Dierks Bentley Earns His Eleventh Grammy Award Nomination!

Ten time Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley, just received his 11th all-time nod during tonight's Grammy Nomination Concert.  And he's up against some tough competition for the Best Country Solo Performance, to be awarded at the 55th Annual Grammy Awards February 10, 2013, at 8 pm EST on CBS.

Dierks's nomination for his performance of "Home" will compete against Eric Church's "Springsteen," Ronnie Dunn's "Cost of Livin'," "Wanted," by Hunter Hayes, Carrie Underwood's, "Blown Away," and the CMA "Song of the year Award winner, "Over," performed by Blake Shelton.

The Nomination concert was held in Music City (Nashville, TN), at the Bridgestone Arena, where Dierks performed live with The Band Perry.  They sang an impressive rendition of  "Jackson," honoring the late Johnny Cash, in perfect harmony.

Photos from www.grammy.com; Dierks Bentley and Kimberly Perry (The Band Perry)

So, who watched? Who DVR'd it?  What did you think of our president's performance?  What do you think his chances are of winning in February? Leave a comment with your thoughts!

Dierks Gains New Fans From 'Love For Levon' Benefit To Save The Barn

Levon Helm, a much loved individual in the music industry passed away in April 2012. He was probably most widely known as the drummer for The Band. Mr. Helm also owned a recording studio (the barn) in Woodstock New York, where since 2005 he held Midnight Rambles, where many musicians came to play with him.  More than anything, Levon wanted the music to continue. He wanted the barn to be host to artists from all walks of life, from all genres.

In order to keep the barn running and to honor Mr. Helm, the benefit concert, "Love for Levon" was held on October 3, 2012. Our DB Congress President (Dierks Bentley) was one of the musical luminaries asked to play at this event from extremely varied genres. Dierks told ABC News:

“When the opportunity came up, it was kind of a no brainer even though the schedule’s really pretty packed, I definitely wanted to squeeze that in and find a way to make that happen.”  

He added that he often listens to The Band on the tour bus and appreciated getting the chance to play.

Dierks played during the second half of the event. He was one of only five artists, including Eric Church, Roger Waters and Joe Walsh who performed two songs. He also brought with him his friends Jessie Alexander and Jon Randall to sing back up. The Levon Helm Band provided back up for every performer there that night. 

Dierks' first song was "Rocking Chair." 

The second was "Chest Fever" on which he was accompanied by Garth Hudson, The Band’s keyboardist. American Songwriter called it “one of the most surreal moments of the night.” 

The people sitting around me had no idea who this 'Dierks Bentley' was, but after his songs they only had praise for him as they told me: “that Dierks Bentley was very good,” “I will have to check him out,” and “He impressed me.”

Everyone came out for the finale. Dierks was grouped with Eric Church, Jon Randall and Ray LaMontange. As always, it seemed Dierks was having a fantastic time. Goofing around with friend Eric Church onstage, their good time was contagious. He tweeted a picture before hand.

"me and @ericchurch hanging out during rehearsal for encore for #loveforlevon. ridiculous line up of folks. " 

I always love a DB concert, but it's experiences like these that impress me and make me proud to be a DB Congress member.

~Tara Toro
DB Congress Rep (NY)

DIERKS HOSTS COUNTRY COUNTDOWN USA

I received the following email from CCUSA. The pic is before Dierks shaved and cut the curls again:

"Dierks Bentley co-hosts Country Countdown USA this weekend. Normally, he would join host Lon Helton, but Lon got sick. So Dierks brought along label-mate and buddy Eric Church, who filled in for Lon. The two chat about Kenny Chesney, Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Darius Rucker, Lady A, and a lot more. Country Countdown USA can be heard on 225 radio stations nationally.

Attached is a photo of Dierks & Eric at our studio."

Country Countdown USA
Nashville, TN
www.countrycountdownusa.com"

Enjoy the audio clips here.

You will hear:
~Dierks & Eric talk about winter vacation
~Dierks & Eric on Eric's look-alike in Lady A
~Dierks talks about his Grammy nomination
~Dierks talks about his new house
~Dierks on "play-dates" with Keith Urban
~Dierks on his look-alike: Billy Currington
~Dierks & Eric on tour with Brad Paisley
~Dierks & Eric on their friend Darius Rucker

All audio clips are also available to download in 1 mp3 file at dierksfans.com.

DIERKS TAKES LA

Country Music fan Stephanie Stiefel shared her story of Dierks Bentley and Eric Church in Los Angeles on Thursday, December 10 with Country Music Tattle Tale:

Last night country music superstar Dierks Bentley graced the Wiltern Theatre stage in Los Angeles. His opening guest was no less of an amazing artist, Eric Church.

Eric and his band rocked the crowd with their true to the bone lyrics, guitars, and banjos. The crowd was already going crazy even before Dierks hit the stage. In the middle of his set Eric said tot he crowd, ‘We came here to party with ya’ll tonight, drink beer, play our guitars, and sing songs that are true.’ The comment made me realize that is what country music is all about and why there are so many dedicated fans. Once Eric finished his set, he humbly thanked the crowd and left everyone in anticipation for Dierks.

The lights brightened and the stage crews bustled about the stage recreating the set for the superstar. A short agonizing wait later, the lights went down and a video shows up of Dierks, he then comes on the mic and asks ‘Hope ya’ll are ready for a party?’ The crowd went crazy as he and his band-mates appeared on stage and cranked up the sound. The entire show was upbeat, in your face and pure Dierks Bentley. He made a comment about his recent recording with long-time song-writer, Patty Griffin. The song ‘Beautiful World’ has had a grammy nod recently, and the duet performed the song the night before on the ‘George Lopez Show’. No one was expecting it but Dierks introduced the talented Ms. Griffin and she gracefully walked out to join him for a Johnny Cash song, they later performed their recent recording of ‘Beautiful World’.

Towards the end of his set Dierks invited Eric back out onstage, and it was clear he had been having a good time backstage. They sang a few more songs for the crowd and obviously, unwillingly exited the stage. The ambiance of the Wiltern, the talented musicians and of course the raw voices that make country so real made the entire night an unforgettable event.



Dierks Bentley, Eric Church & Patty Griffin Take LA Head On-A Fan Review

DIERKS RIDES FOR KIDS AGAIN

Every year I say I'm going to go to DB's M&M4K event. Every year I end up spending all my money on other DRT's throughout the year! This year is no exception.

Dierks Bentley will host his fourth annual "Miles & Music For Kids" celebrity motorcycle ride and concert on Sunday, Oct. 11 in Nashville. Since I have seen him 7 times already this year, and he will be in Tampa 5 days after this event, I'll have to pass yet again. *Sad face

Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children's Miracle Network Hospital. The ride begins at Harley-Davidson of Cool Springs and goes through beautiful Williamson County and Historic Downtown Music City. The ride ends at Riverfront Park for a two to three hour concert "Jam Session" in a festival type setting. Joining Dierks will be Darius Rucker, Eric Church, and more of Dierks' friends to be announced in the coming weeks.

Event Timeline
10:00 a.m. to 12 – Registration at the Cool Springs Harley
1:00 p.m. to 2:30 – Ride from Cool Springs Harley to Riverfront Park.
1:30 p.m. – Gates open at Riverfront.
2:00 p.m. – Local band starts playing on stage at Riverfront Park.
3:00 p.m. – Concert: Dierks, Darius Rucker, Eric Church, and more

"This has always been a pretty special deal, and then last year my daughter was born at Vanderbilt the same day as our event and that really put things in perspective for me," says Bentley. "It's cool that guys like Darius and Eric are willing to come out and help us raise some money, so that our community can continue to benefit from the hospital's services."
~Dierks Bentley

This year, Bentley has joined forces with Nationwide Insurance, CMT ONE COUNTRY and the Children's Miracle Network to expand the successful "Miles & Music for Kids" event to six cities across the country in 2009 and 2010, with all proceeds benefiting Children's Miracle Network hospitals in those areas. In the three previous years, "Miles & Music for Kids" has raised over $500,000 for Children's Hospital. Click here for ongoing artist announcements.

Tickets are still available through Ticketmaster.

$300 Ticket includes: A Ride in the Pack with the Artists and VIP Concert ticket with access to VIP Concert Tent with food & beverages & T-Shirt.

$150 Ticket includes: VIP Concert ticket with access to the VIP Concert Tent with food & beverages.

$80 Duo (Combo) Ticket: Good for 2 regular Concert tickets and Duo Riders and 2 T-Shirts ( 1 Bike with 2 Riders).

$50 Ticket: Good for Regular Concert ticket and Ride and T-Shirt ( 1 Rider only ).

$20 Ticket: Good for Regular Concert ticket only.

I hope many of you DB Congress reps can participate in the Nashville event and support Dierks in this worthy cause. As soon as the dates are announced for the other 5 cities we'll be sure to let you know!