Dierks Fans--Friends For Life

If you're in the DB Congress (Dierks Bentley Fan Club), you're part of the family.  We told you about Larissa, a DBC Rep in Kentucky, who died earlier this year.  The DBC all rallied together to show our respects and to honor her memory by donating to her two favorite charities.

"Losing a fellow fan is like losing a member of the family--the Dierks Bentley Fan Club family." (Granny Ann Tate, DBC Rep, AL)

Country Weekly's Steve Morley felt this fan story was worthy of an entire page in the October 10, 2011 issue!  Be sure to pick up your copy in stores now!

COUNTRY WEEKLY INCLUDES DIERKS WEEKLY

Country Weekly magazine know Dierks Bentley is hot right now. So hot they've included him in three consecutive issues throughout their pages of popular and up-and-coming artists.

The July 19th issue, with George, Reba and Toby on the cover, has Dierks doing double duty, with a full page "Hot Shots" page of his appearance on the Today show, serenading Kathie Lee and Hoda with "Draw Me a Map." Then on the Letters page, two DB Congress reps (Linda, IN and David, KY) who sent in thank yous for the cover artice (June 21 issue) got published! A feature story, "Musical Schizophrenia" highlights Jon Randall Stewart and his latest record producer project, Dierks Bentley's masterful new Up On The Ridge album.



The following week,--July 26th, Dierks lands on the Hot Shots pages again, this time picturing "the closest to couch time" episode of Jimmy Kimmel Live where DB and the band performed acoustically into Jimmy's lap top due to a power shortage. Skip to the Scoop page and you'll find Dierks lending a hand for Nashville Flood Relief on NBC's Today show. And don't miss the pic of Dierks at the piano on The Pro File page, featuring WUSN Chicago's Lisa Dent and Ramblin' Ray. Read what she had to say about Dierks.



August 2nd--More Dierks in the letters, our very own Molly, DBC rep in New York! Miranda and Blake threw an engagement party for themselves, and Dierks was mentioned as being on the guest list.


Thanks, Country Weekly, for always including a little DB in your magazine! We are extremely grateful and that's why we're loyal CW readers, and most of us subscribe!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

DIERKS DRAWS KENTUCKY BOYS TO THE GRAND OLE OPRY

David has seen Dierks Bentley in concert many times, but never at the Opry. In fact, the DBC rep from Kentucky--the same home state at Dierks' steel guitarist, Tim Sergent--had never been to the Opry--ever! So when he learned Dierks would be performing the Grand Ole Opry February 19, he couldn't pass it up! Read his review below!

Well, my first trip to the Grande Ole Opry was a memorable one. History and tradition just surround that place and I was getting excited just walking up to it. Especially after I spotted a cool banner of Dierks hanging on a light pole in front of the place! After getting my ticket, I headed on down to my 4th row seat. That's when I noticed that the seats are like church pews but with cushions on them....too comfy! As I sat down I just stared at the stage for the next 15 minutes taking in the surreal moments of all this tradition. It was awesome!

In the first segment there were some really good acts. Diamond Rio, The Del McCoury Band, John Conlee, and Craig Morgan heated up the stage! After intermission Bill Anderson took the stage and I really liked him.

(The Del McCoury Band)

Next, when Montgomery Gentry took the stage they got the crowd going. "Back When I Knew It All" was great live and I can't wait to see one of their full shows! In early December, Eddie Montgomery opened a steakhouse in Harrodsburg, KY [near David's hometown], and I ate there about 3 weeks ago. The food was great and the atmosphere is really cool. You can check it out here.

(Montgomery Gentry)

After they left the stage is when all the ladies started to take a seat in front of the stage. There must have been 125 of them waiting to see Dierks from the front row, all with cameras in hand! I thought that was cool. They set up the stage a little different for this show. Tim came out to set up his steel pedal guitar and he set it up right behind where Robbie usually plays from. That was just fine with me being that I was on that side, too. I shouted his name and he acknowledged me with a point and a "Hey David." Us Kentucky boys stick together. LOL

Dierks hit the stage busting into Sideways as that got the Opry crowd going. Dierks knew I was there when it came to the "what....what" part of the song. He gave me a point and a chuckle when he heard me say that. Next, he introduced his current single and played, "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes." He sounded great as his voice was right on. But I will have to say this--that was the first time I stayed in my seat while listening to Sideways live. I wanted to get up and cheer soooo bad!




The whole Opry experience was incredible and I highly recommend to anyone who has never been! So much history and tradition.....I'll be back, that's for sure!

