Dedicated Dierks Bentley Congress Member Dies

 

Anyone who ever experienced Dierks Bentley's Miles and Music For Kids charity event, probably met his number one fan--Laura Parrish.  She never missed seeing Dierks at Ricky Kelley's Harley Davidson of Columbia where Dierks would lead thousands of motorcycles on a trek to downtown Nashville, to then perform for thousands more.

That's where I met Laura and her husband Scotty.  They were the sweetest couple you will ever meet.  I knew every year I would see them waiting patiently for their turn to get a quick hug and photo with Dierks at the Harley dealership. 

This was Laura's annual chance to personally deliver the gifts and "awards" she had hand-made for Dierks and his kids.  She always had a smile on her face and would beam with pride when she'd show me what she made.  "Do you think he'll like it?" she would ask, and of course I would reply, "I know he will since it came from you!"

But Dierks was never in a hurry when he saw Laura.  He spent quality time with her and showed so much gratitude and love for his number one fan.

A dedicated member of the DB Congress, Laura was very active on social media, consistently messaging and posting to us on Facebook and emailing Dierk's team, excitedly sharing the details of the gifts she created and was sending to Dierks for this holiday or that awards show--without fail.

But there won't be any more gifts or meet and greets for Laura.  Sadly, she died Tuesday, May 16, 2017.

Dierks and his manager, Mary posted the sad news on Instagram:

Our Sweet friend and Dierks' #1 fan Laura Parrish passed award today.  The intense love and devotion she gave all of us is like nothing I've ever experienced.  I feel so lucky to have been part of her joy.  Opening night of summer tour is dedicated to you!!  Rest peacefully, my friend.
- Mary Hilliard Harrington

My number 1 fan passed away the other day.  We were actually her biggest fans too.  Love you Laura Parrish!  Wish I could be at the service today in Columbia TN.
- Dierks Bentley

Condolences and flowers were sent to the service today on behalf of her fellow DB Congress reps:

In Loving Memory of our friend and
Dierks Bentley Congress (fan club)
loyal and dedicated TN member,
Laura Parrish.
Rest in Peace-we'll miss you! 
Our thoughts & prayers are with Scotty & the family.

Your fellow DB Congress Reps

Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair (FL)

Because of Dierks Bentley, Kids at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Have Hope

Because of Dierks Bentley, kids at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN have hope.  

Dierks' 8th annual Miles And Music For Kids charity event started off on Sunday, November 3, 2013 with a motorcycle ride from Harley-Davidson in Columbia, TN and over 1,000 bikers rode to the Riverfront downtown Nashville for a full line up concert.  Many DB Congress reps were among the riders.

"Charitable gifts are critical to our fight to find treatments and cures for childhood illness and injury that will reach well beyond our region and potentially save the lives of millions of children," states the hospital's website. It goes on to say, "Gifts of any size matter and support hope and healing at Children’s Hospital." 

This year, Bentley's event raised $307,296 for the kids--that's a lot of hope and healing!  And he broke his own  record, with that being the largest one day amount in the event's history.  All total, this event has raised over $2.5 million dollars in eight years for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country.

As soon as Dierks signed the over-sized check, the little girl in the pink hoodie (a patient at the hospital), literally 'took the money and ran' off the stage!

Photo by Harriett Watkins

Artists who performed to the nearly sold out crowd of 10,000 included Tyler Reeves who warmed up the audience while waiting for Bentley and the riders to arrive.  Jake Owen, Brett Eldredge, Chase Rice, Easton Corbin and Luke Bryan followed.

Every year, the support from the fans for these events catches me off-guard,” said Bentley. “I shouldn’t be surprised because the country music community is the first to open their wallets to help out, but this year they were lined up before the sun was even up."

On stage, Dierks thanked not only the fans, but all the artists who gave their time for the good of the kids:

"...to the guys that showed up and played on this stage today that gave up their time, but equally as important, if not more so...you guys [the fans], spending the money and time to come out and and raise...you're the reason why we all get to do this and we are just so thankful for the success you have given me and all these guys to a great cause like the Vanderbilt Children's Hospital...so thank you guys."

See photo slide show from The Tennessean here.

Because of Dierks Bentley, hundreds of fans have become good friends over the last 8-10 years.  Meeting through the fan club, the DB Congress gathered the night before to support Dierks by signing get well cards for the kids in the hospital. Nearly 30 reps from 14 states assembled to meet new Dierks fans and reminisce with old friends.  The camaraderie is amazing.

Photos below by Laci Kent Photography.  See more of her photos of Miles and Music For Kids here.

Brett Eldredge

Chase Rice - "I'm going out on tour w/ Dierks next near...not sure I was supposed to tell yet."

Dierks brought this little girl on stage and then gave her a signed guitar after the show

L to R: Brian Layson, Cassady Feaby, Dierks, Dan Hochhalter and Tim Sergent on banjo in the background

Dierks

Dierks

Easton Corbin led a sing along to "Roll With It"

Jake Owen 

Luke Bryan.  While Luke was singing, Dierks' daughters Evie and Jordan
 were side stage dancing, while Dierks himself was singing along to every word

Once the sun set behind the Nashville buildings, the temperature dropped; but that didn't stop DB Congress from showing their support of their favorite artist with "I Hold On" Little White Tank Tops, which Dierks seemed to really appreciate.  He sprinkled in "I Hold On" white tanks tops into the song lyrics for "What Was I Thinkin," "Sideways," and even the namesake song itself.

Watch the Nashville Country Club's video interviews of Dierks, Easton Corbin, Eric Close (Nashville TV show) and DB Congress NC rep, Sandra Grubb here.

DBTV recap by Ryan "Flash" Silver:




Because of Dierks Bentley, it was a memorable weekend for a great cause.

Dierks Bentley Announces Miles And Music For Kids - November 3, 2013

 

Start making your travel plans now, congress! Dierks' 8th annual Miles and Music For Kids is set for November 3, 2013! Stay tuned for details on our annual DBC get together the night before in Nashville to sign get well cards for the kids!

 

 

Dierks is gearing up for his eighth annual “Miles And Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert set for Sun., Nov. 3 in Nashville, TN. Benefiting Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, Jake Owen and Easton Corbin are the first announced special guests to join Dierks for the all-star concert. DB Congress Fan Club pre-sale tickets are available beginning Wed., Sept. 4 on www.dierks.com and general public tickets go on sale Frl., Sept. 6 at 10:00am CT through Ticketmaster.

“This is honestly the most fun day of my year, and it brings the whole community together for a great cause,” said Dierks. “We got rained out last year for the first time, so I want to make up for it in a big way. The lineup is going to be killer, and it'll be a fun way to kick off a big week that celebrates country music with the CMA Awards just a few days later.”

Since first hitting the pavement in 2006, Bentley has visited seven cities to raise over $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. This year’s annual event will begin at the Harley Davidson of Columbia (1616 Harley Davidson Blvd., Columbia, TN) for an hour-long ride that ends downtown at Nashville’s Riverfront Park. From Riverfront, Bentley will take the stage for a family-friendly day of music with a lineup that will continue to grow as the event approaches.

Fans can purchase a combo ticket for the ride and concert for $50 or individual concert tickets for $30. Special VIP packages are also available. All proceeds from the event will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital.

CLICK HERE to join DB Congress for $9.99 and have first access to Miles & Music pre-sale tickets!

 

The following ticket options will be offered for this event:

 

$300 VIP Rider Ticket includes: Ride in the front of the pack with the Celebrities, a ride t-shirt and VIP Concert ticket with access to VIP Dealership area with food and non alcoholic beverages and the Concert VIP Tent with donated food & 3 donated beverages

$150 VIP Concert Ticket includes:  VIP Concert ticket with access to the VIP Concert Tent with donated food & 3 donated beverages.

 

$50 Rider Concert Ticket includes: GA Concert ticket & ride. All riders have to have this ticket.

 

$30 Concert Ticket ONLY includes: GA Concert ticket only

Dierks' MM4K event on Sunday will kick off CMA Awards week, with the awards show following on Wednesday night 11/6.

Dierks Bentley's Miles and Music For Kids Makes 12,764 Miles of Memories

Although the threat of severe storms and winds forced Dierks Bentley to make a tough decision to cancel his seventh annual Miles and Music For Kids Charity Ride and concert last weekend in Nashville, our philanthropic DB Congress president still found a way to do "something" for a few hundred fans who had traveled many miles to raise money for sick kids.

"It was a tough call, but we had to make it for everyone's safety," said Bentley. "But, we still had so many fans in town who traveled, sometimes hundreds of miles to help support Vandy's Children's Hospital, I felt like we had to find a way to do something to thank them for their time and donations over the past seven years. We decided to run across the street (Hard Rock Cafe), invite anyone still hanging around and before we knew it, the place was packed out."

Turns out, "hundreds of miles" was more like thousands for DB Congress members, who made the annual trek again this year--to the tune of 12,764 total DRT  (Dierks Road Trip) miles.  We live and breathe Dierks's motto, 'Every Mile A Memory.'

On MM4K Eve (Saturday), DBC held session at Joe's Crab Shack, where 23 members from 10 states signed get well cards for the kids.  Now we know how Dierks must feel signing his autograph for hours on end!

Southern Biker Magazine owners Randy and Kristin Gracy joined us and helped sign cards.  They told us about 3,000 bikers had registered for the event!

Front: Sandra; Sitting: Janet, Ronna, Carrie, Sue, Harriet, Becky, Kathy; Standing: Alicia, Kristin, Emily, Ann, Randy, Kristin, Julie, David, Amanda, and Jane, Joe's Crab Schack, 10/13/12

A HUGE thanks to all who all came out tonight. So fun to see old friends and meet new ones. We gathered and signed a record 363 cards for the kids..amazing! And 206 of them included a db guitar pic. Thanks to those who brought cards and to those who mailed them as well. I'm sure Dierks is proud of his DBC. Ride on!! (Organizer, David Mattingly-KY) 

Sunday morning, we woke up to an overcast sky overlooking the Riverfront stage.  Heavy winds and all day rain storm news dampened our spirits as we followed the unfolding updates on DB's Twitter page:

"we have been watching the weather all week and unfortunately, not looking good. today's weather image... 

Have to postpone Miles & Music today bc of dangerous wind & storms moving into Nashville. Thx to all for ur support...

can't tell you all how disappointed i am and my team is about today. we have been looking forward to this day for a year... 

our fans came a long way to get here, and spent money to do so. and wanted to raise money for #vanderbiltchildrenshospital. thank you guys"

Then Dierks retweeted THE BIG 98 WSIX:

We were ready, but mother nature wasn't. :( #milesandmusicforkids pic.twitter.com/O6Mf78xl

 

We decided to take a ride out to the Harley Dealership anyway, to pick up our T-shirts, and David met the lady from the hospital to drop off the get well cards for the kids. To our surprise and delight, Dierks showed up!  He announced to a crowd of about a hundred he wanted to do something since the event was cancelled and invited everyone to the Hard Rock for an impromptu concert!

Eric Close (Rayna's husband, Teddy on TV's new show, "Nashville"), told me he was looking forward to meeting Dierks and he got his wish!  Later that day, he donated an autographed script for the auction.

Dierks and Eric Close at The Harley-Davidson Dealership, Columbia, TN 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Eric Close at The Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Carrie Srebro

Since the Hard Rock only holds about 250 people, we left shortly after to drive the 40 miles back to downtown. We were shocked to already see about 70 people in line! But the Hard Rock Cafe went above and beyond trying to get as many people in the door as possible.  When the upstairs was full, they opened up the doors and let people onto the balcony and downstairs.  Although they couldn't see Dierks, they could hear him and watch on one of the many screens throughout the venue.

This was a first MM4K trip for DB Congress members, Harriett, Sandra, Becky, Janet.  Here are their favorite memories from the weekend:

"I DRT'd about 980 miles. My two favorite memories: first was hearing "Wish It Would Break" live for the first time and the second was standing at the dealership when a limo pulled up. Lots of people in the crowd assumed DB was going to get out of the limo, but the DBC reps were all thinking, "nope probably not how he would choose to travel there!" - Harriett Watkins (NC)

"I believe it was around 1250 miles. My favorite part was creepin' with Carrie and Kathy." -Sandra Grub (NC)

"My miles were 1370 and my favorite memory is asking Dierks about his "old new boots" he was wearing-he said they were from WWII with a man's last name written in them--you know Dierks and his love of old things, even us old fans--and him thanking me for asking because it is a great way to introduce the next song which happened to be one of my favorites, "My Last Name"  Second favorite memory being with all the DBC members at Joe's on Saturday night--feels like family whenever we are all together! - Becky Wierzbicki (DE)

"Total miles 1370. My favorite memories were being first in line at the Hard Rock and second, Dierks handing me a bottle of Bud light during the show." -Janet Lowe (NJ)

Here are more memories from DBC reps who make this an annual trip!

"Fav memory is "Wish It Would Break" for sure!!! Only 40 miles round trip! - Alicia Alarid (TN)

"884 miles. Creepin' w/carrie & Sandra." -Kathy Butler (IN)

"395 miles....walkin around town Sunday night with the Southern Drawl Band and a few other VIPs. Wished you guys could have heard them. (Didn't know about the Hard Rock)" - Randy Gracy-Southern Biker Magazine (TN)

"Won't be home until next week since I'm doing a GSLRT ("Great Southern Loop Road Trip"), but 1020 miles one way to Nashville. At least having a last minute "Plan B" mini-concert." - Jane Sumner (NY)

"Just a measley 400 miles. Memory, seeing 10 State Reps at the pre-party. Just a great weekend. Mood swings up and down capped off with a impromptu fan club like performance...smiles all the way home!" - David Mattingly (KY)

"700 miles. The hug and apology I got from D about the cancellation. He may have been more bummed than we were!" - Kristin Houghland (IN)

"About 550 round trip this time only because I went to Memphis on Sat. morning and then to Nashville and then home. (If didn't go to Memphis then only 380 round trip.) My fav part was probably going to the dealership because we hadn't been down there yet because we usually get in line at Riverfront. - Amanda Morris (MS)

"About 900 miles round trip for me and Sandra. I have 3 favorite memories: 1. Wish it Would Break after Alicia and I yelled for it. 2. Creepin with Kathy and Sandra (& showing Nashville to Sandra for the first time!), and 3. Making Amy feel like she was there. :)" - Carrie Srebro (NC)

"Drove 285 miles and just enjoyed my whole weekend. Met 2 new friends that made me laugh so much. My favorite part though was racing from the Harley bike shop to Hard Rock without killing us all. Dierks was awesome letting us know what was happening so we could be first in line." - Ann Tate (AL)

"About 400 miles round trip and hearing Dierks sing, "My Last Name" and "Wish It Would Break" and seeing James Otto at the dealership and the Hard Rock (where he sat about 15 ft away from me the whole time he was there) and getting to see Sheryl Crow for the first time." - Julie Griffin (IN)

"500 miles round trip. Getting my CW Magazine signed by Dierks at the dealership. He put a :( on it too after Miles & Music 2012. Just happy Amanda got to see him perform after trying to see him the third time this year. LCB cancelled, St. Louis show cancelled and M&M cancelled. Great concert made up for it though! - Debbie Hale (IL)

Dierks Bentley. Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Dierks Bentley. Photo Credit: Carrie Srebro

Cassady Feasby and Sheryl Crow, Hard Rock Cafe Nashville, 10-14-12, Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Dierks, Steve Misamore on drums, Sheryl Crow. Photo Credit: Ronna Clark

Carrie Srebro captured the Set List--Wish It Would Break & My Last Name are not listed--that's when he "stretched"
knowing Sheryl Crow was on her way!

When Sheryl Crow hit the stage she said, "I was with Dierks' wife Cassidy and our kids were playing together when we found out this was happening, I said, 'let's go down there and see what's happening'.  What can I say, I'm a jam whore.'"  Her first song was "If It Makes You Happy."



When Dierks introduced Sheryl and told the crowd, "Look at the smile on my band's faces!" he stepped side stage, but he couldn't hide his own smile either!

Dierks's smiling face watching Sheryl Crow perform

"I still can't believe Sheryl came by... she jumped in her car and came over the minute she heard it was happening."

After the show, Ricky Kelly, @TheHarleyGuy, presented items to bid on to further benefit Vandy's kids.  I think a DB signed motorcycle gas tank raised $3,000!

Ryan interviewed two of our 'shy' (not!) DB Congress Members, Sandra (NC) and Kathy (IN) and included them on this week's DBTV! I love when Dierks says he wanted to do something for his hard core fans!



Me? I flew in from Florida - 1440 round trip.  Favorite memory? How special Dierks made the fan club feel, and experiencing him sing "Wish It Would Break," a rare treat!

Every Mile A Memory...every song another scene...red sun down...out across the western sky...takes me back...

~Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair
Florida

Miles & Music For Kids - Oct. 14, 2012: Fan Club Pre-sale Wed. 8/15/12

Two of Dierks Bentley's favorite things to do are play music and riding motorcycles. He combines both loves  into one special event for his seventh annual “Miles & Music for Kids” celebrity motorcycle ride and concert in Nashville, TN on Sunday, October 14, 2012.

The charity event has occurred on 12 occasions in seven US cities to raise over $2 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country.

