Win A Dierks Bentley Autographed Magazine!

Dierks is covering a lot of magazines lately, with feature articles, and he signed a few for us.  You can win one by voting for Dierks!

The 2014 CMT Music Awards is next week (June 4).  Our prez will be performing AND he's nominated for the CMT Performance of the Year award!  We only have a week left to vote!

CMT Performance of the Year | Category consists of musical performances on a television show, series or variety special on CMT. Honor is awarded to the artist.

Dierks Bentley and OneRepublic are nominated for their performance of "Counting Stars," from CMT Crossroads.

Voting Rules:

• Anyone with a registered CMT.com, Facebook or Twitter account will be able to vote online.

• Voting ends at 12:01am ET on June 2, 2014. 

• If you have a CMT.com, Facebook or Twitter account, you can vote online at www.cmt.com. If you do not already have a CMT.com, Facebook or Twitter account, you will need to create one before being able to vote online for the 2014 CMT Music Awards nominees. 

• You may vote once per category during the voting period.

CLICK HERE TO VOTE.

DB Congress Contest - 2 Ways to Win:

1. Twitter:  After you cast your vote for Dierks, Tweet the exact phrase below: 
2. Facebook:  After you vote for Dierks, Share this post on your FB page with the comment below:

"I voted @DierksBentley for CMT Performance of the Year & I'm entered to win from @dbcongress! Vote and RT! http://tinyurl.com/mtpmpf8"

Since you can only vote once, it is critical to get everyone you know to vote, too!  We will draw winners on Tuesday, June 3. Good luck!

The results will air live on the CMT Music Awards on Wednesday, June 4th at 8 pm eastern/ 7 central time.

Dierks Bentley's Headline Riser Tour Opening Weekend in Charlotte/ Raleigh, NC: 20 years in the Making

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham. Dierks Bentley, Chase Rice, Jon Pardi, Chris Young
Raleigh, NC, May 10, 2014, Riser Tour Opening Weekend

We had this date marked on the calendar forever.  We'd take that Dierks Bentley headlining Riser Tour opening weekend DRT (Dierks Road Trip) together!

DB Congress reps gathered in Charlotte, NC Riser Tour Eve on May 8, 2014 to kick off our president's opening weekend of his first ever amphitheater headlining tour in Charlotte and Raleigh, North Carolina.  During dinner, we shared our favorite memories of Dierks and captured the moment with a photo including our newest little member, Clara!

Not content to wait for the next day's memories to begin, we took a ride to the PNC Music Pavilion to search for and replicate the same photo our prez had tweeted earlier in the day.  When we got there, we could see the new stage lighting from a distance and hear sound check.  Of course we couldn't help but sing along and laugh at the ad libs.

Dierks is always trying to push the envelope.  He brings a certain energy and passion to his show, and makes a concerted effort to connect with each person in the audience in some way. So much so that I'm convinced he co-wrote the book Fish!, the blueprint book for corporate America. The premise: Choose Your Attitude, Play, Make Their Day, and Be Present.

Dierks Bentley personifies the Fish model perfectly, always displaying a positive attitude, with a unique country-rock-bluegrass, grab you from the get-go live stage show production that makes you feel it all the way down to the depths of your heart and soul.

Such was the case throughout the entire weekend.

Opening with an explosive "5-1-5-0" in Charlotte, May 9, one by one the band emerged from below "The Wave Wall" a huge video and lighting apparatus brought in special for the Riser Tour.  Dierks asked the crowd, "Y'all ready to lose your minds?"

By now you've seen the video for Drunk On A Plane, but we got a sneak preview during the opening weekend.  Dierks decided to play and sang, "we're getting drunk on a 'snake' plane."

He and the guys 'gave it all they've got to give' with Up On The Ridge, that melded into One Republic's "Counting Stars" and Avicii's "Hey Brother" all the while Dierks and band made their way out to the stage way out by the lawn seats (make their day).

Closing with Home, Dierks told the crowd:  "Let me tell you something Charlotte, if home is the place that you come from and this is the first day of our headlining tour, then this is our home. Thank you guys for making us feel welcome--it's awesome!"

Then, Dierks gave a red guitar to a birthday girl in the audience.  Talk about making her day!

Of course we might be biased, being hard core Dierks fans, many of us for ten plus years. But there's a reason we 'hold on.' Actually there are many reasons.

Dierks is always present. It's more than just showing up. When he's with you, he truly is with you. Even if just for a few seconds, a few minutes in a meet and greet, (or street and greet), he looks you in the eye and isn't distracted by his watch (doesn't wear one), or others around. No. You're the only one for that short time. It's like talking with a friend.

He's the same way on stage. He doesn't just stand in one place and look out into space.  He walks, runs, jumps, sits and sometimes lays on every square inch of the stage, cat walk and new to the Riser Tour--second stage.  He makes eye contact with individuals in the crowd.  He's present with that person for those few seconds--and it makes them feel special.

Charlotte - I Hold On Intro

"I went to my first country concert when I was 13 and when I was 19 I drove across the country in a 1994 Chevy truck with my dad we drove from Phoenix, AZ to Nashville TN to start this dream right here--its' only taken 20 years...I still drive that same truck....I don't want a new guitar...I hold on to things that I love and there's nothing more that I love than my fans... you guys... thank you for giving us this chance.  I'm holding on to you guys...and I'm never letting go!"

A few minutes before the Raleigh show, Dierks sent us a message on Twitter and made our day!

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham. Chris Stapleton, Chase Rice, Chris Young,
Dierks Bentley in Raleigh, NC, May 10, 2014, Riser Tour Opening Weekend

In Raleigh, Dierks got very emotional before singing Every Mile A Memory and that emotion carried in his voice throughout the night.  He's a Riser and he powered through.

After the Ridge/Counting Stars/Hey Brother medley, Dierks segued into Settle For A Slowdown and Come a Little Closer, as he made his way back to the stage via a little crowd surfing.  Some lady got a little out of hand with the touching to which Dierks responded when he was back on the main stage to sing the third verse.  "Oh, I almost got stripped down out there!"

The most electrifying segment of the evening unfolded when he launched into What Was I Thinking, pulling up nearly every little white tank top wearing girl he could find onto the stage with him, including several DBC reps!

Raleigh - What Was I Thinkin/Sideways, Little White Tanks Tops On The Stage and Dierks Does a Stage Dive




Since this is the Riser Tour, Dierks sang four songs from the album - Drunk On A Plane, Bourbon In Kentucky, I Hold On and Riser.  We were hoping for more, like Sounds of Summer, Say You Do, Pretty Girls, or Five. With Chris Stapleton opening the Raleigh show, there might have been a chance for Hurt Somebody since he sings background vocals on the record, but disappointingly it wasn't added.

Riser was one of the highlights of both nights, with the visual affects subtly and progressively enhancing the emotion in his vocal.

Photo Credit: Takara.  Dierks Bentley singing Riser
May 10, 2014, Raleigh, NC, Riser Tour

The set list was the same both nights, but the experience was totally different.

Photo Credit: Takara.  Steve Misamore, Cassady Feasby, Brian Layson, Dierks,
Tim Sergent, Dan Hochhalter; May 9, 2014, Charlotte, NC Final Bow, Riser Tour

Still on our Dierks high, sadly, we said goodbye to our DB Congress friends and while some stayed in their home state of NC, others traveled back to Missouri, Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, Georgia, and Tennessee.  But not before talk of our next DRT!

Thank you Dierks, Cassady, Tim, Steve, Dan and Brian, Chris, Tom, Mel, Jay and Pugs for a being playful and present.  You made our weekend one wildly memorable opening Riser Tour!  We are proud fans for life!

Happy 'Drunk On A Plane' Video Day! Dierks Bentley Pilots a "Riser Air" Flight

Dierks Bentley boarded a plane to film his music video for his latest single, Drunk On A Plane, that's skyrocketing up the charts (#11 on itunes!). He took on dual roles as mustached Captain/pilot and he plays himself as a guitar-playing passenger, complete with fan girls taking selfies with him.

Dierks says the video was shot in California "in this crazy warehouse that has all these old planes torn down and put back together so we can shoot airplane footage. Since the day I wrote this song, I've been thinking about this video...,"   directed by Wes Edwards (5-1-5-0, Tip It On Back).

All of DB's band members except one (we missed you Dan!) are featured: Steve Misamore (drums) plays the co-captain/pilot; Tim Sergent (steel) is a passenger with spiked-hair Brian Layson seated next to him. Then there's Sergei Mariposa the flight attendant, aka bass player, Cassady Feasby, who nearly steals the spotlight!

The story line follows the lyrics of the song, making it come vividly to life up in the clouds! The gilted groom, comedian/actor Jeff Dye (Comedy Central, Extreme Makeover Home Edition), tapes a picture of his ex to the seat back right beside him, but he finds new love with passenger actor Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network) after getting drunk on a plane.

The Riser Air flight takes a nose dive when the pilots (aka, Dierks and Steve) turn on the auto pilot to join the fun in the cabin. But when pilot Dierks gets knocked out from a falling suitcase, the real Dierks saves the day! In a preview video, Dierks was practicing his role to take over the plane by rehearsing in the mirror: "You're good enough, you're strong enough, you can land this plane."

Check out the video below and vote for it on CMT and GACTV!

 

Dierks Bentley Gets "Drunk on a Plane" from Dierks Bentley      

DB Congress Exclusive Interview: Catching Up With Dr. Feasby

Photo Credit: Stephanie Lanham, Riser Tour,
Charlotte/Raleigh May 9-10, 2014

Fresh off the Dierks Bentley headlining Riser Tour opening weekend, bass player Cassady Feasby (aka Dr. Feasby) found time to answer a few questions for us!  He told us about some of his favorite memories over the last four years and reveals a few secrets, showing his sly sense of humor and his serious side, too!  He promised his answers would be funnier than Fiddlin Dan's!  You be the judge!


Our last interview with you was in 2010, shortly after you joined Team Dierks. Wow, has it really been four years? What have you been up to?

Four years…wow! I joined Dierks three months before my daughter was born. Time doesn’t fly – it snowballs into bigger and better things.


How much do you love us when we prank you? Which prank stands out as a favorite for you?

As you know, I am NOT a fan of pranks! Ha! The most memorable (so far) is when 5 DB Congress members handed everyone in the front row pictures of me doing a shirtless Fabio pose on an Australian beach. I couldn’t keep it together. Wait, why are there pictures of me doing that in the first place? High fives, y'all!

Oh, you mean this one from the Beaufort, South Carolina show in April 2012? Yep--that was us! We purposely held those up during "Feel That Fire." High fives back at ya!

You are quite the quirky “Tweeter.” While you are still “@drfeasby,” you changed your Twitter name from Dr. Feasby to Capt. Chet. Why is that?

Dan “Hawk” Hochhalter and I have a running theme: ‘High on Ideas, Low on Execution.’ One of those ideas is our bluegrass side project. In two years we finally have a name –no songs- just a name: Capt. Chet and the Dead Weight. I doubt @fiddlindan will be changing his Twitter name. He has so much more to offer than just dead weight.


What is your favorite tour memory?

Free Bus Rides? Haha. There are so many great memories. Highlights would have to be playing the Grand Ole Opry, the Grammy’s, and Red Rocks (not to mention the first night of the Riser tour – insane!) When the infamous Goldie Bus crossed the 1 million mile mark we pulled off the side of the road just inside the US border after a 2 week Canadian run and partied right on the highway. We definitely have a good time wherever we go!


Your guitar pick features the Dierks Bentley Riser bird on the front and your initials on the back – in sign language. What’s the significance of that?

Two of my sisters-in-law are hearing impaired and one of my brothers-in-law is an ASL interpreter. It’s kind of a tip of the hat to them. One of my goals this year is to become a better signer.


We know you love to scout out the venues ahead of a show date for the local fishing opportunities. How many fish have you caught? And since you love to cook, do you keep them in the bus and cook them up for Team Dude after the show?

Last year I became more of a fishing lure collector than an actual fisherman. It’s pathetic. However, Tim Sergent [steel player] and I went the day before the opening night of the Riser tour and landed several 3-7.5 pound large mouth North Carolinian bass. On the road we usually catch and release after taking a few fish selfies (of course, right?)


One of our favorite songs on Dierks’ new album, Riser, is the title cut. Every time I hear that 5-beat bass guitar, all I can hear is you playing it. How does it feel to play this song live?

Riser is my favorite song on the record. I’m glad it’s in the set list – as it should be! Bourbon In Kentucky is really fun to sing and play. Oh…and Damn These Dreams – so true.


Which Dierks music video has been the most memorable for you? To this day, we can’t watch you all sing “Am I The Only One?” live on stage without think of you as “Wild Man Willie.”

The [Up On The] Ridge video comes to mind because it was the first video I was in literally weeks after I joined. 5-1-5-0 was obviously a complete blast. I lost my wedding ring jumping into the mud off the back of Dierks’ truck. My wife wasn’t happy or surprised however. The Drunk [On A Plane] video was pretty silly. I was finally able to live out my childhood dream of being a flight attendant. It’s too bad no one has any fun out here!

Thanks for taking the time to do this! We very much appreciate it!  By the way, WE'RE having fun too! 


The Drunk On A Plane video premiers tomorrow, featuring Dr. Feasby as "Sergei Mariposa."  Check back with us here on dbcongress.com over the next few days for the recap of the Riser Tour opening weekend shows!

"I Hold On” Earns Gold Certification in the USA and Canada; Dierks Celebrates

Dierks, Headline Country Producer Mary Carlisle, Brett James

Dierks driving “I Hold On” has officially been certified GOLD in the US by the RIAA for digital sales of over 500,000 downloads and simultaneously received GOLD certification by the CRIA in Canada. Released on Capitol Records Nashville, RISER’s lead track set the pace recently topping both radio charts, becoming Bentley’s 11th career No. one single as both a singer and songwriter.

Dierks Bentley and veteran songwriter Brett James celebrated their co-penned number one single "I Hold On" at Pour House in Nashville Tuesday (4/2/14.)

"It was our first time writing together, we weren't trying to hit one over the fence, we were just being honest, talking about our lives, and our things we believe in. I get goose bumps even talking about it right now, because its not supposed to work that way.  Usually its a grind the first time, and this is one of those song that it's just once in a career that you get a song that just happens like that."

Watch the video clip here.

Watch "Headline Country" on GACTV May 8th for more footage from the bash and more of their interview with the pair.