After the Opry show I made the trek over to the "Station Inn." Another place I had never been to, and I wanted to check it out. I walked in the door and holy cow, it was The Del McCoury Band on the stage! Del himself was at home, but his two son's and the other band members were there. I stayed to the very end as these guys are awesome to watch perform. You talk about some talented musicians, these guys are nothing but pure talent! Watching Ronnie play the mandolin is just awesome.

I talked to Ronnie for about 15 minutes after the show. I told him that I was at the GAC taping of FTF [Feel That Fire] when he played the mandolin for the song "Last Call." Also told him that I have tickets for this coming weekend when they play in Louisville. He told me "I'll see you there." He also told me something about Dierks' bluegrass album that I need to keep under my breath. But I will just say that the Bluegrass album will be awesome. I can't wait for it to come out!

Another great road trip and more great memories. Thanks Dierks....you rock!!

M.A.R.J. GOES TEARING THROUGH THE MIDWEST CORNFIELDS OF IL AND IN

*MARJ (Mona, Alicia, Ronna, Jenny go to Tinley and Indy)

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Here we go...buckle up...

I flew in from Florida Friday, August 7 on the 7:40 Southwest. Chicago's Midway airport was bustling. Alicia picked me up then we met Jenny and Mona at Jenny's house and headed out to start our DRT weekend with every DB CD rockin' the stereo! I was dubbed "the navigator," or the shot-gun-girl, with AAA TripTiks in hand, we were off to tear through the cornfields of Illinois and Indiana.

I had met Alicia before, and had met Jenny and Mona via email, but you would have thought we had known each other for years already--we all connected instantly. That's not hard to do when your primary commmon-thread interest is Dierks Bentley!

Alicia gave us several disclaimers up front, one being she sings along loudly to all the DB songs--by the end of the weekend she had lost her voice! I had to admit to relating everthing we see to a Dierks lyric (as you will see throughout this blog)--so the girls made up a name for that - Dierks Turet Syndrome--DTS.

We found Tinley Park around 1 pm and pulled up to the front gate where a toothless-wonder parking attendant told us the gates would not open until 5:30. We decided to go eat at TGIFriday's where we had our first Dierks reference of the weekend. We sat down and the waitress saw all our Dierks shirts and asked if we were going to the show and we said yes. She said "Awww, Dierks Bentley makes my heart melt!" And we all 4 in unison said "Us, too!"

But the next time that old sun and I meet up I'll be a thousand miles East...

Around 2:30 we went back to the gate just to see if anyone was lining up and the same attendant was there and making everyone turn around. We tried to park in the adjacent parking lot to wait and he waved his arms furiously at us and said that was private property and we could not park there. What? So we decided to head about 18 miles east to our hotel and check in. Road Dude was waiting for us and Aunt Tracie had sent him with gifts for us and Dierks!

Grandpa took it off to Europe to fight the Germans in the war...

On our way back a car came up beside us and Jenny and I started screaming. Alicia was driving and thought we saw Dierks' bus or something but it was some grandpa driving all over the road and into our lane--we had to swerve a little but we're ok.

That might make for a good story man but that don't make it easy lovin' me...

Jenny got checked for ticks. The guys from US 99 radio approached us while we were in line and asked if they could interview us. They asked Jenny if they could check her for ticks--a blatant reference to Brad Paisley's song of the same name. The filmed it so check their website! We told them that they needed to aske Dierks-related questions of us---how they missed all four of us wearing Dierks shirts I have no idea.

And there's a few more like me, who ain't afraid of fightin' for the cause...

Mona, while on the quiet side, took off like a woman on a mission every time she saw someone in the crowd with a DB Congress shirt on! She wanted to make sure she met them and let them know she was the one who sent them their shirt! She saw Mary who lives in the Chicago area and caught up with her and brought her back to meet us in line. She had a M&G, which was cool because Alicia and I had one as well and all three of us had on our DB Congress shirts.

I've been stuck for days in a lonely town when my luck ran south...
But our luck did not run south. What are the odds that all four of us DRT buddies would get a M&G between the two shows? By the time we got inside we had just enough time to find our seats and Alicia and I went to our M&G.

Brittany is Dierks' new tour assistant and she was really friendly, but really strict--which helped him stay on schedule. We had to place all our belongings on a table and could only have our one item to have signed in our hand. And she even checked one girl's magazine to make sure nothing was inside. We three with DBC shirts were together in line and when Dierks saw us he had Brittany get his personal camera and got a pic with all three of us. I emailed Brittany, but no response yet--in the meantime, thank you Dawn for taking this pic!

Then we each had our individual time with him. He asked me how the site was doing and I said great, but still waiting for him to post a comment! I handed him a card and he started to read it--but I told him it was too long and wait until later. I asked him about posting a message on dbcongress.com and told him I wrote the website address in the card. He said he would do that tomorrow. And he is a man of his word! Here is what he posted the next day:

8 Aug 2009, 15:32 p.m.
dierks: ronna...im here!!! love the site. amazing work. im totally blown away....

8 Aug 2009, 15:34 p.m.
dierks: we are in indy today...great weather. had a blast in chicago last night too

During Alicia's time with Dierks, well, I'll let her tell you:

"When Dierks came in he immediately saw us sporting our Congress shirts and we got a huge smile. As we got closer to the front of the line, he asked Brittany to get his personal camera so she could take a picture of him with Ronna, myself, Mary (another IL Rep) and Road Dude! I thought that was so cool of him! It just makes me realize even more how much we (the DB Congress) really do mean to him.

Then it was my turn! So he says Hi and gives me a hug and they take our picture. I gave him this cool luggage tag Tracie made him with a pic of Road Dude 8 mile style...WUP on one side and a pic of Evie "hitchhiking" with him on the other, he loved it. I had brought some of the new decals with me and told him Tracie was nice enough to give them to him in Detroit for me! He's said "Yeah, I have those on the bus, I love them." I told him how Nid (in England) and I designed them together and that I ordered them and am now mailing them across the country to everyone who wants one. He said "Thanks so much, I've been seeing them everywhere." That made me feel good. So I knew I could only get one thing signed so I asked him to sign a decal for Nid. Nid misses out on way too much living "across the pond" so I really wanted him to have this. Dierks signed and put..."Nid, Thanks Mate." I thought that was so cute. I had handed him a small stack of them under the one he was signing for Nid, thinking I could give him the rest but he right away started signing one to me!

Here's where it gets strange and exciting people...he knew my name!?!? He started writing it before I said anything, he had ALI already written and I go, Oh Alicia..CIA..He says "I know you." I swear I could have danced a jig right there but seriously no one wants to see that, least of all Dierks. LOL. I said to Ronna "You told him didn't you" and she said "No, I told you he would know you." Well I don't know if he knows me because of the decals or he saw the back of my Congress shirt or what but I can tell you it made my year!!! Even if he never remembers it again, I'll have the memories. Ahhhhh!!!

Then on top of all that he even signed the rest of my stack and told me to hand them out, since he had his on the bus. Sorry Brittany, I got WAY more than 1 thing signed, but it was his idea! I mean seriously, he just blows me away! He is the BEST!!! People ask me all the time why I would spend my own money on decals to promote him, I say to them "If you have to ask that question you just don't know Dierks at all!" He is so appreciative of everything we do! So then we had a short Q&A session and then it was big hugs all around and off we go to the show! There's just nothing better than spending a Dierks filled weekend with the most amazing man, music and friends! I am truly blessed."

During the M&G group Q&A someone commented on President Obama quoting him and he said "yeah, that was wierd." I said, no, that was awesome! He commented how the Presiden't people must have had to teach him how to pronounce "DIERKS." As always, the M&G was over way too soon!

We got back to our seat and about a minute later they were introducing Jimmy Wayne. I have always been so impressed with his voice. I was extra impressed when he started signing autographs from the stage DURING his performance--singing and signing simultaneously! Now that takes talent! He never missed a lyric! Kerosene Kid, Do You Believe Me Now, and Stay Gone were a few of the 5 or 6 songs he did, but Sara Smile just blew me away.

Dierks exploded on stage after a quick video introducing him with Sideways. The set included (in no particular order) Feel That Fire, How Am I Doin'(...with every single "Chicago" girl in sight), What Was I Thinkin', Come A Little Closer, Lot of Leavin' Left To Do, Trying To Stop Your Leaving, and an acoustic My Last Name. He was just getting started and his time was up! Fifty minutes is just NOT long enough for Dierks! DB and TLB came back out for one more - Free and Easy. WUP! You could tell he didn't want to leave the stage.

This pic was on the US99 radio station website:

Brad Paisley played for two hours. My favorites were Then, She's Everything, When I Get Where I'm Going, Letter To Me, and Waitin' on a Woman. Brad's show is, well, "showy" to say the least. There is sooooo much going on besides the singing and the music. Don't get me wrong, there were a lot of cool affects, but I would have been perfectly happy if he had NOT played "Play (I think that's the instrumental song with the super hero animation in the background)" or Catch All The Fish or The Pants ... and given that 15 minutes to Dierks!

After the show we were waiting in our cars for the traffic to clear a little, and the radio stations were blastin' Dierks' How Am I Doin'. A guy in the car next to us was singing every word at the top of his lungs, so we started to sing with him at the top of our lungs. It was kind of a dueling Dierks moment.

We ate at Around the Clock which was a block from our Best Western in Shereville, slept for 4-5 hours then off to Indy!

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Three hours later...Our Best Western in Noblesville was on Craig Street. Ironic, since Jenny's last name is Craig. We checked in, freshened up and headed for the venue.

Seven really is the luckiest number!
Unlike Tinley Park, the girl at the Noblesville gate was very friendly. Gates opened at 4:30 so we had a few hours to eat and relax. We found a really nice outdoor mall/township--very quaint. We decided on Red Robin and David and Heather joined us after a bit. The waitress asked us if we were all family and we said yes--the Dierks Bentley fan club family! The 6 of us are from 6 different states - Florida, Tennessee, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois. Indiana Purdue Cutie, Kristin joined us after lunch to follow us through the gate so we could all be next to each other for tailgating -- 7th state! Dierks' lucky number is 7--his hockey jersey is #7, and Sideways just became his seventh #1 single, in the 7th month of the year.

From Left to Right: David-KY, Ronna-FL, Alicia-WI, Mona-IA, Jenny-IL, Kristin-IN and Heather (TN)


When we walked out of the restaurant about 4:30, Alicia was catching us up on Twitter and found this post from Dierks:

jc penny rocks...clean socks, clean underwear...and a new pearl snap shirt for the stage tonight...no need for a shower i guess.3:28 PM Aug 8th from web.

So we're walking to our cars and look to the right, and there is JC Penney--right there! He was right there while we were inside! Agh! So close and yet so far. We had to wonder if he saw Alicia's car (Jeep) where we had written his name all over it! Throughout the weekend we got a few honks and one car pulled up beside us and started hollering at us--it took us a minute to realize they liked Dierks, too!

Also, several times in two days people would see our Dierks shirts and ask, "Is Dierks a good guy?" Even the merch guy at Tinley. Strange to hear them ask the question that way but they got an earful from us!

So we tailgate about an hour and then head up to the gates. Once in, Jenny and Mona head off to their M&G. We were in row T under the cover, but I looked back and the place all the way up the lawn to the back fence was packed! If I had to guess I would say there were close to 10,000 people there.

When the girls came back from the M&G, Dierks had signed Mona's DB Congress shirt:

They said Dierks told them he was planning to headline next fall and to take January and February off the road. They also told me Dierks said to tell me he posted on DBC.com! Made my whole year! Of course I did not get to actually see it until we got back to the hotel but I was elated to say the least. They also met Sharon who also had a DBC shirt on!

A few of the highlights from the show:

*We could see he came to rock with his blue jeans and red pearl snaps from JC Penney. Dierks could so be a spokesperson for them, telling everybody to go the men's dept. and get that same shirt--size small--for just $19.95! (haha)

*During Trying To Stop Your Leaving, Dierks sang the lyric: "You don't love me, you don't love me anymore" and in between all 4 of us yelled YES WE DO! Everybody stared at us but we didn't care. Dierks kind of chuckled but got the next line out--he is such a professional!

*After My Last Name (Dierks had told everyone to sit down), Alicia and I stood up and started cheering--nobody else stood up--and Dierks was looking at us and shrugging his shoulders at the rest of the audience like "aren't you gonna stand up again?"

*I had made a sign, "DB CONGRESS in the House" - with all our 7 states. It was a small sign, and I only held it up for 5 seconds at a time and I think Dierks saw it before security made me put it away.


*During Come A Little Closer, Dierks saw a couple in the audience making out and he pointed to then and said, "Hey, that's what parking lots are for!"

After the show we tried to meander down by the busses but they were gated. So we stopped to talk by a fence with party lights but it was covered although we could hear voices and though we heard D's. Then security sent us on our way. The traffic getting out was all backed up for miles, so while waiting, Alicia opened the sun roof and I got a bad case of DTS again...Indiana stars in a purple night...

We ate at Perkins and as the 7 of us from 7 states stood in the parking lot talking, and not wanting to call it a night, all of a sudden the cops were nippin at our heals....well, not ours, but all around us. We guessed they were looking for some bad boy somewhere.

So there you have it...I am slowly chipping away at my goal of meeting one DB Congress rep from every state--21 down, 29 to go!

I have a few more pics I wanted to add to this blog but they are not cooperating. Check back in a few days and hopefully I will have added them.

DADS, DAUGHTERS AND DIERKS

Charlie and David may live four states apart - one in Massachusetts, the other in Kentucky - but they have more in common than you might think. They are both single dads, raising teenage daughters. But even more than that, all four share one common thread--a passion for the music and supporting their favorite country music artist, Dierks Bentley.

Charlie and Leah celebrated Father's Day early, when they traveled to Boston and Hartford last weekend to see Dierks in concert--just dad and daughter. DBC rep, Charlie, from MA, came up with his user name from a coffee blend named after his late wife and himself. "Mochamurph" was a coffee, Monique and Charlie Murphy blend.




Leah named herself 'Phantomleah,' derived from her love of Phantom Stallion books. The junior in high school loves horses, and is studying small animal sciences. At Leah's first concert she met Dierks on Dec 7, 2007; ironically, she lost her mom, Monique, exactly one year later to breast cancer. "She was one of Leah's biggest fans, and was very proud of Leah and her choices in country music," Charlie remembers fondly.

"During the MA/CT weekend, Leah got to hold Jimmy Wayne's hand during a song and met him afterwards, a SMALL second prize (vs. getting a M&G with Dierks), " Leah tells her dad. "Friday's concert in MA was great, but we think Saturday's in CT was much better.

Our seats were really close and Leah met a few gals from the DB Congress--Heidi from Norway and Jen (Shelly). I'm taking some of my adult friends to the Mohegan Sun CT casino to see the show again October 23rd. Maybe I'll get to meet him then. "


Leah's favorite song is Settle For a Slowdown and Charlie's is Long Trip Alone. They both love Sideways, and their daddy-daughter song is Beautiful World.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Kentucky dad and daughter team--David and Malorie--recently shared a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) to LCB, Dierks' annual fan club party in Nashville.

"This was the first time in Nashville for Malorie. As we drove through downtown I could see the exitement in her eyes! We arrived at the Mercy Lounge early and my first objective was to hoist the DBC Banner. We then found our spot by the door and tossed our blanket for a seat. A small handful of Congress members were already in line as we enjoyed some chat with them.

As the day went on the line went out into the parking lot and around the building. Great to talk to so many Congress members as they arrived. When the doors finally opened we found ourselves at a table with Holly and Janet. As Dierks came on we worked our way towards the stage. Malorie got busy giving concert calls to her friends. Dierks' set was awesome and we loved every minute of it.

When it was our turn for the M&G we wanted a pic of Dierks, Malorie, and myself. As he greeted us he told Malorie that he remembered meeting her at the Indy show two years ago. Malorie told Dierks that her friends don't believe her when she tells them that she knows Dierks...he got a chuckle out of that! She talked to him about FTF and told him that we would see him in Cincy on 6/19. We got our pic taken and headed out to get our LCB shirts.

We stayed outside and talked to other people as they were leaving. We even watched Dierks jump in Big White and leave the lot. I dismantled the Banner and we were on our way back to Louisville.

But the highlight of my night came in the first 30 minutes we were on the road. Malorie fell asleep not long after we got out of Nashville! But she told me that was the "best" concert she had ever been to. That she loved being able to walk around and do whatever she wanted to. To talk to anyone she wanted to and to get a free soda whenever she wanted! And on top of all that to be able to talk to Dierks for a few minutes!

And it was comforting for me to know that while she was walking around the concert she was with "friends." To me, that means everything! As a single father raising two teen-aged daughters it's nice to know that everything is ok when she is around other DB Congress members. Thanks to anyone and everyone who talked to Malorie on the night of her "best concert ever"......especially Dierks!"


Just ten days after Last Call Ball, David and Malorie ventured out on another DRT to Cinncinnati on Friday, June 19. Dierks says 'hi,' and Jimmy Wayne, Brad Paisely, and Dierks perform "Alcohol" together.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY CHARLIE AND DAVID! What a special bond Dierks' music has brought about for you and your daughters!

URBAN AND BENTLEY: HIGH ENERGY IN HUNTSVILLE

I've always said Dierks Bentley is my number one artist. Heck, he's my #2, #3, and #4 favorite. But if there has to be a #5--it has to be Keith Urban. The DB Feel That Fire CD has been "stuck" in my car's CD player since the end of January--that is until Keith's Defying Gravity CD arrived in my mailbox. Does anybody else feel like they're cheating on Dierks when you take his CD out to plug in another artist's music?

Although I won't be able to experience the few concerts Dierks and Keith are performing together live and in person...I can imagine it through the stories and photos of fellow DB Congress reps like Debra, David, Kimmiejo, Debbie, Jessica and Tanya! You can, too! Keep reading....they wanna make you close your eyes and "hear and see" Dierks and Keith in your minds eye...

DEBRA:
"All I can say is WOW-what a high energy show by Dierks and Keith! It was awesome and Dierks and the band looked like they were having a great time! Dierks' voice sounded so good (as usual) and he pointed out to us fans with our DB Congress tees on! Thanks, Dierks, for recognizing your fan club like that--means alot!

He sang Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes and mentioned that it would be the new single! He brought back some bluegrass with a rendition of Come A little Closer--very nice sound by the guys--love the bluegrass! Really like the red sirens and the intro for FTF-very cool! What a moment when Dierks joined Keith onstage for a song-it was so fantastic to see those two together! They sang "Take It To The Limit"-an old Eagles fave of mine-and Keith mentioned that they had performed it the night before (in Roanoke) and destroyed it so they hoped it would be better!(LOL-how could anything by those two be bad?) It was GREAT-but Dierks was so funny because he said he had written some of the lyrics on his arm to help him remember. They sounded so good together and it was a moment I will never forget!



The people behind us asked about our DBC tees--way to go Congress! I always have several people ask me about my DBC tee. We look so cool! Thanks again Mona!

We got to meet Kim, Laura, Melissa, Tanya and Sarah. So great to meet new fan club members. Staci and I stopped by the arena earlier in the day and got to meet those girls waiting by the bus. I got a great pic of the Jeep but it was soooo hot and since Staci is recovering from her chemotherapy treatments we couldn't stay. Thanks to you girls for being so kind to Staci--it meant a lot to her. This concert was her "no more chemo" celebration and it was the best medicine for her! We had an amazing time! Once again thanks Dierks for always recognizing your fans--we definitely love you back!"


DAVID:
"WOW is all I know to say! Awesome show with lots of high energy. After Dierks played his set I thought I was at a rock concert. Don't get me wrong - I had a blast. Just hard for me to put Keith in a country music genre. JMO!

I picked up Carissa in Nashville and we drove to Huntsville. I parked my car on top of one of the parking garages. I then hoisted the DBC Banner for all to see. It was about 2:00 so we walked over by the buses. As we rounded the corner I got a quick glimpse of Dierks getting on the bus. So, at least I knew he was there. I guess my main goal at this show was to talk to Dierks and introduce him to Carissa. She is a KU nut but loves the music of Dierks, too. A while later Dierks came off his bus and came over to talk to us. Again, I feel he saw my Congress shirt (thanks Mona) and wanted to come and say "hi".

He said "David, good to see you here" and asked me if I was flying the banner. I said "yep, it's flying out front on top of the parking garage."

I wanted to tell Dierks how I met Carissa - it was at Nid's wedding. She met Nid on his SLYF site over two years ago and was his "best woman" at the wedding. The weekend of the wedding Carissa was complaining about how bad the pre-sale seats were for the Keith show in Denver. I had just got my 14th row floor seats for the show in Huntsville a few days before the wedding. So I told Carissa that if she could get to Huntsville, I'd give her a ticket.

I just wanted Dierks to understand that we were there together because of a guy that lives 3800 miles away in England! And to understand the friendships that are formed because of his music. When I told this to Dierks he looked at Carissa and said "Well, lets get a picture together". So I snapped a pic of Dierks and Carissa with her camera. Nid is going to be so jealous!! LOL

Dierks' set was high energy as always. He opened with FTF and that really got the crowd going. I loved the bluegrass version of CALC - thought that was cool! Dierks did point to and acknowledge the Congress reps that were there, and for that we are grateful. Thanks Dude! He did play a few more songs than he does on the Brad tour but I wish he could have played more. His set list was awesome!

As for Keith - loved his stage, his lighting, and his set list. That man has some super fast hands and can play the heck out of a guitar! After seeing him live I now have a new perspective on how I hear his music on the radio. For me, I love his slow songs that are deep in lyrics. Absolutely loved "You'll Think Of Me". It was awesome when Keith played a couple of songs in the back of the arena. He climbed up on the sound board platform and said "So now who has the good seats". I thought that was cool!

Dierks and Cassidy were spotted sitting by the sound board while Keith played from there. I also saw Dierks on the side of the arena on the floor watching part of the Keith show. Everything about this night was amazing as I will not soon forget!"

TAWNY:
Tawny Tucker, aka, Country Music Tattle Tale blogger, saw Dierks arrive on one of Keith’s motorcycles.

"He had already taken a jeep-ride that day. We also saw Keith arrive. I was very very disappointed that neither of them signed autographs then for the small group of only 9 people. The sun was blazing, and it would have been great if they had just put us out of our misery. I did find out, that Dierks eventually came out around 5pm to sign and take pictures…Unfortunately, I was primping for the show.

If you have never seen Dierks in concert…Don’t walk…RUN! Do not miss him! Dierks is filled with energy and really has the ability to get the crowd pumped up. He sang all of his hits...and a new blue-grass version of “Come a Little Closer” which I wasn't super fond of, and the VERY sexy “I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes” was added to the set list…THANK GOODNESS!!!

The highlight of my night (well, life actually) is when he sang “How Am I Doin?”…My seat was right next to the end of the catwalk…Dierks reached out and grabbed my hand a few times…I was actually gonna turn and go back to my seat,when he sat down and pulled my hand toward him…He spun me around, sang to me, and asked my name. There is a very very very shaky video of this, and unfortunately, it doesn’t show a lot…So, if anyone else got a picture or video…PLEASE SEND IT TO ME! Those beautiful blue eyes made my knees weak…Dierks-NEVER stop doing that…Never stop holding girls hands and making them feel like they are the only one in the room…You’ve made this mom of two feel like a teenager again, and I’m oh-so-grateful.

When Dierks left the stage, my heart sank…I mean, I am a HUGE Keith Urban fan, but he has NEVER sang to me; so needless to say, I coulda watched Dierks run all over the stage for the rest of the night. For the next 30 minutes, I sat in dis-belief and awe that I was just personally sung to by Dierks Bentley…OH MY GOD!

One more pic request...There was a little girl with a cast that I held up to get touched by Dierks...She did, but her mom didn't get a picture of it...So, if any of y'all did...email me and I'll forward it to her mom...Thanks!!!

I'm a definite Dierks fan now...like..I was before, but it's a whole new level now. "

KIMMIEJO:
" First of all I have been to a lot of concerts and I mean a lot--but this one was by far the best for a lot of reasons. We didn't have reservations for a place to stay because we were not sure if we were going to spend the night until the day before because we only live about an hour and a half away but we knew we would be very tired and wouldn't feel like driving back home. So we first checked the Embassy Hotel, they didnt have a vacancy so we went across the street to the Holiday Inn just hoping we would be able to get something there since it was within walking distance. We were in luck they still had rooms available. We checked in and carried our stuff to our room.

We decided to walk across the street to the buses hoping we would get a glimpse of the man. We were standing there waiting for the elevator to get to the third floor giggling like school girls. When it arrived and the doors opened a man walked out smiled and said hi to us and I'm thinking OMG thats Tim! My 2 partners in crime had already gotten on the elevator so instead of saying hey wait like I should have, I got on the elevator and I said girls that was just Dierks steel guitar player Tim, they said OMG you are kidding and I said no Im not. They said why didnt you say something? Well, Im a little slow sometimes and I guess I was just shocked to see him getting off the elevator on the same floor that we were on at the Holiday Inn.

Anyway they fussed at me about our missed opportunity the whole time we were walking around site seeing. Anyway we went back to the hotel to get ready for the show and Debra called asking where I was and I told her we would be right there. So we walked back over there I finally found where to get my m&g pass to see when and where to meet and I got in a line that was pretty long and stood there for a few minutes looking around to see if I could spot Debra or any congress rep.

They came out and opened a new line so I got in it pretty close to the front and I was standing there trying to get my m&g sticker off and someone waving and yelling got my attention and it was Debra and Staci. We found out that the doors weren't going to open on time and I was about to panic because the m&g was supposed to start at 6:30 so we were all late getting there which cut everything short. I was a little disappointed about that but thats ok because it was a good one anyway.

I was the only one there with a Congress T on. When I walked up to him he got my shoulders and turned me so he could see the back for the state I represent. Then they took the pic and he pulled me up really close. I was in heaven. Then he signed my FTF cover and said I hope to see you soon and I told him I would follow him anywhere! He just doesn't know how soon he will be seeing me!

When I left the m&g walking around trying to find how to get to my seat I hear someone say hey DB Congress, I looked up and it was David ready with a high five. We introduced ourselves and he introduced me to Carissa. I finally got to my seat and looked over to my right and there was David again and he was talking to Debra and Staci so not having officially met Debra yet I went over and gave her a big hug, I love ya girl.

So all of us Reps had our pic taken together then Jessica walked up. I wish we had more time to hang out . Anyway the show got started and Dierks was TOTALLY FREAKING AWESOME. I hung out with Jessica and Amy back by the buses for about an hour, I enjoyed that so much Jessica.

I went back to the Hotel around midnight and the other girls decided they wanted to go to the bar and have a drink. When we got there there was a blonde girl sitting at the bar talking to a guy sitting beside her and she pointed at me because I still had my Congress T on and when he turned around I saw it was Jay (from Dierks' crew). I was in shock all over again. I could not believe Jay was sitting at the bar in the Holiday Inn. I just could not bring myself to say anything and interupt his evening so I just sat there thinking if Tim is here and Jay is here I wonder if Dierks is here. Guess I will never know now."


DEBBIE:
Amanda and I got to see Dierks at the back of the stadium about 4:30. We walked out of the parking garage behind the stadium and he was there talking and signing for several women who had gathered there.

I recently made a photobook of pictures of me & Dierks over the last 6 years. I wrote a short message in his copy and he wrote in mine, "Debbie, thanks for being with us from the beginning," and signed his name to it.

Not long after that David and Carissa showed up. But Dierks came back out of the stadium into the bus and when David hollered at him he held up his finger as to say "Just a minute." Sure enough he came back out and talked to David and Carissa before going back into the stadium. A man true to his word! "

JESSICA:
Great reviews Debra, David and Kimmie!! It was so nice to meet you guys and to see you again Kimmie! I was so proud to be wearing my congress TEE~ Thanks Mona! Right when D got going good he spotted the Tee and pointed at me and gave me the 'fist' which was SO COOL! A little later on in the show he did it again!


I saw him do the same to where Debra was sitting! Thanks for noticing Dierks! The Show was so Awesome!! I, of course, wish D's set was a little longer but he was beyond great! I liked the little twist with CALC (bluegrass).


During Keith's set they let us get by the catwalk. It was so amazing!! Keith played his little heart out!! I love his stage sets too! When Dierks came back out I couldn't wipe the smile off of my face! The two of them were so entertaining! And him having the words written on his arm was hilarious!"

URBAN FANS WED DIERKS-STYLE

I know most of you can relate to the fact that my friends and family couldn't understand why I would fly via 2 planes (1 w/a propeller..I was freaking out...LOL) to Charlottesville, VA to witness 2 people who I have never met in person (1 from England and 1 from Virginia) get married. Nid and I met on the DB Congress thread of dierks.com about 8 months ago and we formed an instant friendship. When he asked me if I would attend his wedding, not only was I honored but I knew I wouldn't miss it for the world.

I arrived in Charlottesville at 11:00 p.m. Nid, David (DBC Rep, KY) & Carissa(Nid's "Best Woman", from Wyoming--they met through the Keith Urban fan club where he met Jenny, too!) came to pick me up! Now this was the first time I had met Nid or David in person and I was so excited. It felt like I'd known then forever.

We all had breakfast together Saturday morning and hung out while Jenny (Nid's soon to be bride) was getting her hair and make up done. The ceremony took place on the covered porch of Jenny's family home in the beautiful hills of Virginia on Valentines' Day - February 14, 2009.

Nid and Jenny--in typical Dierks-style, both wore black and their DB Bracelets! Dierks was invited but he was in Canada so obviously couldn't be there, but he was there in spirit! They wrote their own vows and I was having a heck of time taking pictures through teary-eyes. Jenny dubbed me official photographer and I was trying to make sure to get all the shots on her list.

The highlight of the reception (at the Crozet Fire Department) had to be the three different cakes..the wedding cake, the groom's cake (a soccer ball) and a pretty little cake with the Eiffel Tower on it to bring back memories of Nid's very romantic proposal to Jenny. There were also pictures of Nid's two kids up on silver pedestals which I thought was such a sweet touch since they were not able to make it from England.

All of Jenny's family and friends are so nice. A lot of them came up to us and introduced themselves and then as soon as we said who we were they would say "Oh I've heard all about you." After dinner a little dancing started but Nid and Jenny didn't dance! Ok, so I'll let it slide since Nid is still nursing that broken leg. There was a lot of country playing...Keith & DIERKS!

Sunday, the first official day with Mr. & Mrs. Nid Collins, we again all went to breakfast together and then they opened a few of their presents. David gave them an awesome framed picture of Dierks that Dierks personalized to them for their wedding. That was a huge hit!
We took pictures of me, Nid and David with the DB Congress Banner, in front of David's car with his DB FAN license plate, his DBC Cling and my DBC Car Decal!

We headed out on our short DRT (Dierks Road Trip) to the airport. It was just David, Nid and myself. We were cranking Dierks and singing and it was just such a great moment. With Nid living in England he doesn't get the opportunity to do much DRTing, so we were loving it! I just want to mention too, that these two guys are perfect gentlemen--an English gentlemen and a Southern gentlemen. I swear I barely lifted a finger all weekend--opening doors, getting my drinks, taking my luggage...A girl could get used to that!! LOL. Thanks guys, you are the best! Hugs all around!

Now it was time for goodbyes..I hate goodbyes! It felt like leaving family. I was so sad to leave but I'm so glad I went. I am so happy for them and am so excited to have made a great new friend in Jenny! Now we just need to complete her conversion from Keith over to Dierks! I think she's almost there!

What an amazing weekend full of amazing friends. I will forever be grateful to Dierks for his music, for the person he is and the way he treats his fans, but mostly for the friendships I have been blessed with since joining the fan club and the DB Congress!

Alicia (DBC Wisconsin rep)