Dierks Bentley's 10th Annual Miles and Music For Kids: A Weekend of Caring Breaks All Records!

Many people ask us, why do you go see Dierks so many times--haven't you already seen the show? The answer is easy--because it's Dierks! Seeing him 100 times would not be enough.  But last weekend was extra special. His 10th annual Miles and Music For Kids charity motorcycle ride and concert event raised $636,479 for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital--nearly double last year's efforts--and we were fortunate to be a small part of that on Sunday, November 1, 2015!

Every year it's the highlight of our year, no matter how many Dierks shows we attend--this is the BIG one!  The one that gives back and helps so many kids! A DB Congress tradition is to "hold session" at Joe's Crab Shack in downtown Nashville, 'MM4K Eve.'  The gathering is typically about 20-25 DBC reps, but this year we exceeded 50 people--double our usual attendance!  The main event--signing specially-made get well cards for the kids at Vanderbilt Hospital, complete with a DB guitar pick.

DB Congress rep and card signing organizer, David Mattingly (KY) had this to say:

"[Dierks'] passion for the Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is remarkable and there is nothing phony about it. Through the years I've met some great friends from all over the country and Canada, too. I can feel their passion to help the children of the hospital when they show up each year to sign get well cards the night before. They come from all over and they could be out on lower Broadway in the honky tonks [not to mention out celebrating Halloween], but they choose to do one small thing to maybe put a smile on a child's face--to put their name and state on a simple "Get Well" card. 


This year, 51 people from 22 States/Canada showed up to do just that. But the child with the biggest smile wasn't a patient of the hospital......because it was me. I just can't describe how it felt to watch all these people come together and complete this somewhat confusing task. Getting 51 people to sign their name on 250 cards can be challenging. But they came together and got it done. A very fun night and memory sharing was the perfect way to start the weekend. The next day I was honored to present the cards to the President of the hospital. Yes, the President! He smiled as I handed him the box of cards and told me that he knew what they were. He said they look forward to them every year and assured me they would get put to good use. That means so much to us and I want to personally "Thank" all of you who chipped in, in every small way to pull this off." 

Long-time fan clubber and DBC rep for Alabama, Ann Tate replied:

"This was the most rewarding year to me also. Just losing my friend from brain cancer, I can't imagine a parent having to watch their children suffer from this horrible disease of cancer or like Dalton, heart problems.  What I loved so much was how down to earth Dierks, our president of the fan club, is to all children. I know he was so touched by everyone at the fan club party and the amount of money he raised in one day. To think that everyone donates their time to this function every year just makes me smile. I have a great niece who spent most of her life at the children's hospital in Birmingham, so I know first hand how much strain is on the parents and children."

One rep, Jacinta Hilgeman  (IN),  was hoping to be there but instead stayed home to be with her son who was just diagnosed with a congenital heart defect and had surgery to repair it on Oct 20.  "Although we did not go to Vanderbilt for the surgery, this makes me want to take part in this event even more so now! These hospitals that specialize in caring for kids are so wonderful and make families feel so well taken care of! I now know this from personal experience. I also applaud every single fan club member who took part in this, I know it means the world to those kids and their families! I hope to be right there with you all next year!"

There are many worthy causes that help a lot of people, and we choose to support Dierks year after year because of the person his is, the relationship he has with his fans and his sincere and humble caring heart that keeps on giving.

Proof of that humbleness came after the check presentation on Ascend Amphitheater stage.

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley

He told the crowd he was up for a CMA Male Vocalist of the Year on Wednesday, but that even if he won that, this night 'for the kids' would always mean way more to him.

According to People, "At one point Bentley called daughter Evie over to meet a fan of his who has cerebral palsy and is in a wheelchair.

"Evie [his oldest daugther, 7, born the night before MM4K 2008] is starting to realize there are people who are sick beyond what she may think of as sick and she's starting to ask those bigger questions – we'll talk about cancer and what's chemotherapy and she's starting to think about mortality, really," says Bentley, who adds that he's thinking of taking her with him soon to visit – and sing to – hospital patients. "These are important things for her to see. Probably more important than watching me win a CMA Award.""

Before revealing the total dollars raised, Dierks told the crowd he was hoping to beat last year's $335k, and was guessing it would be around $405k.  He was blown away when the check was turned around.  "That's a damn 6" he yelled incredulously!

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley.  Dierks Bentley points to the check for $636,479

One lady bid and won an autographed guitar for $45,000--she told MC/auctioneer Storme Warren (Sirius XM The Highway), that she was donating the money in honor of her husband who died in a motorcycle accident last Monday.

Photo by Takara Dingley

Earlier that morning, our president found time to treat 350 of his fan club members to a Last Call Ball (fan club party usually held in June), that doubled as a fundraiser for MM4K10. Joined by Fiddlin Dan Hochhalter, bassist Cassady Feasby and lead guitarist Brian Layson, Dierks and the guys delivered an easy going conversation/acoustic jam session.  He explained that drummer Steve Misamore and steel guitarist Tim Sergent were setting up for the evening concert.

Photo credit: Takara Dingley. Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Dierks Bentley, Dan Hochhalter help explain the definition of "Sweetkill" on Cassady's shirt as texted to Dan by Steve Misamore

After three songs (Am I The Only One, Free And Easy and 5-1-5-0) and a long explanation of bass player Cassady Feasby's "Sweetkill" shirt (above), Meredith Mauer (SC rep) and I were honored to be able to present to him on stage a gigantic card signed by all who contributed to the "10 year" commemorative gift of aluminum.

Photo Credit: Amanda Morris (MS).  Dierks Bentley, Meredith Mauer, Ronna Clark

Photo Credit: The Country Sip/Vanessa Storm Photography

In case you missed it on our live broadcast on Periscope "We interrupt this broadcast..."

(video credit: Takara Dingley):

We'd like to see if you know what it is first.

A new pair of boots that don't have duct tape?

A hub cap? A motorcycle plate?

The 10th anniversary gift is normally tin or aluminum.

You know it's my 10th anniversary (to wife Cassidy) coming up this year, I had no idea.

No it's not a hub cap--it's a motorcycle derby!

Thank you guys, I'm gonna put it on today when I get down there!

After the presentation, they closed out with I Hold on, Riser, and Drunk On A Plane, followed by a meet and greet with the top 10 fundraisers, and then he was off to the Harley-Davidson of Columbia to start the ride portion of the day!

Sandwiched in between LCB and the concert was the motorcycle ride.  Debbie Hale, DBC rep (IL), was among the 2000+ riders for the cause!

"I have attended this event every year for the past 10 years and was finally able to participate in the motorcycle ride! Dierks leads the pack from Columbia, TN to downtown Nashville and the day concludes with a concert. This year it was at the new Ascend Ampitheatre. Great venue! Everyone together has raised over $3M to benefit the Vanderbilt Monroe Carrell Children's Hospital. Dierks always says it's not him but all of us who participate. His name is just associated with it. Started the day with a short Fan Club Party at the Hard Rock Cafe.  At the dealership. I made a shirt with pix from all 9 M&M events and one of me on my bike for the 10th one. Dierks autographed it!"

Photo Credit: Debbie Hale. Dierks at Harley-Davidson of Columbia

Photo Credit: Debbie Hale. Dierks' bike for the ride - Indian Scout

Bentley's band of brothers are ridiculously talented!  I mean, 5-1-5-0 crazy good!  Not only did they perform in the morning at LCB and then with Dierks to close out the concert, but they were THE back up band for the other artists and they sounded amazing!

The Rolling Stone wrote: "The concert itself was a casual affair, with Bentley's band filling in for the other artist's groups. Each one played three or four songs as Bentley’s band nailed the hooks to Swindell’s "Let Me See Ya Girl," Rhett's "Die a Happy Man" and FGL's "Anything Goes" — which was even surprising to the duo's Tyler Hubbard. "Thanks for making that a Number One song this week," he said as "Anything Goes" came to its snarling end. “And thanks to this band. We've really had zero rehearsal, we've never done this together and didn't even sound check."

Photo credit: Debbie Hale. Brian Kelly, Tim Sergent on banjo (DB), and Tyler Hubbard of Florida Georgia Line

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley.  Brooke Eden

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley. Canaan Smith toured with Dierks this summer

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley. The Cadillac Three performed White Lightning

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley. Cole Swindell

Dierks and his band (who had been playing all night) hit the stage with Sideways and played a full hour set, complete with Up On The Ridge fire and Riser.  He declared Dalton as the Riser of the night, the boy he met as a 2-year-old nine years ago and he is still going strong thanks to Dierks and Miles and Music's support of the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley.  Dierks and Dan Hochhalter

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley.  Cassady Feasby, Brian Layson, Dierks Bentley

Photo Credit: Takara Dingley. Brian Layson, Dierks

Dalton's "Riser" video--this is what it's all about!



Way to go, Dalton! We're so happy to support Dierks' Miles and Music For Kids event year after year to help Vanderbilt's Childrens Hospital so you can continue to be a survivor and a riser and live a long and happy life!

The morning after, we were having breakfast at our hotel and the Food and Beverage manager, Jermaine Dunlap, (aka James), stopped by our table.  He asked about the concert and we told him how much was raised for Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.  He told us how he supports John Rich and St. Jude's every year, but that his own son had to use Vanderbilt to have kidney surgery.  He said the total was over $105,000 and he went to family and friends to try to figure out how to pay that bill.  The next day, he met with hospital staff and was told an anonymous donor had taken care of it.  He then realized that events like Dierks' Miles and Music For Kids goes a long way in helping families cover the cost of saving their child's life.  Jermaine then vowed to support MM4K every year!  That's what it's all about!


~Ronna Clark (FL)
DB Congress Chair

Dierks Bentley's Miles and Music For Kids Makes 12,764 Miles of Memories

Although the threat of severe storms and winds forced Dierks Bentley to make a tough decision to cancel his seventh annual Miles and Music For Kids Charity Ride and concert last weekend in Nashville, our philanthropic DB Congress president still found a way to do "something" for a few hundred fans who had traveled many miles to raise money for sick kids.

"It was a tough call, but we had to make it for everyone's safety," said Bentley. "But, we still had so many fans in town who traveled, sometimes hundreds of miles to help support Vandy's Children's Hospital, I felt like we had to find a way to do something to thank them for their time and donations over the past seven years. We decided to run across the street (Hard Rock Cafe), invite anyone still hanging around and before we knew it, the place was packed out."

Turns out, "hundreds of miles" was more like thousands for DB Congress members, who made the annual trek again this year--to the tune of 12,764 total DRT  (Dierks Road Trip) miles.  We live and breathe Dierks's motto, 'Every Mile A Memory.'

On MM4K Eve (Saturday), DBC held session at Joe's Crab Shack, where 23 members from 10 states signed get well cards for the kids.  Now we know how Dierks must feel signing his autograph for hours on end!

Southern Biker Magazine owners Randy and Kristin Gracy joined us and helped sign cards.  They told us about 3,000 bikers had registered for the event!

Front: Sandra; Sitting: Janet, Ronna, Carrie, Sue, Harriet, Becky, Kathy; Standing: Alicia, Kristin, Emily, Ann, Randy, Kristin, Julie, David, Amanda, and Jane, Joe's Crab Schack, 10/13/12

A HUGE thanks to all who all came out tonight. So fun to see old friends and meet new ones. We gathered and signed a record 363 cards for the kids..amazing! And 206 of them included a db guitar pic. Thanks to those who brought cards and to those who mailed them as well. I'm sure Dierks is proud of his DBC. Ride on!! (Organizer, David Mattingly-KY) 

Sunday morning, we woke up to an overcast sky overlooking the Riverfront stage.  Heavy winds and all day rain storm news dampened our spirits as we followed the unfolding updates on DB's Twitter page:

"we have been watching the weather all week and unfortunately, not looking good. today's weather image... 

Have to postpone Miles & Music today bc of dangerous wind & storms moving into Nashville. Thx to all for ur support...

can't tell you all how disappointed i am and my team is about today. we have been looking forward to this day for a year... 

our fans came a long way to get here, and spent money to do so. and wanted to raise money for #vanderbiltchildrenshospital. thank you guys"

Then Dierks retweeted THE BIG 98 WSIX:

We were ready, but mother nature wasn't. :( #milesandmusicforkids pic.twitter.com/O6Mf78xl

 

We decided to take a ride out to the Harley Dealership anyway, to pick up our T-shirts, and David met the lady from the hospital to drop off the get well cards for the kids. To our surprise and delight, Dierks showed up!  He announced to a crowd of about a hundred he wanted to do something since the event was cancelled and invited everyone to the Hard Rock for an impromptu concert!

Eric Close (Rayna's husband, Teddy on TV's new show, "Nashville"), told me he was looking forward to meeting Dierks and he got his wish!  Later that day, he donated an autographed script for the auction.

Dierks and Eric Close at The Harley-Davidson Dealership, Columbia, TN 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Eric Close at The Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Carrie Srebro

Since the Hard Rock only holds about 250 people, we left shortly after to drive the 40 miles back to downtown. We were shocked to already see about 70 people in line! But the Hard Rock Cafe went above and beyond trying to get as many people in the door as possible.  When the upstairs was full, they opened up the doors and let people onto the balcony and downstairs.  Although they couldn't see Dierks, they could hear him and watch on one of the many screens throughout the venue.

This was a first MM4K trip for DB Congress members, Harriett, Sandra, Becky, Janet.  Here are their favorite memories from the weekend:

"I DRT'd about 980 miles. My two favorite memories: first was hearing "Wish It Would Break" live for the first time and the second was standing at the dealership when a limo pulled up. Lots of people in the crowd assumed DB was going to get out of the limo, but the DBC reps were all thinking, "nope probably not how he would choose to travel there!" - Harriett Watkins (NC)

"I believe it was around 1250 miles. My favorite part was creepin' with Carrie and Kathy." -Sandra Grub (NC)

"My miles were 1370 and my favorite memory is asking Dierks about his "old new boots" he was wearing-he said they were from WWII with a man's last name written in them--you know Dierks and his love of old things, even us old fans--and him thanking me for asking because it is a great way to introduce the next song which happened to be one of my favorites, "My Last Name"  Second favorite memory being with all the DBC members at Joe's on Saturday night--feels like family whenever we are all together! - Becky Wierzbicki (DE)

"Total miles 1370. My favorite memories were being first in line at the Hard Rock and second, Dierks handing me a bottle of Bud light during the show." -Janet Lowe (NJ)

Here are more memories from DBC reps who make this an annual trip!

"Fav memory is "Wish It Would Break" for sure!!! Only 40 miles round trip! - Alicia Alarid (TN)

"884 miles. Creepin' w/carrie & Sandra." -Kathy Butler (IN)

"395 miles....walkin around town Sunday night with the Southern Drawl Band and a few other VIPs. Wished you guys could have heard them. (Didn't know about the Hard Rock)" - Randy Gracy-Southern Biker Magazine (TN)

"Won't be home until next week since I'm doing a GSLRT ("Great Southern Loop Road Trip"), but 1020 miles one way to Nashville. At least having a last minute "Plan B" mini-concert." - Jane Sumner (NY)

"Just a measley 400 miles. Memory, seeing 10 State Reps at the pre-party. Just a great weekend. Mood swings up and down capped off with a impromptu fan club like performance...smiles all the way home!" - David Mattingly (KY)

"700 miles. The hug and apology I got from D about the cancellation. He may have been more bummed than we were!" - Kristin Houghland (IN)

"About 550 round trip this time only because I went to Memphis on Sat. morning and then to Nashville and then home. (If didn't go to Memphis then only 380 round trip.) My fav part was probably going to the dealership because we hadn't been down there yet because we usually get in line at Riverfront. - Amanda Morris (MS)

"About 900 miles round trip for me and Sandra. I have 3 favorite memories: 1. Wish it Would Break after Alicia and I yelled for it. 2. Creepin with Kathy and Sandra (& showing Nashville to Sandra for the first time!), and 3. Making Amy feel like she was there. :)" - Carrie Srebro (NC)

"Drove 285 miles and just enjoyed my whole weekend. Met 2 new friends that made me laugh so much. My favorite part though was racing from the Harley bike shop to Hard Rock without killing us all. Dierks was awesome letting us know what was happening so we could be first in line." - Ann Tate (AL)

"About 400 miles round trip and hearing Dierks sing, "My Last Name" and "Wish It Would Break" and seeing James Otto at the dealership and the Hard Rock (where he sat about 15 ft away from me the whole time he was there) and getting to see Sheryl Crow for the first time." - Julie Griffin (IN)

"500 miles round trip. Getting my CW Magazine signed by Dierks at the dealership. He put a :( on it too after Miles & Music 2012. Just happy Amanda got to see him perform after trying to see him the third time this year. LCB cancelled, St. Louis show cancelled and M&M cancelled. Great concert made up for it though! - Debbie Hale (IL)

Dierks Bentley. Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Dierks Bentley. Photo Credit: Carrie Srebro

Cassady Feasby and Sheryl Crow, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Dierks, Steve Misamore on drums, Sheryl Crow. Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Carrie Srebro captured the Set List--Wish It Would Break & My Last Name are not listed--that's when he "stretched"
knowing Sheryl Crow was on her way!

When Sheryl Crow hit the stage she said, "I was with Dierks' wife Cassidy and our kids were playing together when we found out this was happening, I said, 'let's go down there and see what's happening'.  What can I say, I'm a jam whore.'"  Her first song was "If It Makes You Happy."



When Dierks introduced Sheryl and told the crowd, "Look at the smile on my band's faces!" he stepped side stage, but he couldn't hide his own smile either!

Dierks's smiling face watching Sheryl Crow perform

"I still can't believe Sheryl came by... she jumped in her car and came over the minute she heard it was happening."

After the show, Ricky Kelly, @TheHarleyGuy, presented items to bid on to further benefit Vandy's kids.  I think a DB signed motorcycle gas tank raised $3,000!

Ryan interviewed two of our 'shy' (not!) DB Congress Members, Sandra (NC) and Kathy (IN) and included them on this week's DBTV! I love when Dierks says he wanted to do something for his hard core fans!



Me? I flew in from Florida - 1440 round trip.  Favorite memory? How special Dierks made the fan club feel, and experiencing him sing "Wish It Would Break," a rare treat!

Every Mile A Memory...every song another scene...red sun down...out across the western sky...takes me back...

~Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair
Florida

Tin Pan South Songwriters Festival to Feature Dierks Bentley

You don't have to wait until June to visit Nashville, Tennessee, where "it all begins with a song."  For the first time in its 20 year history, Dierks Bentley will perform at the Tin Pan South Songwriter's Festival to be held March 27-31, 2012.

This 5-day festival features hundreds of live performances by some of country music's biggest talents when it come to writing songs, including Dierks and Luke Bryan.

Specifically, Dierks will perform on Wednesday, March 29 at 6 pm at the Hard Rock Cafe on Broadway with buddies Sam Bush and Jon Randall.

Tin Pan South is the world's largest all-songwriter festival, produced annually by NSAI (National Songwriters Association International).

Fast Access Pass holders will take their places in the Fast Access Line at each venue on a first-come, first-served basis. Beginning 30 minutes prior to show time, pass holders will be admitted into the venue first (except at the Bluebird Café and the Listening Room Cafe* shows, where Reservation holders will be admitted first).


Be sure to visit the Tin Pan South website for details on tickets, performers and venue schedules.

BENTLEY'S COLLISION IN LOUISVILLE

Dierks Bentley's most recent tweet from today included a picture of a trio collision. No, not in a car--but musically speaking:

"country, rock and bluegrass collide. hanging out with richie sambora @BonJovi at hullabalou in louisville" Dierks, Richie, and Sam Bush

DIERKY TURKEY "SAM"WICHES SUPPORT DB

Samantha L. (dierksbentleyTWO) met Samantha Rae at a Dierks Bentley show in Mankato, Minnesota in 2007. They had been emailing back and forth after meeting online through the dierks.com fan club message board, and finally met in person.

Sam L., proud first member of the DB Congress to represent Wisconsin, also created and runs The Official Dierks Bentley Fansite Myspace page to promote Dierks in the digital world. Additionally, she's an Administrator at dierksfans.com and wears an indelible DB logo tatoo on her lower back.

Sam-Rae, DBC Rep in Minnesota, recruited more fan club members than anyone else in 2007, which earned her a personal "thank-you" phone call from Dierks as her grand prize. How'd she do it? My understanding is that she asked all her family and friends to buy a DB Fan Club membership for themselves, for HER birthday! Genius, dude!

The two Sam's became fast friends and met at LCB (Last Call Ball fan club party) in Minneapolis in 2008. "We got to the Hard Rock Cafe pretty early in the morning to wait to get in. Dierks and the boys pulled up right in front of the Cafe and walked by and said Hi to everyone! The doors finally opened and of course we were the first ones in. We ate and of course grabbed a few DLC's(Domestic, Light and Cold from Bentley's Modern Day Drifter CD).

Then Dierks came walking in near Sam Rae and I, and pointed right at us! Kinda like he was confused with 2 Sam's being together. Instantly we looked at each other and started to laugh.

It was our turn for the M&G and I went first. Sam Rae was right behind me. I got my autograph and pic and Dierks asked me to wait by him so he could get a pic of him with my tattoo. So I stood off to the side.

It was Sam Rae's turn to meet D. Once she was done a few others went through the line and Sam waited with me cause I was embarrassed--Dierks' face by my lower back--I TOTALLY BLUSHED. Well Dierks took the pic with his camera of my tat and someone asked for of pic of all three of us and I just blurted out, "It's a SAMwich!" Everyone laughed!


Even Rod Janzen (lead guitarist) got caught in the middle of the SAMwich fun--doesn't look like he was embarrased!


After the pic Sam Rae and I were talking about the SAMwich and decided to call it a Samwich with Dierky Turkey! It was a blast! Now, where ever we go, Sam Rae and I together are called a Samwich! It was an awesome day! We are inseperable at concerts now! It's awesome!"

Thanks Sam and Sam for all your efforts to support and promote Dierks!