RIDGE: UP (in) THE TOP 40

As you can see, Congress, "Up on the Ridge" squeaked its way into the Top 40 on Billboard, inching up just one spot to take the 40th spot. On the Country Indicator chart, it's up to #28 (much love to those small-market stations)! And, over on Mediabase, it's up to #41 (though only in its 3rd week there). It should move into the top 40 on Mediabase, and that is precisely what we need it to do. Why? Because many syndicated countdown shows on Country radio use the Mediabase chart (though some use the Top 30), and syndicated shows add up to MAJOR airplay, especially on weekends when additional spins are hard to come by. For instance, Country Countdown USA is heard on 200 stations nationwide. That is 200 extra spins -- just like that!

We are definitely on the right track. I certainly anticipate some strong growth over the course of the week, and I think that the GAC Telethon this weekend should help as well (assuming The Prez decides to play UOTR for the television audience). Keep up the great work, Congress, and let's really start digging!

~ Carrie S. (DBC Rep/Chart Reporter ~ NC)

DIERKS ON NATIONAL TV TELETHON FOR NASHVILLE FLOOD AID

Dierks will join the star-studded lineup for Music City Keep On Playin' - A Benefit For Flood Relief, which is the first nationally-televised telethon for Nashville flood aid. Other performers include Brad Paisley, Lady Antebellum, Rodney Atkins, Kellie Pickler, CeCe Winans, Jaci Velasquez and Will Hoge.

Music City Keep On Playin' will be broadcast live and commercial-free on GAC this Sunday, May 16 from 8-10pm EST.

Tickets to the live event at the historic Ryman Auditorium are available now! Reserved tickets are $25 and a limited number of gold circle tickets are $150 and include preferred seating and a commemorative Hatch Show event poster. There is a limit of four $25 tickets per person and two $150 tickets per person. Tickets may be purchased online at www.ryman.com and www.opry.com, by phone at 1-800-SEE-OPRY (733-6779) or in person at the Ryman box office.

GAC has partnered with WKRN TV in Nashville to simulcast the live telethon on Comcast channel 245 (over the air delivery at 2.2). They will also run the telethon as an encore presentation on May 16 at 10:30 p.m./Eastern on channel 2 (over the air delivery at 2.1). XM Satellite Radio will also simulcast the live telethon.

The concert will re-air on GAC at 10:00 p.m., 12:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m. and the phone banks will remain open during the re-airs.

All money raised will go to those in need in Middle Tennessee. Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee will be the organization processing and distributing donations. This event is being presented by GAC, the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau and Gaylord Entertainment.

Source: Dierks.com

UP ON THE RIDGE MUSIC VIDEO IS READY!

Dierks Bentley's new music video for Up On The Ridge is ready! Thanks to The Boot for the premier! Be sure to leave comments below. Is it what you expected? What specifically was interesting to you? Get ready to start voting on GAC and CMT!

HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!

DB Congress wishes everyone a very happy and blessed Mother's Day! Thanks to all the moms for joining me every day to promote Dierks, taking time away from you children. A special thank you to Cassidy for sharing Dierks with all of us, and to his mom, Kathy--thank you for raising Dierks to be a caring man, full of character and charisma!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair