Dierks Bentley and Friends -- Hot Country Knights Performed at Joe's Bar in Chicago, To Benefit The Riser Foundation

Dierks Bentley kicked off Sunday night, October 27, 2019, at Joe's Bar on Weed Street in Chicago with, "The Mountain," a pre-Halloween treat for DB Congress members in attendance as it's not very often Dierks plays the title song to his 2018 album 'live' for his fans. 

It was appropriate though, as he sang, "I climbed like hell through the brush and the bramble."  He's come a long way to be in a position to give back in a big way, and the event and Joe's was a benefit for The Riser Foundation--raising over $33,000.

The Riser Foundation was launched in 2006, by Dierks and a handful of passionate Nashville supporters of charitable organizations--mostly to help children and families.  You may remember our blogs from the 10-year run of Miles and Music For Kids, the motorcycle/concert event that benefitted Vanderbilt Children's Hospital, and several children's hospitals around the country.

Over two dozen more organizations have benefitted from the efforts of The Riser Foundation over the years including:

Safe Haven - Spotlighted in Dierks' Riser video

Hospice of the Valley - where Dierks' dad spent his last days

Jordan Sterling Foundation -  Dierks' sang a song he wrote dedicated to his friend.

Music Health Alliance - Dierks was the 2019 spokesperson for Heal the Music Day

California Fire Foundation - Only The Brave movie, "Hold The Light," Granite Mountain Hot Shots

Add $33,042 from the event at Joe's and The Riser Foundation has donated nearly $8 million, supporting more than sick kids, but also homelessness, literacy, education and hunger over the years.

As usual, DB Congress reps were in line early in the day, to be front row for the show that night.  As with most benefits, many folks had bid upwards of $700, donating to the cause, and earning them early entrance--so sadly, the front row spots for hard-core Dierks fans were not meant to be that night.

But in the second row, he still saw us, called us out, pointes to us and proceeded to blame us for having to shake up the set list.

"It's always great seeing you guys here, but you make me have to change things. I was gonna do the same show we did last time I was in town, but I was like, nah...gotta change it up!"

The evening would not be complete without the benefit's namesake song, Riser, at which point the band left the stage and Dierks remained with just his guitar and heartfelt voice:

 

"I would not do this anywhere else 'cause it could totally wreck the show, but I know I can trust you guys to be cool letting these guys play about 2 or 3 songs.  These guys love 90's country, they're called Hot Country Knights...just give them a chance...

We dare you not to sing along to the catchy Hot Country Knights theme song!

We'll even provide the words.  H-O-T COUNT - RY - KNI - GHT - S!

After a few HCK songs, there was banter between Dierks and his dudes: Where's my band? Where are my guys? Will you guys do a couple of my songs, do you know my stuff?  Yeah--anybody can play your stuff.  Can you zip that?

To be in tune with the Riser benefit theme, we were proud to surprise Dierks early with the new limited edition Flag and Anthem/Desert Son Riser Camo Tshirts* that went on sale to the public the next day.  These tees give 100% of the proceeds to Folds of Honor, to help provide educational scholarships to spouses and children of our fallen and disabled service-members.
*The Camo shirts are currently sold out, but will be back in stock next week! Keep trying the link!

"We believe that there are everyday Risers all around, and it's our obligation to recognize, stand by and support them." - The Riser Foundation website

Donate to The Riser Foundation.

Dierks Reveals New Clothing Line--Desert Son

DB Congress members might have been a little surprised--very happily so--when they received an email this week from Dierks Bentley with the subject line, "Desert Son."

The message contents? Dierks revealed his new lifestyle collection in partnership with Flag & Anthem.

This new clothing line, fit for a son of the Arizona desert, is one Dierks himself has described as "authentic." For now, according to Dierk's team, "the initial spring offering will feature primarily men’s items including vintage-washed tees, raglans, hoodies and hats along with a handful of women’s tees. Desert Son will continue to roll-out with 2018 summer and fall assortments including button-down shirts, knit tops, denim and jackets."

With many DBC reps making their own Dierks attire, I'm going to assume I'm not alone in my elation over so many new Dierks clothing options (especially for women!).

"This has been such a fun thing to create and develop. I love clothes that are perfectly worn-in like you’ve had them a lifetime, but can also take the wear and tear that comes from an active lifestyle,” explained Dierks. "I’ve learned over the last few months that there’s a real art to getting that just right. The Flag & Anthem guys have been doing it at the highest level and have helped me put together a collection that I think is totally authentic to me and one that hopefully people all over the country will dig, too.”

With Arizona roots and recent inspiration from the Colorado mountains (that led to his upcoming album The Mountain and his Mountain High Tour), Dierks seems to be on a path of self-reflection. Everything he has touched so far in 2018 has an autobiographical feel. And we are loving it!

Flag & Anthem seems to appreciate this journey, as well, and feels it fits in line with who they are.

“Dierks' lifestyle perfectly embodies our brand,” said Flag & Anthem co-founder Brad Gartman. “There is a strong synergy between his fans and our customer. We see Dierks and Desert Son as a natural integration with Flag & Anthem and look forward to a long partnership.”

So do we, Brad. (We know many DBC reps who are already ordering multiple items at a time! We can't wait to see the photos!)

With the Riser logo making a very strong appearance, a hint of The Mountain album logo peeking through, classic desert vibes, and an undercurrent of patriotism, yes. I think we can all agree this line very much reflects our "Dude."

Desert Son is now available at retailers including Buckle, Von Maur and Dillard’s and online.

Music. Restaurants. Clothing. Is a new fragrance next? We'll stand in line for all of the above.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Desert Son, see the full photo shoot with Dierks; check out some of the original graphics made by designer Jonathan Schubert; and check out this video from Flag & Anthem:

Super excited for our new Desert Son collaboration with @dierksbentley. Here’s a little #bts video featuring Dierks’ awesome new song “Woman Amen” from his soon to be released album “The Mountain.” pic.twitter.com/H6nkfbjDql

— FlagandAnthemCo (@flagandanthemco) February 8, 2018

Bonus! We've heard these codes have been working for DBC members!
If you sign up for Flag and Anthem's newsletter, you will get 15 percent off. 
If you use the code FAcrew, you will get 15 percent off your first order.
If you use the code dailyanthem, you will get 20 percent off your order.
If you use the code FLAG20, you will get 20 percent off your order.
If you use the Flag and Anthem personal link, you and a friend will get $15 off.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe