Dierks Bentley and the Band Hide In Plain Sight As Opening Act

Have you been to a What The Hell Tour concert recently?

Then you might have missed Dierks Bentley and the band hiding in plain sight.

As many concerts go, there are often lesser-known opening acts, giving the crowd a taste of talent and paving the way for the headliner. Depending on the city in which you attend the WTH Tour, that first band is likely an up-and-coming local bluegrass group. Some examples are the Mansfield Manscapers, the Tampa Tug-A-Lots, or the Bolo Boys Bluegrass Band.

Well ... do any of these guys look familiar?

That's right. The opening act setting the stage for Jon Pardi--the band you might have missed if you were running late or getting your swag--is, in fact, Dierks and his band of brothers: Cassady Feasby, Ben Helson, Dan Hochhalter, Steve Misamore and Tim Sergent. With hats, sunglasses, and clothing that is a departure from their normal style, they comfortably play the part of a bluegrass band making their way.

A couple DB Congress fan club members have shared videos and photos of the--to them--obvious act; and almost all have stated that those around them have been none-the-wiser. Even if someone mentions "That's Dierks Bentley!" you can hear disbelief in the background.

Now that the word is getting out, it's fair to assume this is one concert where people will be in their seats early!

Now that you know, it's difficult to watch and not smile! It'll be our secret.




* A special thank you to Amy Wicks and Ann Martin for the video footage!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Black: #1 in Our Hearts, and Now on the Charts!

One year after the release of what is considered to be Dierks Bentley’s “most fully-formed release of his career,” the title track, Black, has made it to #1.

Dierks secured his 16^th career #1 single when Black topped the Mediabase radio chart on May 30. It’s also been climbing Billboard’s Country Airplay chart, reaching #2 this week. Following the Platinum Certified and award-winning singles Somewhere on a Beach and Different for Girls from the same album, Black has already been certified Gold.

“Every single we’ve put out this year has been a really important piece of the story of this album, but Black is the one that’s really the cornerstone of the whole project, and it’s about my wife,” Dierks said. “Watching this one rise to the top of the chart is extra sweet.”

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jan 13, 2017 at 10:13am PST

The album came together around this title track. According to Dierks, “I wrote the song Black and felt like it was the centerpiece of what the album could be: exploring relationships. It’s kind of dark and moody and sexy, and it’s also my wife’s maiden name, Black, so it has some personal layers to it for me. I felt like it was something I could really go deep on and build an album around.”

Not only is the song itself getting the recognition it deserves, but the video is climbing the charts, as well. The CMT Hot 20 Countdown, as of June 3, has the Black video in the #2 position.

We agree with The Boot in their assessment of the video: “It’s hard to decide what’s more breathtaking: the vast Icelandic scenery or the woman at the center of the clip … who just so happens to be Bentley’s wife, Cassidy!”

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jan 13, 2017 at 5:32pm PST

Well, we’d add Dierks to the “breathtaking” description, too.

“I had the idea of putting my wife in the video, which is totally taking her out of her comfort zone, but I just couldn’t imagine doing a video for this song without her in it and she reluctantly agreed. But then totally nailed it,” Dierks said. “It wouldn’t have been genuine without her.”

Filmed in picturesque Reykjavik, Iceland, (during a storm, no less), with director Wes Edwards, the video goes on a journey with Dierks as he follows Cassidy through the breathtaking landscape, finally reaching her at the video's end. At face value, it's sexy and beautiful; when you look at it knowing the relationship it’s describing, it becomes intimate, mature and full of trust.

There’s no question why this video is climbing the charts.

There’s still time to get Black to #1. Request it on your local radio stations and vote for the video!

*Update: Since writing this blog, Black reached #1 on the CMT Hot 20 Countdown, as of June 11!

**Bonus: Read Cassidy's interpretation of Dierks asking her to be in the video!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

An InPREDible Night: Dierks Bentley Sings the National Anthem in the Stanley Cup Finals

With a (hat) trick up his sleeve, Dierks Bentley can check another item off his bucket list. Last night, he had the opportunity to sing the National Anthem before a Nashville Predators game ... in the Stanley Cup Finals, no less.

As Dierks said in an interview just a month ago, "It's one of those songs that's tough to do, but I'd be honored to get the call."

Just hours before the game, Dierks posted a video of his rally chair "in his house," leading the general public to believe he would be absent from the Game 4 festivities.

Best seat in the house! At least in my house... ready for Game 4 #stanleycupplayoffs #stanleycup #GoPreds

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jun 5, 2017 at 12:36pm PDT

DB Congress members knew better. There's no way he would sit out a game of that importance (especially when home in Nashville)! There had to be something more behind the scenes.

Sure enough, as DB Congress Chair Ronna Clark said, "I knew as soon as they said 13x Grammy nominee!"

Despite being on vocal rest, with his iconic "whiskey-soaked grit in his voice," Dierks reverently sang our nation's anthem. For such a high-energy performer, this rendition was appropriately solemn and honoring (especially when singing "that our flag was still there"). Without fanfare or showboating, it was the Star Spangled Banner as it was written.


He even donned a Kevin Fiala jersey (unique from many artists who have worn their own name on their backs) in support of the Predators' forward who broke his leg in April.

As a Predators season ticket holder (and #1 fan), though he's been silent on social media since last night, one can only imagine the joy he felt in taking on this role.

No Bandwagon Here
His hockey love goes beyond sitting in the stands. He has spent quality time on the ice as a center for the Nashville Iceholes, giving him a "way to clear his head from the hustle and bustle of the road." He was also an honorary Predator For A Day last year.

Hockey has become a Bentley family affair, if photos and videos are any indication. Throughout the season, and especially during the Predators' playoff run, his wife Cassidy, and their kids have been cheering along. The band has been in on the action, as well, as have many friends, including Luke Bryan (with whom he facetiously takes credit for the playoff success!).

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jun 3, 2017 at 3:58pm PDT

His son, Knox, is taking after dad and becoming quite the hockey player himself! (That look, though!)

Knox is ready in case he gets the call... how about the look he shoots me at the end of this?! He's a @violentgentlemen. #GoPreds @nhlpreds #stanleycup

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on May 23, 2017 at 5:22pm PDT

Country music star and hockey player, with red, white and blue in his veins, last night's surprise performance will, no doubt, be one Dierks will "hold on" to for years to come.

*The Predators won, putting the series at 2-2 against the Penguins.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe