DBCers found a public notice from Chaffee County earlier this year discussing a "public hearing [on Feb. 5] ... for the purpose of considering a Special Event Permit request from Live Nation Country Festival" with the event to be held at Buena Vista over Labor Day weekend. That could only mean one thing, right?
An announcement one way or the other was on the horizon ... we're just so grateful this was the outcome!
Of course, Dierks pulled together one of his favorite bands--the Hot Country Knights--to help announce the news:
Oh, Steve Misamore, you are truly hilarious! Add Dan Hochhalter with his selfie mode and Cassady Feasby with his hairspray, and this is one unforgettable announcement! If this is any indication of what's to come for this festival, we wouldn't miss it! Only 195 days to go ...
While artists, ticket and camping details have not yet been released, last year's tickets went on sale in mid-April. We should know more in the next few weeks.
However, there is one website addition we did notice this year on the contact page! Has anyone else contacted Dierks?
Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe
(Transcript from Dierks' announcement video: What’s up everybody!
I’ve been waiting like six months to make this announcement! I’m so excited to announce that Seven Peaks Festival is coming back to Colorado, Aug. 30-Sept. 1 (Labor Day weekend, just like last year). We love this festival; it’s my favorite thing to do. I’m so excited you guys are allowing us to do it again. Thank you for all of the support last year and I cannot wait to see you guys again this year! A lot of bands, including these guys—the Hot Country Knights--it’s gonna be so fun! So we’ll see you guys, hopefully everybody out there a Buena Vista! Seven Peaks Festival, coming again this Labor Day weekend Aug. 30-Sept. 1. Check it out at SevenPeaksFestival.com. Yes, this is so awesome!)
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.
A post shared by Good Morning America (@goodmorningamerica) on
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!
"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!
"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!
"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."
"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!"
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
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
As 2015 comes to a close, we asked Dierks Bentley fans to share with us their favorite moment or Dierks experience over the last twelve months. We know it was hard to name just one, since every mile for Dierks is a memory!
Deborah Jane Power: Dierks Bentley worked hard to touch my finger at Miles and Music 2015! Pretty awesome that he took the time for a different way to "connect!"
Cecia Guidry Benoit: My #1 Dierks Bentley experience this year was from September 18, 2015 in New Orleans at Champion Square when Dierks pulled me on stage with him during "Drunk On A Plane!" We danced, sang, fist pumped (rockin like a G6!) and I even got to take a bow with him and the band since it was the last song of the show! This was truly my best Dierks experience ever!
Becky McBride Wierzbicki: My 62nd Birthday at LCB and MM10 on November 1, 2015 It is a birthday I will never forget...so much fun. Hanging out with Brian Layson and Cassady Feasby after LCB. Spent my time in Nashville with great DB Congress friends Ann Gray Tate and Jane Sumner. Saturday night card signing was incredible.
Ann Gray Tate: My favorite concert of 2015 was in Birmingham, Alabama. I got to enjoy it with all of my family that I love. We have 3 generations of Dierks' fans. Julie, Lamar, LeAnna, Grayson, Renea, Chris, Kaitlyn and Blakley and of course me. What a fun night we had with Dierks and the band.
Marilyn Kline Stevens: Mine was Tampa, FL, Sounds Of Summer Tour. Dierks came down on the floor and as he ran up on stage he gave me a high five....he probably doesn't remember, BUT, I always will....♡ dierks!
Brittney Lynn: When he came to Montana this summer and I was star struck I couldn't tell him how awesome he is!
Heather Ashley: Attending my first LCB (Last Call Ball fan club party) and meeting Dierks for the first time.
Grace Lenehan: When he posted my cover video. Still can't believe it!
As for me, 2015 brought so many great Dierks memories, like presenting him with the 10th anniversary giftand the Raleigh Pyro Patrolto kick off the Sounds of Summer Tour, but one little moment in time made a big impact on me. In Tampa, at an outdoor amphitheater on July 2--it was at least 90 degrees. Dierks saw me dying of heat in the pit. When 20k hear Dierks Bentley ask you, by name, if you need a bottle of water...and then hands one to you...and then the set list.
She's never seen Dierks Bentley perform live, yet Rita "Reet" Eaton proudly promotes our president daily from across the pond. Our newest DB Congress rep from Ireland tells us about the unique way she came to know and love Dierks Bentley, his band and his music.
"Earlier this year, a Saturday morning, I was scrolling through my Tweets when I noticed one from Whispering Bob Harris raving about some Country Singer named Dierks Bentley. Who? Never heard of him. So, being a music lover, I immediately went on YouTube and checked him out.
The first song I played was "I Hold On".....liked it. The next? "Bourbon in Kentucky." REALLY liked it and kept going. "Am I The Only One," "Up On The Ridge," "Come A Little Closer." It's not very often music appeals to me straight away, it usually takes a few listens before I really get into it.
I tweeted Whispering Bob Harris back saying "Why in the hell have I not heard of @DierksBentley before?" I was hooked, immediately got onto Amazon and ordered "Riser" and I haven't stopped playing it since. It is on constantly in my car going to and from work. It sets the mood for the day and gets rid of the stresses on the way home. I bop around to it in my kitchen whilst cooking, and you will quite often see me, a 53 year old girl, playing air guitar along with Brian Layson (I love his playing).
Since then I have purchased all of Dierks CD's that are available and have played little else since. "Riser" and "Up On The Ridge" probably being the most played.
Music has always been a major part of my life. I have been lucky enough to see some great bands and artists over the years ranging from Fleetwood Mac to Michael Jackson, Mary Chapin Carpenter to Robert Plant, Bonnie Raitt, Eric Clapton, Tom Petty, the list goes on. I even sang in a band a good few years back (albeit for fun more than anything).
I'm a lyrics person, it's always the lyrics of a song that appeal to me first, and I think that's why I love Dierks. His songs are a mix of fun, loving, meaningful, and some really make you think. "Here on Earth" is one particularly close to my heart. Of course it helps that he's not too hard on the eyes either.
I follow the band on Twitter and Facebook (if they don't come to Ireland or the UK it's probably the closest I'll get to them!). I like that they are fun - Cassady's [Feasby, bass] humour in particular appeals to me. As we say here in Ireland "he's a gas man." That doesn't mean you suffer with flatulence by the way Cassady, it means you're funny....in a good way.
So, I've been introducing Dierks to my friends. Earlier this year I was travelling back to Ireland from my annual trip home (the UK) waiting to board my car onto the ferry. It was a sunny day, the window was down and Riser CD was playing. Next thing I know half a dozen people are stood around the car having a listen. That's when you know you're onto something good.
Anyway, after all is said and done, I love Dierks Bentley's music. It cheers me up, it makes me feel good, and to me that is what music is about.
So keep doing what you're doing Dierks, only please come to Ireland soon."
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Thanks for sharing your story, Reet! We hope Irelend lands on Dierks' tour schedule soon for you!
Follow @Reeteaton on Twitter and our list of DBC Reps on our @dbcongress page!
If someone had told me ten years ago I would be celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th birthday at my 60th Dierks show, I wouldn't have believed them. But it happened on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia!
It only took three airports, two planes, and a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) buddy to drive six hours up the mountain, through tunnels and tolls to get there, and that's just one way! But this was a special occasion and I've traveled 15 states to see Dierks so...no big deal. Every mile a memory, right Sandra?
Every DRT is special, not just because of Dierks, but because of all the Dierks fans I've met and traveled with along this 10-year journey. It's a unique bond of friendships that one man started and continues to hold together.
What other group of fans do you know who would huddle together in 30 degree weather 5 hours before a show to be first in line? Thanks, Gina and Justin for the hot...beverage, and heaters and blankets!
And it's not just Dierks that keeps us coming back. He surrounds himself with the best of the best--from his tour manager team to the stage crew, lighting, sound, and talented band of brothers-- together they make him look and sound awesome every night on the Riser Tour stage and they are all so nice to the fans--especially the DB Congress.
Gina, Sandra, Kathy, Chris Reade (lighting), Ashley, Ronna after the show Front of House (FOH)
Sandra's 'almost' selfie with Tim Sergent (steel guitar) and DBC
Opening with "5-1-5-0", Dierks and his band - Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Brian Layson, Dan Hochhalter, and Cassady Feasby, emerged from under the Riser stage to the roar of nearly 6,000 in the crowd.
Dierks continued his own party with a killer set list, telling the crowd, there was no place he'd rather be on his birthday.
On this night, we DB Congress reps were especially thankful for being chosen to be a part of the big birthday 'surprise' that Dierks knew nothing about. During "Drunk On A Plane," confetti fell from the rafters, blow up 'Riser Air' planes flew threw the arena as we ran through the crowd, giving high fives and throwing out Mardi Gras beads. What a special experience! DBTV coming soon, but in the meantime, thank Justin for the video! Looks like D came over to our side a few times but we weren't there...we left our front row spot to pass out beads!
Anybody who's been to a DB show knows he rarely stands still long enough to capture a great shot, but I did manage to catch him 'peacocking!'
And a few other cool shots.
Dierks showing Tim he's been practicing the steel
Dierks pointing to lucky section #7
Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Tim Sergent, Dierks
in a fog from Up On The Ridge
The Meet and Greet before the show featured Dierks on acoustic guitar, with DB Congress getting to enter a different door than the other 100, and brought within 3 feet of the backdrop, while the others filed in behind us. Talk about up close and personal! Mel told us to make sure to sing along, and in fact it was very awkward for him if we didn't.
When he got to the chorus for DOAP, we apparently didn't sing loud enough, so he said, "you can do better than that!" and started again. Second time was better.
During my turn, I showed him my 60th poster and reminded him about last year in West Palm Beach, when he wrote 'Let's make it 100' on my 50th poster. So he wrote that again. I didn't look at what he wrote until later, but I was the last one out and walking down the long hall, he was walking out the other way and called me back. "I'm such an idiot," he said. "Let me see that poster again...I know there's no D in your name, let me fix it." And he did. No, D, you're NOT an idiot! Thank you for remembering!
On our way back to Charlotte, another group of DBC reps were headed to the next night's show in Roanoke, so we met for hugs and pics and exchanged stories at exit 14 on I-77!
Dierks Bentley Hosts Tige and Daniel's Birthday Bash
by Guest Blogger Adrian Taylor
When it comes to hosting a birthday party, who makes the
best host? Dierks Bentley does! On June 23, 2014, Dierks Bentley literally flew
himself to Winston Salem, North Carolina to host 104.1 WTQR morning show radio DJs Tige and Daniel’s second annual Birthday Bash.
Now I don’t know what Tige and
Daniel did to get Dierks to host their party, but as a diehard Dierks fan, I am
so glad that they were able to get him.
The stage was set up with four stools for the acoustic
performance. In the front was Brian Layson (lead guitar), Dierks Bentley
(guitar/host), Dan Hochhalter (fiddle/banjo) and hiding behind Brian was
Cassady Feasby (bass guitar). I must say I was sad when I didn’t see Steve
Misamore or Tim Sergent, but Dierks, Cassady, Brian and Dan did an amazing job
on stage. And before I go on, it was good to see Jay & Carlos running back
and forth from backstage to the stage.
Dierks took the center stool and began by talking to the
audience. He first thanked Tige and Daniel for allowing him to perform at their
birthday and thanked all of us for attending (granted the majority of the
people there won tickets via the radio station). Dierks, being the jokester
that he can be, told a few jokes and changed Tige & Daniel’s name so many
times I lost count. A few times during
the set, Dierks would be telling stories, and getting the crowd laughing
so much, that he had to look to Brian and say, “what key does this song begin
in?” And Brian would have to say “dude, how many times have we done this song?”
About half way through the performance, Tige & Daniel’s
birthday cake was brought out and Dierks led the crowd in singing “happy
birthday” to them. Afterwards, Dierks took a picture with Tige and Daniel and
he put his backside to the audience, and said he was going to pull a LukeBryan. With us being in North Carolina, the first thought I had was “no Dierks, don’t fall
off the stage!” Instead, Dierks said, he wore the tightest jeans he owned.
Dierks performed a few more songs, then talked about how he
was honored to be at the birthday bash this year, and that he didn’t know how
Tige and Daniel got the hosts they did, but that since they had Luke Bryan last
year, and him this year, it would be hard to top next year, but if they
couldn’t find anyone next year, that he would come back. Personally I think
that is a great idea!
After performing 10 songs, Dierks finished the night off
with Home. He dedicated it to all the service men and women. When Dierks
finished Home, he looked at me and tossed me one of his new guitar picks.
Afterwards, the radio station thanked Dierks again for coming out, and invited everyone to celebrate with the cake and other food.
As everyone was walking
away, I yelled up at Brian, and asked for his set list. He picked it up, and
said “here ya go.” I told him thanks, and my friend Jessica and I began to walk
away. Several other people there tried to get the other set lists from Dierks,
Dan and Cassady, but they had no luck. So I have to say I was happy I got one.
Several people then asked me how I knew the band, and before I could say much,
my friend Jessica replied, those guys are like her extended family. And I have
to agree with her.
So after getting my set list and guitar pick, Jessica and I
were on two missions. One of which was to get our own individual photos with
Tige and Daniel (we got pictures with them together as we walked in) but we
wanted solo pictures. And mission number two was to try to say hey to Dierks
and the guys and try to chat with them for a few minutes. We found out that Dierks
was having to jet off to another show for the next day, and wasn’t going to be
able to meet with anyone after the show. Of course this made me sad, but I know
that Dierks has a very busy schedule.
Jessica and I left the venue, and walked
down the sidewalk in hopes of getting a picture of Dierks leaving. We saw his
jeep and the tour bus (unfortunately it was not Goldie). Then we saw the guys
get into a white SUV. As they were pulling out, they exited through a gate that
was near where Jessica and I was standing. I had brought Dierks a card, and he
had the driver stop and he reached for it. He told Jessica and I both hey. And
said, see y’all girls again soon.
So despite not getting to hang with Dierks
and the guys after the show, it was amazing to have been there and get to see
the guys perform literally five minutes from my house.
So Dierks may have been hosting Tige and Daniel’s birthday party,
but it felt like another great Dierks concert!
If you want to see photos from the event, check out
the album here:
Watch the tiny couch interview with Dierks,
Tige and Daniel below.
Dierks Bentley boarded a plane to film his music video for his latest single, Drunk On A Plane, that's skyrocketing up the charts (#11 on itunes!). He took on dual roles as mustached Captain/pilot and he plays himself as a guitar-playing passenger, complete with fan girls taking selfies with him.
Dierks says the video was shot in California "in this crazy warehouse that has all these old planes torn down and put back together so we can shoot airplane footage. Since the day I wrote this song, I've been thinking about this video...," directed by Wes Edwards (5-1-5-0, Tip It On Back).
All of DB's band members except one (we missed you Dan!) are featured: Steve Misamore (drums) plays the co-captain/pilot; Tim Sergent (steel) is a passenger with spiked-hair Brian Layson seated next to him. Then there's Sergei Mariposa the flight attendant, aka bass player, Cassady Feasby, who nearly steals the spotlight!
The story line follows the lyrics of the song, making it come vividly to life up in the clouds! The gilted groom, comedian/actor Jeff Dye (Comedy Central, Extreme Makeover Home Edition), tapes a picture of his ex to the seat back right beside him, but he finds new love with passenger actor Emma Fitzpatrick (The Social Network) after getting drunk on a plane.
The Riser Air flight takes a nose dive when the pilots (aka, Dierks and Steve) turn on the auto pilot to join the fun in the cabin. But when pilot Dierks gets knocked out from a falling suitcase, the real Dierks saves the day!
In a preview video, Dierks was practicing his role to take over the plane by rehearsing in the mirror: "You're good enough, you're strong enough, you can land this plane."
Check out the video below and vote for it on CMTand GACTV!
