Friday, December 29, 2017

Dierks Bentley Highlights from 2017

Looking back on 2017, the year was packed with memories! With the What the Hell tour, chart-topping singles, award shows, and humanitarian efforts, it was, no doubt, a busy one for Dierks and the guys. Here is a timeline of highlights from this year:

Jan. 3--Dierks was one of only two artists to earn two RIAA awards for 2016: “Somewhere on a Beach” was designated platinum while his duo with Elle King, “Different for Girls,” earned gold status. In this same announcement, Dierks received RIAA gold album honors for "Feel That Fire," "Home," and "Riser."

Jan. 4--"Somewhere on a Beach" was announced as a nominee for the Country Song of the Year category at the iHeartRadio Music Awards.

Jan. 13--After teasing the video through social media channels the week prior, the "Black" music video was finally released. And it was so worth the wait. Featuring Dierks' wife, Cassidy, as the female lead, though filmed in frigid Iceland, the video was pure fire.



Jan. 21--Dierks fulfilled his dream of playing at the famed Bridgestone Arena. "What an honor it is to finally get here ... The chance to play Bridgestone Arena in my adopted hometown of Nashville, Tenn., to a sold-out crowd is something I've only dreamed of in my biggest dreams. Everything, I feel like, in my career has led to this moment here.


Jan. 24--Three members of the Dierks Bentley team walked away winners from the CMA Touring Awards: Dan Hochhalter (@fiddlinDan) as Touring Musician of the Year; Chris Reade (@chrisreade) as Lighting Director of the Year; and Tom Addison (@TMtomAddison) as Tour Manager of the Year. Can we give the entire team awards?

Feb. 1--DBCongress.com celebrated eight years! Since that launch, a couple thousand blogs have been written with hundreds of reps looking on, totaling more than 650,000 views! Thank you for making this fan club and website a success!

Feb. 12--Though they didn't walk away with the win, Dierks and Elle King secured a nomination for "Different for Girls" in the Country Duo/Group Performance category at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards. This was the 13th nomination for Dierks and the third for Elle.

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on

Feb. 23--Dierks' eighth studio album, "Black," earned RIAA gold. The certification made it the only ACM “Album of the Year” nominated project to reach this mark.

Also Feb. 23--DB Congress welcomed a new blogger to the team. Jessica is a rep for the state of Washington (@AllTheWayToMe). Her Dierks love was instant and it's been an unforgettable road ever since! You can see her blogs here throughout 2017.

March 5--"Days of Dark" was released on the major motion picture "The Shack" soundtrack. "The idea of the song is there are these days of dark that need to be overcome. It has kind of a dark title but in the end it's kind of an emotionally uplifting song."



March 7--Dierks' third Whiskey Row opened, this one in Glibert, Ariz. In addition to food and drinks, this location features indoor corn hole, ping pong, a dance floor and stage. The fourth restaurant, this one in Nashville, should be open soon.

March 16--Dierks, along with "an extraordinary collection of music stars," put on an all-star concert-- "The Life and Songs of Kris Kristofferson" at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. This event "brought together fans, friends and music icons to honor the songs of Grammy Award and Golden Globe Award-winning singer-songwriter and actor Kris Kristofferson."

April 2--Dierks and Luke Bryan teamed up once again to host this year's ACM Awards. Dierks brought charm, wit, four wardrobe changes (okay, we lost count), and raw talent to the stage. At this event, Dierks had the opportunity to perform "Black" live. Dierks, Luke, and Eagles rock legend Joe Walsh kicked off the night in a pleasantly surprising way with a high-energy, musically-loaded tribute to the late Chuck Berry. Near the end of the night, “Flatliner” with Cole Swindell, had the entirety of Vegas rocking! Dierks was nominated for Male Vocalist of the Year, Album of the Year for "Black," and Vocal Event of the Year with Elle King. Though he didn't walk away with a physical award, we can all agree he won in our books.



April 17--Dierks' wife, Cassidy, ran the Boston Marathon, all in the name of charity. Running for the Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville (which was featured in Dierk's Riser video), Cassidy successfully raised $25,000 for the shelter.

May 1--An award-winning day for Dierks, his team announced that “Different For Girls” hit RIAA platinum, while “Black” turned to RIAA gold even before topping country radio charts.

May 7--The Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners announced Dierks had accepted the seat as the Industry/Commerce/Finance representative. “I love Nashville and I love aviation,” he said in a recent interview about this appointment. “There are many big changes happening in our city right now as it continues to grow so rapidly. I am very excited to get a chance to be involved in facilitating and managing that growth as it pertains to our airports and aviation services.”


May 15--Ben Hanback, featured in the "Drunk on a Plane" music video, released a book, "Never Leave the Locker Room of the Super Bowl". In this collection of articles on relationships and leadership, he mentions Dierks and DB Congress throughout.

May 20--Dedicated DB Congress member, Laura Parrish, passed away, spurring Dierks and his manager to post about her passing. It's clear the connection between Dierks and his fans is at the heart of all he does.



May 28--Making our world go black, 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," made it to the #1 position in MediaBase charts. This was his 16th career #1 single. It later became the #1 video on CMT.

June 5--Dierks had the opportunity to fulfil a bucket list dream--singing the national anthem in the Stanley Cup Finals. (Icing on the cake was his team, the Nashville Predators, were playing.) Despite being on vocal rest, with his iconic "whiskey-soaked grit in his voice," Dierks reverently sang our nation's anthem.



June 8--The Tennessean named Dierks as a top 5 moment from the CMA Music Festival. Playing everything from "Tip it on Back" to "What the Hell Did I Say," along with cracking jokes at Garth Brooks' expense, his performance simply "rocked."

June 19--Dierks and the band were hiding in plain sight at a handful of What the Hell Tour shows before people caught on to the act. Calling themselves the "Bolo Boys" with a new questionable band name in every city, their antics and outfits kept their secret.



June 22--Dierks once again participated in the ACM Lifting Lives Music Camp in Nashville, working with "Black" producer Ross Copperman to write a new song with camp attendees. Their final product, "I Love Big," was later performed by Chris Young at the Grand Ole Opry. "When you a visit a children’s hospital or something, you go in there thinking, 'I’m going to bring something to the table. I’m going to lift them up,' and then you walk in there and you’re like, 'Oh they’re going to lift me up.' They inspire you so much."

June 26--"What the Hell Did I Say" hit the radio airwaves as the fourth single off the "Black" album. “We named the tour after this song hoping that it would be a single this summer because it perfectly captures the anything-goes spirit out there this year."

June 29--Nashville's Hutton Hotel added a Dierks-branded songwriting room in their new music venue. "Dierks drew from his Arizona roots—the use of Saltillo tile, rustic elements and Navajo area rugs—to create his motif. In addition to recording equipment and a vocal booth, Dierks’ room is furnished with a leather couch and chairs."

July 10--The Bentley family welcomed two four-legged family members to their home, rescuing them from the local animal shelters. EmmyLou Who and Patch Adams joined George, who had gotten lonely without his buddy Jake.


July 18--Just months shy of his 12th anniversary of being a Grand Ole Opry member, Dierks performed at the Opry, noting how much of an honor it was to be there. "I hope you all have the best time in Nashville--this great city. [It'd] be nothing without these great country music fans." 

Also July 18--Dierks found himself the answer (or shall we say question?) to a Jeopardy clue in (one of two in 2017). This one asked, "Naturally, Dierks Bentley sang of "Bourbon in" this state." 

Aug. 14--In collaboration with Cole Swindell, "Flatliner" hits #1, the seventh consecutive #1 for Cole who opened for Dierks on the What the Hell Tour.

Aug. 21--Where else would Dierks be during the once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse? Flying the path of totality at 41,000 ft.! Ever the jokester, he donned his homemade eclipse glasses in this photo (where he's clearly having too much fun!):



Aug. 25--To help preserve the parks for future generations, Dierks partnered with the National Park Foundation and National Park Service to help celebrate the 101st birthday of the national parks through their ‘Parks 101’ campaign.



Sept. 12--Dierks, along with 100 other celebrities across three cities, teamed up for the Hand in Hand Telethon to raise money for hurricane victims. Together, they raised a reported $44 million.



Sept. 14--In a New Orleans concert, U2 stunned the audience--and very clearly, Dierks Bentley--with a cover of "Drunk on a Plane" as an interlude in their hit "Beautiful Day." Dierks and U2 frontman, Bono, are long-time friends, but this was the ultimate compliment and surprise to our DBC president.



Sept. 20--Dierks and Luke Bryan took the stage together (this time with actor Kevin Costner's band!) for the grand opening of the Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, Mo. Other a-listers at the event included former presidents George W. Bush and Jimmy Carter. With all of the airport traffic that day, one can only assume Dierks' plane was one of them.

Sept. 22--"Hold the Light" was released on the "Only the Brave" soundtrack. The song quickly went viral and is expected to be an Oscar contender. The movie is literally and emotionally close to home for Dierks, as it addresses the loss of the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots who died while fighting a wildfire in his home state of Arizona. “This is at the top, if not the most meaningful experience I’ve ever been a part of,” said Dierks. “It hits me harder than any other song I’ve had a chance to be a part of.”



Sept. 26--The long teased and awaited Carpool Karaoke with Sheryl Crow was worth the wait! With Dierks in the driver's seat and Sheryl riding shotgun, the comfortable pair took a drive down music memory lane, singing personal hits such as "All I Wanna Do," "Picture," "What Was I Thinkin'," and "Drunk on a Plane." 



Oct. 9--Dierks visited the University Medical Center in Las Vegas to perform a private concert for survivors, first responders, doctors, nurses and staff; even the food was provided by the man himself. In the aftermath of the devastating shooting one week prior, Dierks felt helpless; this was a way to bring light to a dark situation and do what he could to help bring smiles to these heroes.


Oct. 17--Good Morning America had DB Congress members on their toes all summer, anxiously awaiting the announcement of who would host the summer block party, featuring none other than Dierks and the band. While a DBC member didn't win, a few were lucky enough to be in the crowd. We got a behind-the-scenes look from a DBC lobbyist from Texas. You can read her story here!

Oct. 19--Dierks headlined a tribute to bluegrass pioneer Ralph Stanley in a concert at the Grand Ole Opry.

Nov. 4--DBC members weighed in on their favorite memories from the What the Hell Tour. From personal opportunities to talk with Dierks, to memorable family moments at a Dierks show, the responses came in by the handfuls! Here are a few stories as you travel down memory lane.

Nov. 7--The ASCAP awards showed a lot of love to Dierks' songwriters! Ashley Gorley, songwriter of "Black," was named the ASCAP and NSAI Songwriter of the Year. "Somewhere on a Beach took home the prize as Song of the Year. "Different for Girls" also walked away with the honor of being on the "Ten Songs I Wish I'd Written" list.

Nov. 8--Dierks was nominated for the CMA Male Vocalist of the Year. Though he didn't walk away with the trophy in hand, DBC reps have made sure he knows he's our male vocalist of the year. That has to count for something!

Nov. 9--It's just like Dierks to share the love following the highly successful What the Hell tour. He did so reminding other artists to be sure to thank their teams, noting #NoBandNoMusic #NoCrewNoShow.


Nov. 12--Dierks along with nearly a dozen other country stars teamed up to raise money for hurricane and Las Vegas shooting victims. Together, at Bridgestone Arena, they put on the "Country Rising: Nashville Gives for Hurricane Relief" concert, which raised a reported $4 million.

Nov. 18--Just in time for Dierks' birthday (Nov. 20), a dozen DB Congress members took on Durant, Ok., all wearing shirts made by a DBC Louisiana rep! The group even made one for Dierks to match.


Dec. 10--Dierks finally got accolades for something DB Congress members have known all along--Dierks is an amazing guy with a huge heart. Country Radio Broadcasters announced Dierks was selected to receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the 2018 Country Radio Seminar. This award recognizes the "humanitarian achievements of country artists." With everything from hosting the Miles and Music for Kids to matching funds at a fundraiser for the Safe Haven shelter, Dierks has taken his natural platform and made it a voice for good.

Dec. 16--As a Christmas gift to DBC members, Dierks surprised the 15 or so reps who lined the stage at the shows in Vegas by performing not just one, but two new songs that are anticipated to be on his new album that should be released the beginning of next year. "Burning Man" and "Living" were absolute winners as soon as we all heard them. If these songs are any indication of what to expect with this new album to be released in 2018, let the countdown begin!





When members from the DBC had the chance to meet up with Dierks at that last show in Vegas, he wanted to pass on a message. He wanted to make sure you all know how grateful he is for your support and encouragement. Coming off of the "best tour of my life," he "hopes the fans feel the connection."

Dierks, this is why are honored to do what we do! We cannot wait to see what 2018 has in store!




Tuesday, December 19, 2017

Dierks Bentley Gifts DB Congress With Two New Songs

More than a dozen DB Congress reps traveled to see Dierks Bentley in not one but two concerts in Las Vegas last weekend. Knowing the crew was there for both nights, Dierks decided to change things up ... and give a gift to the DBC, just in time for Christmas.

The first night, he unveiled a new song, "Burning Man." With an incredible, unique melodic chorus, the song was instantly a hit in the theater.

The lyrics "are not coming from [my head], they're coming from my heart, from inside me."

Here's the "Burning Man" video:



Burning Man

Half your life you struggle
Half your life you fly
Half your life making trouble
Half your life making it right
One day I’m the exception
Most days l’m just like most
Some days I’m headed in the right direction
And some days I ain’t even close

I’m a little bit steady
But still a little bit growing strong (rolling stone?)
I’m a little bit reckless
But Still a little bit flesh and bone
Little found and don’t know where I am
I’m a little bit holy water
But Still little bit burning man
Burning man

Always run the highway
I just don’t run it as bad
I still go wherever the wind blows me
But I always find my way back
I still don’t get it right sometimes
I just don’t get it as wrong
I still go a little bit crazy sometimes yeah
But now I don’t take near as long

CHORUS

Still Just a burn burn burning man Just a burning man

Maybe I’ll go to the desert
Find myself in the Joshua Tree
If we pass in the night then just hand me a light and
Tell me you burn just like me

CHORUS

Still Just a burn, burn, burning man
Just a burning man Still
Just a burn burn burning man Just a burning man

==============================================================

After learning the DBC reps who were there the first night were in line and ready to go for night two, Dierks changed the set list to add a little something special.

"I was thinking of everybody here, but definitely these hardcore, hardcore fans standing down here--if I had to pick one song to give to you guys as a Christmas present, Hanukkah, or whatever you’re celebrating, this would be my gift to you."

The gift? "Living." And goodness, what a gift it is.

Looking at the reps lining the stage, almost all had tears in their eyes after hearing this one. Dierks was absolutely right when he said this song is so him. It's all heart.

"[Me and the band, we] try to live every day, no matter what we’re doing, we try to go out there and do something that makes us feel like we’re living. That’s how this song came about."

Here's the "Living" video:


Living 

This morning I woke up at 6:01 
I walked out and saw the rising sun 
Then I drank it in, like whiskey 
I saw a tree I’d seen a thousand times 
A bird on a branch and I watched it fly 
Away in the wind, and it hit me 
It’s a beautiful world sometimes I don’t see so clear 

Some days you’re just breathing 
Just tryin to break even 
Sometimes your heart’s pounding out of your chest 
Sometimes it’s just beating 
Some days you just forget what all you've been given
Yeah some days you just get by 
Yeah some days you’re just alive 
But some days you’re living 
Some days you’re living 

I went back in and fired the coffee up 
She walked in the kitchen likes she always does 
In my t-shirt, and it killed me 
Then I kissed her like it was the first time 
She laughed and looked at me like I’d lost my mind 
I said baby I love you, can’t live without you 
I know I don’t say it enough 

CHORUS 

Some days you’re just living 
Like you’ll never die 
Blues a little bluer up in the sky 
Your high’s a little higher 
Feel that fire you’ve been missing 

Some days you’re living 
It’s a beautiful world some days I don’t see so clear 
Some days you start singing 
And you don’t need a reason 
Yeah the world’s just right 
And your clear eyes ain't even blinkin'
Got a heart full of grateful 
For all you’ve been given 
Some days you just survive 
Yeah, some days you just get by 
Some days you’re living 
Some days you’re living



Jessica Borrelli and Ronna Clark
DB Congress Reps, WA and FL

Sunday, December 10, 2017

Riser Dierks Bentley To Be Recognized For Humanitarian Efforts

Dierks Bentley is finally getting accolades for something DB Congress members have known all along--Dierks is an amazing guy with a huge heart.

Country Radio Broadcasters announced this week that Dierks has been selected to receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the 2018 Country Radio Seminar. Created in 1990, this annual award recognizes the "humanitarian achievements of country artists." Dierks is the 28th recipient of the award; past recipients include artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Charlie Daniels.

Looking back on more than a decade of service, the examples of Dierks' humanitarian achievements are endless.

One of the most notable--the reason he was selected for this award--is his Miles and Music for Kids motorcycle ride and concert. This event, held for 10 years, raised more than $4 million for children's hospitals across the country, including the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on

Another highlight that contributed to Dierks receiving this award were his efforts to support the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. In 2013, he partnered with Entercom Country KMLE/Phoenix and Guyann Communications Country KAFF/Flagstaff to host the Country Cares Concert in Arizona, which raised more than $500,000 for the families of the firefighters. He since played a part in promoting the major motion picture about the Hotshots, "Only The Brave," singing and writing the movie's featured song, "Hold The Light." (This song is so powerful, there is buzz about it being an Oscar contender.)


He's also an advocate for the Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville, even featuring a family from the shelter in his "Riser" music video. The entire Bentley family has jumped in to support this shelter. Through these efforts, the family has brought tens of thousands of dollars in donations, not to mention countless opportunities for advocacy. Even last week, Safe Haven did a fundraiser where the Bentleys were on site and matching funds raised (his kiddos even helped serve).


Beyond these three notable humanitarian efforts, in just the last year, Dierks has raised money for disaster relief for those affected by the hurricaneshosted a private concert for first respondersdonated bloodadopted from the humane societysupported our militaryadvocated for the National Park Servicefished to benefit cancer research; took on the volunteer position on the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. Not to mention his day job (of which we all are familiar!) and being one heck of a hubby and dad.

It's clear Dierks has taken his natural platform and made it a voice for good. We might be biased, but looking at all this man does, not just for his family and fans, but for the community, it's clear there is no one more deserving of this honor.

Congratulations, Dierks!

A post shared by DierksBentleyCongress (@dbcongress) on


The award will be presented at the Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 5 in Nashville.

Dierks previous received the Country Radio Seminar "New Faces of Country Music" award in 2004.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Monday, November 20, 2017

DBC Reps Stand Out In Durant (with a special gift for Dierks, as well!)

For the last 17 Dierks Bentley shows that Cecia Benoit, rep from Louisiana, has attended, she has made a t-shirt to stand out in the crowd. So when she heard a couple dozen DB Congress members planned to attend Dierks' show in Durant, Okla., on Nov. 18, she decided to introduce herself. She never imagined where this offer would take her.

"I was collecting my thoughts to make myself a shirt and I thought I'd like to make myself approachable to other DB Congress members whom I haven't met in person before," she said. "So I decided to put my name and state on it ... adding DB Congress and the Riser bird was a given. I shared my idea with a couple of other ladies who were going, and before I knew it, I was making shirts for ones from every corner of the United States--from Oregon to Maine, from California to Florida."


The shirts were a hit! Cecia ended up making shirts for 12 DB Congress reps from 10 states--all of whom went to Durant for the show. The Dierks Dozen met up at the venue (hours before the velvet rope dropped) and shared their love and passion for "our favorite dude" while standing in line, discussing the "musical gift he has shared with us all."


What started as a 1,200-mile road trip with her friends--Sylvia, rep from Louisiana, and Tracy, rep from Mississippi (who were naturally having Dierks withdrawals)--ended up as a gathering of new friends from across the country. (She even made special sweatshirts for her roadtrip buddies!)


"It made my heart overflow with happiness to have been the brains behind the shirts that all of these beautiful people were rocking."

To top it off, Mary Lou, rep from North Carolina, asked Cecia to make one of the shirts to give to Dierks--just in time for his birthday.



"To see my creation presented to Dierks during the show was icing on the cake. Wow. Just mind blowing!"


Great work, Cecia! Way to represent, ladies!
And Happy Birthday, Dude!

Side note: Did you catch Dierks saying they just finished a new record in that video? Happy birthday TO US!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Saturday, November 4, 2017

WTH Tour memories from the DBC

While DB Congress members diligently and eagerly count down to when we get to see Dierks again, it's the perfect time to take a look back at our favorite memories from this year's WTH Tour. 

We asked and you delivered! Here are some of your favorite memories:

I took my 12 year old, Ellie, to see Dierks for her first country concert and he did not disappoint! We also were chosen for the meet and greet and, as you can see in the picture, her smile says it all! He was so kind, gracious and humble; it was a night we will never forget! He's such a great performer and truly entertains with such a love for family and country. It was a great time for us and we can't wait til next summer! Emily, DB Congress Member from Pennsylvania





My sister and I are huge fans and supporters. I have been to 13 shows--three just this past summer! At one, we were lucky to get a meet and greet. Dierks is such a sweet and genuine guy and his concerts show that! Elaine, DB Congress Rep from Wisconsin 




Dierks taking a selfie at VIP in Darien Lake, NY, on Aug. 4 was pretty memorable! 😉 
Nicole, DB Congress Rep from New York




My favorite moment from the WTH Tour is hands down when my husband drove our RV to Jacksonville from Tampa just to wait out in the parking lot while our son and I went in to see Dierks! (Not to worry about my hubby: He is going to see Dierks in Oklahoma. He has a ticket to get in this time 😂 All I know is I never have to doubt his love for me and he never questions my love for Dierks!) Nichole, DB Congress Rep from Florida



Every year (since 2014), I drive from Columbus Ohio to Charlotte NC to see Dierks. [That first year was] the tour's opening night and I had just graduated ... with a bachelor's in nursing (definitely needed a night to celebrate). Brandi, DB Congress Member from Ohio




At the sold out show in Fresno, before the show Dierks surprised a military family by having their husband, father at the show waiting for them. Then Dierks brought them up on stage, it was a very special moment. So much fun! Deanne, DB Congress Member from California


I went to SIX WTH shows this year--Nashville, Knoxville, Bristow, Charlotte, Raleigh and Phoenix (with a Grand Ole Opry show thrown in the week before Phoenix). I have literally 1,000s of pix, but [here are] a couple of my favorites. I have all kinds of special moments, but a couple that stand out: 1)Knoxville VIP: I requested my favorite song--Draw Me A Map--and he tried (twice) but couldn't get the words right ... so he handed me the mic and we sang it together (I so cannot sing! 😳)! He redeemed himself in Charlotte with mostly the right words. 😌 2)Bristow: My first meet and greet 💙 3)Phoenix: Pretty sure he drove past me next to the arena while I was videoing the marquee on the day of show about 10 a.m. and I met three fellow DBC'ers for the first time! We went to Whiskey Row, hung out, then went to the show together. Immediate friends! 4 Charlotte: I was part of D's "beach towel!" The WTH shows were amazing with Jon and Cole ... loved the George Strait song with Jon every night! So many awesome memories!
Mary Lou, DB Congress Rep from North Carolina

My big memory from the WTH Tour has to be Dierks posting my poem all over social media--that was surreal! 😍
Jenn, DB Congress Member from Maryland

As for me, two concerts with my hubby (also a DBC member), two VIPs, two meet and greets, two pit experiences against the stage, countless memories and chances to meet DB Congress members, holding Dierks' hand while he swayed and sang to the music from stage, and he even signed my pilot hat. Yah, it was one unforgettable tour!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Saturday, October 21, 2017

Behind the Scenes at GMA's Block Party, Featuring Dierks Bentley

The summer of 2017 held countless barbecues and block parties for DB Congress reps around the country. But there is one block party that brought a few DBC reps together and had the entire nation looking in--and it featured our president, Dierks Bentley.


On Tuesday, Oct. 17, Good Morning America with King's Hawaiian hosted a Summer Block Party in Austin, Tx. The location was selected as the host site as a result of a contest that was announced in May. Thousands of photo and video entries were submitted, all vying for the chance to host a summer concert with Dierks Bentley, right in their neighborhood. While a DBC member wasn't selected, a handful of reps had the opportunity to attend. It was a morning they will never forget (and the lost sleep was completely worth it).

GMA host Ginger Zee, when gearing up for the show, even had the chance to talk with DBC reps in the audience.



Here is a behind-the-scenes look from Texas DBC Lobbyist Meredith Mauer:

"[Attending the block party] was unplanned and unexpected on my part, so when I found out at 10:30 p.m. the night prior that this was happening, I made the decision that I was just going to be pulling an all-nighter!

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on

"I downed a couple cups of coffee, threw on my jeans, boots, Riser hat, and DB Congress sweatshirt before heading out the door for my 2-hour drive. When I reached the neighborhood where the block party was taking place, the whole place looked pretty much asleep. I parked my car, then headed to the stage area on foot, walking by a sleeping [Dierks Bentley] Goldie Bus. It was literally set up in the middle of the street, with homes on both sides. Production equipment and tents were set up in front yards, and there were maybe a dozen people present when I got there. ... Over the next couple hours, I watched a few more people trickle in and listened to the production meeting in front of the stage, so I was able to get a general idea on how this was going to play out.


"The area in front of the stage was set up for VIPs on the left, first responders in the center, and ADA accessible on the right. The area directly behind was for the first 200 people in line with wristbands. The area behind them was pretty much general admission with wristbands. Those who live on the street were given lawn passes, which allowed them to watch the concert from the lawn on the left side of the stage. I'm not exactly sure how many showed up, but I did hear someone mention 1,000 people were expected.

"Once 5 a.m. rolled around, it didn't take long for the crowds to start flooding in. King's Hawaiian sponsored the block party, and provided a fun area for concert goers to grab a water, a sandwich made with their yummy rolls, a t-shirt, sunglasses, and some game fun, such as a giant game of Jenga. Standing on the lawn with those who live on the street, I spent some time talking to a few. I didn't realize that at one point I was standing next to Scott and Ashley Cooper, the winners of the block party. I learned that the block got to enjoy watching Dierks and the guys do a soundcheck the day prior, and Dierks spent some time with the Coopers.


"Once GMA started on the East Coast, things started happening. Without a doubt, it was a production put together for live TV. There was a crew of about 10 people there from GMA New York. There was a live teleprompter attached to the camera near me, and I watched it scroll as Robin Roberts was speaking in NY. ... Before coming to the stage, Dierks was escorted into the crowd to do a quick live shot in the middle of the crowd, saying "GOOD MORNING, AMERICA!"


From there, they took him to the King's Hawaiian party tent, and did another live shot of him playing Jenga with a child from the crowd. Meanwhile, our guys from the band came up on stage for a short soundcheck. From the look on Cassady's face, it looks like they may have just crawled out of bed on a cold, dark morning!

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on

"They warmed up with "I Hold On," with Carlos strumming along using Dierks' guitar. Those of us in the lawn were able to participate in a number of live shots, from the weather with Ginger Zee to Dierks passing between us on the way to the stage. Of course, what was live on television took a few minutes prior to set up. I only participated in the live shot of Dierks heading to the stage. I was standing closest to the stage with my DB Congress sweatshirt on!


"Dierks played five songs. He performed "5-1-5-0" while it was still dark out, then talked to the crowd a little bit about his time in the neighborhood. About 18 minutes later, he got on stage and joked about being so cold (it wasn't, really) and the irony of his next song "Somewhere on a Beach" for a GMA live performance. At least the sun was coming up at this point!

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on

"He then joined the first responders in front of the stage for some pictures, selfies and a live shot. They were some excited fans! It tickles me to see others appreciate the great guy Dierks is! Soon after, Ginger did a live interview with Dierks from the stage where he praised the first responders, mentioned the tragedy in Las Vegas, talked about the movie "Only The Brave."



"Dierks then performed "Black" live.

A post shared by Meredith Mauer (@itsmere1) on

"For the next live shot, they brought the Coopers, their neighbors and the first responders on stage. He performed one more song for the crowd, "Riser," then was whisked away to catch his shuttle to NY for his appearance on Fox News with Dana Perino.

"As the crowd dispersed, I waited to walk back by the buses to my car. I was glad to find my car wasn't towed, and drove off to find my next cup of coffee for the drive home. It was definitely worth the all-nighter!"

A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on

(You can watch the entire concert here.)

With recent (potential award) buzz about Dierks' hit song, "Hold the Light" for the movie "Only the Brave" and his advocacy for first responders in light of the Las Vegas tragedy, more and more people are learning about the man we already know and love. This was one more way for the DBC and the country to see him in action. What an unforgettable morning!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe