Experiencing a Dierks Bentley performance live and in person is a feeling hard to put into words. It's more than just our favorite artist and his vocal prowess and connection with the crowd--although that is the main attraction.
It's also about the anticipation--before he even hits the stage. It's the moment the lights go dark, the music cues and your heart drops. The huge video screen starts flashing images, then with a bang, the Dierks Bentley curtain drops and 12 guys run across the stage, gathering it all up in 10 seconds flat, while fireworks make you jump with excitement. Then the guys in the band appear on stage and we cheer for each--Steve Misamore on drums, Brian Layson, lead guitar, Cassady Feasby on bass, Tim Sergent, steel/banjo and Dan Hochhalter, fiddle. And suddenly, there he is--at the top of the riser--the dude himself.
It takes a well-oiled machine to bring all those elements together in one big spectacular moment that doesn't stop for 90 minutes. It takes Team Dude, Inc.
Two of the team members were recognized this year by the CMA SRO Awards. The Standing Room Only awards are a division of the CMA for those involved in touring.
It's also about the anticipation--before he even hits the stage. It's the moment the lights go dark, the music cues and your heart drops. The huge video screen starts flashing images, then with a bang, the Dierks Bentley curtain drops and 12 guys run across the stage, gathering it all up in 10 seconds flat, while fireworks make you jump with excitement. Then the guys in the band appear on stage and we cheer for each--Steve Misamore on drums, Brian Layson, lead guitar, Cassady Feasby on bass, Tim Sergent, steel/banjo and Dan Hochhalter, fiddle. And suddenly, there he is--at the top of the riser--the dude himself.
It takes a well-oiled machine to bring all those elements together in one big spectacular moment that doesn't stop for 90 minutes. It takes Team Dude, Inc.
Two of the team members were recognized this year by the CMA SRO Awards. The Standing Room Only awards are a division of the CMA for those involved in touring.
Fiddle player, Dan Hochhalter (@FiddlinDan on Twitter), was nominated for Touring Musician of the Year. Although we think he should have won, the award went to Jenee Fleenor, who, according to Dan is a "fantastic fiddle player out with Blake Shelton."
James "Pugs" McDermott was nominated and won for Front of House (FOH) Engineer of the Year!
“Our touring industry members are on the frontline, every day taking our music directly to the fans in small clubs, stadiums, and everything in between,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their hard work and many contributions to the success of the format deserve attention and a standing ovation.”
Congratulations, Pugs!
“Our touring industry members are on the frontline, every day taking our music directly to the fans in small clubs, stadiums, and everything in between,” said Sarah Trahern, CMA Chief Executive Officer. “Their hard work and many contributions to the success of the format deserve attention and a standing ovation.”
Congratulations, Pugs!
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| Pictured (L-R): Jay DeMarcus, James McDermott, Dierks Bentley. Photo: Donn Jones |
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| Team Dude, Inc at the #SROAwards. Dan was up for Touring Musician of the Year! Congrats to Pugs on his win |
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| Dan and Crystal Hochhalter |
Good article. It's nice to see the people behind the scenes being mentioned and recognised for their hard work. It's easy to forget that they are there, and they too give up their time with family just as much. Nice one.
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