad...thanks dad (as he appeared to wipe tears away) ...and this next one's for Detroit (Line No. 7)":
CBS Local, Kurt Wolff, had this to say:
"It was the sound of letting go–the powerful feeling of a human being who has felt loss, yet was now ready to step back into the world and cut loose. Dierks Bentley, who lost his father only a week ago, chose Detroit’sWYCD Downtown Hoedown as his moment to return to the public eye, and the stage–and to turn all that emotion into something positive.
And what the fans got last night was a truly rousing performance from one of country music’s most engaging performers.
Low-key in person, and even during interviews (he spoke with WYCD’s Steve Grunwald backstage before his performance), it’s a surprise to see how engaging and fiery a performer Dierks can be when he gets in front of a rowdy crowd."
Dierks thanked his fans after the show in Detroit on Twitter: “good to be back. thank you detroit… much needed. thanks for bringing it tonight.”
After Detroit, it was back to his home state of Tennessee, to perform at the CMA Music Fest LP Field stage in Nashville on Sunday, followed by The Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night--a fill in at the last minute for Charlie Daniels.
What goes around comes around. Big and Rich filled in for Dierks after the Washington Nationals game June 2 so Dierks could be with his family at this sad time in his life.
It's just like Dierks to show appreciation to his fans, During CMA Fest, he said:
"It was really something I was looking forward to. Good medicine. It's what I needed. The second I got out there, I felt great... All these people I don’t know reaching out in so many great ways."
And his fans have shown their love and appreciation for him. I have personally witnessed dozens of fans send donations to Hospice, who cared for Leon Bentley in his final days, in support of their favorite artist. For more info on how to donate click here, or send condolence cards to Dierks at:
Dierks Bentley, c/o The Green Room PR
PO Box 331474, Nashville, TN, 37203
When we're all alone, or in a crowd, in a quiet place or where music's loud...that's how you know we're thinking of you! We're always thinking of you, Dierks!
Martin Guitar introduced a very special Custom Signature Artist Edition guitar, the HD Dierks Bentley, designed in collaboration with multi-platinum selling, 10-time Grammy-nominated, CMA Award winning country singer/songwriter and Martin Guitar Ambassador, Dierks Bentley.
The HD Dierks Bentley features the classic Martin Dreadnought shape, a fitting choice as Bentley has been a Martin D-28 player for years. The HD Dierks Bentley is crafted with solid East Indian rosewood back and sides, and a premium Adirondack spruce top; it will surely appeal to a wide range of pickers and strummers from country to bluegrass to rock.
Unique to Dierks’ model is the patriotic bold red, white, and blue Herringbone inlay that adorns the top perimeter, rosette, and back purfling. The vintage profile neck shape has comfortably narrow string spacing, Waverly tuners, and bone nut, saddle and bridge pins for exceptional playability and tone. The black Ebony fingerboard bears a mother of pearl Phoenix bird inlayed at the 12th fret, a symbol of great significance to Dierks that pays homage to his Phoenix, AZ upbringing.
Each HD Dierks Bentley Custom Signature Artist Edition will bear an internal label, personally signed by Dierks Bentley and numbered in sequence without total. The retail price for the HD Dierks Bentley will be $4999 and the MAP price will be $3999.
“I bought my D-28 years ago because so many of my heroes played Martins, and I would never have thought that I’d be working with Martin one day to design my own signature model,” said Bentley. “Their guitars have been played by the best musicians of all time and cross all music genres, so it’s still pretty unreal that they asked me to collaborate on a custom model…definitely something I can check off my bucket list!”
“Dierks Bentley is leading a new generation of great young American country artists making an impact with their craft. He is an outstanding ambassador for Martin and has bridged generations of country music fans,” said Fred Greene, vice president and general manager of guitars, C.F. Martin & Co. “It is a pleasure to work with such a gifted artist and to see this partnership reach a new level with the HD Dierks Bentley model."
The new custom HD Dierks Bentley was unveiled while Dierks was singing during the recent CMT Unplugged epidose.
C.F Martin & Co. (www.martinguitar.com) has been creating the finest instruments in the world for over 175 years. It continues to innovate, introducing techniques and features that have become industry standards including X-bracing, the 14-fret guitar and the "Dreadnought" size. One of the world's leading acoustic instrument makers, Martin guitars are hand-made by skilled craftsmen and women, who use a combination of new design and techniques along with those introduced by the company founder.
For those who missed Dierks Bentley's CMT Unplugged sessions, here are the five songs (Home, a poignant cover of Adele's Set Fire To The Rain, 5150, Am I The Only One, and Up On the Ridge) along with a 5 minute interview where DB talks about his early influences and his first gig.
You may remember DB Congress rep Emily's inside scoop from being on set the day they taped these sessions.
"Let's face it, everyone's covering Adele these days ... but perhaps no one more uniquely than Dierks Bentley. The country singer puts his own spin on the British phenom's "Set Fire to the Rain" in an upcoming episode of CMT's "Unplugged. Accompanied byguitars, fiddle, dobro and snare drum, Dierks proves that the lyrics to the chart-topping pop hit fit right in to the country and bluegrass genres, as well.'
The episode will air as a half-hour special Monday, June 25 at 9 pm/CT on CMT and CMT PURE. Fans of CMT’s Facebook page can see the episode in a
dedicated tab.
Photo provided by Morgan Grotheer
Morgan, Dierks Bentley, 4/29/12, Savannah, GA
Belmont University senior, Morgan Grotheer, says it was an honor working with Dierks Bentley on his new "5-1-5-0" music video, directed by Wes Edwards.
Thanks to Morgan's mom, Renee', for a very complimentary email about DB Congress, and the heads up that daughter Morgan is "the beautiful
blond that obtained the lead
role for [the 5150] video shoot."
Renee' also told us Morgan, now a Nashville, TN resident, is a native to Savannah, GA, and the video was filmed in nearby Bloomingdale, GA. "Working with Dierks Bentley, John Burke (producer) and
Wes Edwards as well as the extras was an amazing experience for Morgan. She told me that
everyone was professional, organized and most of all really nice."
We told you about the shoot, and we are now happy to give our readers the exclusive interview with leading lady, Morgan, below!
DBC: How did the opportunity for you to star in the video come about?
Morgan: A friend of mine, in town, contacted me about the role. Within a week I was notified I was going to be the leading lady.
DBC: What did you have to do for your audition?
Morgan: There really wasn't an audition. I met with the director at a coffee shop and spoke with him. The next day I received a call informing me I got the part. I flew out two days later. It was a dream!
DBC: I understand from your mom it was filmed in your hometown—did you grow up going to the Big Nasty RV Park or other similar places?
Morgan: I had been on 4wheelers (atvs) prior to the video shoot, but growing up near a beach (Tybee) my friends and I were always there.
DBC: Is your background in acting and/or was this your first music video?
Morgan: No, This was my first time ever being behind a video camera. My background is in singing. I moved to Nashville to pursue the music business.
DBC: Was there a script ahead of time or were you “directed” on the shoot?
Morgan: I was directed on set. I was nervous, but then due to the fun atmosphere and outstanding group of people I worked with I was able to really enjoy the experience.
DBC: How much of a Dierks fan were you before the video? And now?
Morgan: Yes, I love Country Music. Dierks is an incredible artist. Working with him on “5-1-5-0”, was an honor. One thing I really admire is his undenying passion for what he does and eagerness to bring smiles to the fans. It was evident on set!
DBC: What was your favorite memory of the day while shooting? Funniest moment?
Morgan: I think the funniest moments of the whole day was everyone taking bets on how far Dierks could take “Big White” through the mud. He got farther than we all expected, but once the truck was stuck, Dierks and his band mates jumped in the mud. (Shown at the end of the video)
DBC: How did you get through the whole video without getting muddy?
Morgan: (haha)
The scenes of me on the 4wheeler did not take place until after they had completed the other video footage. I assure you before the day was over I had mud on me.
DBC: What are your thoughts on the song and final video?
Morgan: Wes Edwards, who also directed Jason Aldean’s “Tatoos On This Town,” is an exceptional director! This video really encompassed what country music is all about; having a good time. I love the song. Its weird seeing myself in a video, but overall I think everything was a huge success.
Amy Shepheard, DBC Rep, DE
In the back of "Big White"
Also on site during the April 29 filming of the video was DB Congress rep, Amy Shepheard, of Delaware. Her role was to hand out props (empty beer bottles) to everyone in the crowd. Then, she had to collect them all again to get the "labels" covered, then passed them all out again--and make sure everyone was 21! Whew! What a crazy job! Just this side of loco!
Watch the official video and the outtakes on the DBTV episode below. The video is also for sale on itunes and currently #6 on the itunes country video chart.
"We're just being us in this one. This is the 18th video I've made, I think we finally figured it out."
In the "In Memory Of:" section, select My gift is "Personal"
In the next screen enter the information below. Select "I would like you to notify the family of my gift" and the "Please provide the family's contact info" box will open.
In the "How would you like your names to appear..." add your name and (DB Congress) See my example circled in red.
Continue through the screens to finalize your donation. Dierks and his mom will both get notified and you will receive a thank you letter for tax purposes.
BY PHONE: If you prefer to call Hospice and give a donation with credit card, call 602-530-6992. Just have them add "DB Congress" next to your name for the acknowledgement.
BY MAIL: If you prefer to mail a check, send to Hopice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014. Include a note to have "DB Congress" added to your name for the acknowledgement.
Many thanks to Robin Brin at Hospice for her kindness in helping us coordinate our contributions under the DBC name. She wanted everyone to know how privileged Hospice of the Valley was to care for Dierks' dad, and they are so thrilled the family is recommending donations to Hospice.
I think we have plenty of money for flowers now--thank you to everyone who mailed checks to me today. Any excess I will send to Hospice with your name and "DBC."
Thank you to my DBC family for your generous spirit! I am also working on a location for us all to meet up on Wednesday in Nashville. Stay tuned.
As you know by now, Dierks Bentley's dad died Friday. Leon Bentley was 88 years old, a WWII veteran and a huge influence on his son's life. Dierks tweeted the news yesterday along with a very personal photo:
"my dad died yesterday. it was an honor to comfort him as he left us. thank you fans for the time and understanding."
Dierks is like family to us and this news saddens us deeply. The DB Congress has been asking of ways to help honor Leon's memory. The Bentley family is asking that all donation go to Hospice. We are setting up an account to gather as one lump sum from DB Congress (details soon). But if you prefer to send individually, send to: Hopice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014.
We are also sending flowers to the service on behalf of DB Congress. If you would like to contribute, send to Ronna Clark, 754 Burlwood Street, Brandon, FL 33511.
Performances were cancelled for June 2 after the Washington Nationals game and the annual fan club party--Last Call Ball 8, scheduled for June 6. Dierks is scheduled to resume performances on Saturday, June 9 in Detroit and CMA Fest June 10.
From dierks.com:
"Thanks to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers you've extended to Dierks and his family. With a heavy heart, we have to postpone Last Call Ball 8 on Wednesday. We plan to reschedule for you guys later this year. Tickets will be refunded, please stay tuned for more details. We will let you know as soon as we have a new date set. Keep checking back here at Dierks.com for more information. Thank you all for your unwavering support and understanding."
Many DBC reps will still be in Nashville Wednesday and are still planning to meet, even without LCB. We'll post details when we know.
Just know that we're thinking of you, Dierks, and praying for strength for you and your family. We hope you take as much time as you need with your family--we the fans understand and are here for you now and when you get back. That's what families do.
Unique to Dierks’ model is the patriotic bold red, white, and blue Herringbone inlay that adorns the top perimeter, rosette, and back purfling. The vintage profile neck shape has comfortably narrow string spacing, Waverly tuners, and bone nut, saddle and bridge pins for exceptional playability and tone. The black Ebony fingerboard bears a mother of pearl Phoenix bird inlayed at the 12th fret, a symbol of great significance to Dierks that pays homage to his Phoenix, AZ upbringing.