Tickets going on sale this Fri., Aug.17 at 10:00A CT through TicketMaster. But DB Congress (fan club members) will be able to buy tickets during the pre-sale that begins Wed., Aug. 15 at 10:00 a.m. CT through dierks.com.  Be sure to be logged in with your fan club login before the pre-sale begins.

There will NOT be a Meet and Greet offered for this event.

The event begins at Harley-Davidson of Columbia (1616 Harley Davidson Blvd., Columbia, TN) for a scenic hour-long motorcycle ride ending at downtown Nashville’s Riverfront Park. Following the ride, Bentley will host a family-friendly jam-style concert with special guests Sheryl Crow, Chris Young, Brantley Gilbert, The Cadillac Black and Craig Campbell all joining him on the ACM Lifting Lives main stage. More artist announcements will be made in the upcoming weeks.

"I really want to blow Miles & Music out this year and make it bigger than ever," said Dierks. "We've had the chance to help a lot of communities across the country, but the heart and soul of this event is in downtown Nashville with Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital and the artists and friends who come out and help us raise money. It's my favorite thing we do all year."

Fans can purchase tickets for the ride, concert and commemorative T-shirt for $50, or those looking to attend the concert only can purchase tickets for $20. Special VIP packages are also available. All proceeds from the event will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. 

From 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.

This is not only Dierks' favorite thing, its a "must do" for DBC reps! Check out some of the cool DB Congress experiences from previous Miles & Music Events:

Columbus, OH - May 2011
Nashville, TN - October 2010
Seattle, WA - September 2010
Dallas, TX - April 2010

DB Congress members always have an annual get together the Saturday night before Sunday MM4K, Nashville.  We meet at Joe's Crab Shack and have dinner, catch up with old friends, meet new ones, and most importantly, we all bring get well cards for the kids and pass them around the table for everyone to sign!

Stay tuned for details for our Oct. 13th  DB Congress Session!

Dierks Bentley's Free and Easy, Takes Fan Melissa Martin "Home"

I am sorry to have to bring you sad news today, but we have lost another member of the Dierks Bentley Congress family. Today we honor Melissa Blackard Martin, DBC rep from Cordova, TN, who died Tuesday after a three and a half year battle with cancer.

"Dierks was her favorite," Melissa's Aunt, Lora Moore, told me.  "She loved going to see him and always went if he was near. She would be so happy to know you were doing this [blog].  It also makes me feel so good that you are doing this for her!"

I never met Melissa in person, but after reading Lora's stories about Dierks and Melissa below, I wish I had:

"Melissa and I were very close. I don't know how to describe our relationship. I thought of her as a daughter, sister and good friend.  We would go together to as many Dierks shows that were possible! She won her first Meet and Greet at the Huntsville, AL show in May 2009. She was in remission at the time and was so happy to share her news that she was a cancer survivor! Dierks was sincerely happy for her and that brought her joy!

Later that month, she got the news that the cancer had come back and metastasized to her lungs. Even though she was sick, she wanted to go to Miles and Music For Kids in October 2009, so we did. It turned out to be a beautiful day! Melissa was so excited to meet Dierks at the Harley Davidson dealership! It was a perfect day with friends and the concert was fantastic!

After the concert, walking down Broadway, she spotted Dierks coming out of The Stage. He stopped and talked to us for several minutes. He remembered her and asked how she was doing. As she shared the news that the cancer was back, he expressed his sorrow and said he’d keep her in his prayers. It was a day she never forgot and I am forever thankful to Dierks for making her so happy that day!
 
She was too sick to make it to the ‘Up on the Ridge’ show at the Ryman, so her mom, Rita and I went and she listened on the phone to the show.
 
We were able to meet him one more time together at a Meet and Greet in June, 2010 in Tunica, MS and as always, she had a big smile as he asked how she was doing.
 
In August 2010, she was in remission again and made it to another Miles and Music For Kids event in October with myself and her mom. In December 2010, we got the news the cancer was back in her lungs and brain. She underwent brain surgery to remove tumors, and had full brain radiation and chemotherapy this past year. This past summer, she heard he was playing the Opry and wanted to go, so we surprised her with a front row seat. She could barely walk on a cane, but she pushed and went to see him one last time.

Her favorite song was ‘Free and Easy (Down The Road I Go). With heart and soul, she would sing, Someday I know it’s gonna take me home, so Free and Easy down the road I go!

We are so thankful to have had Melissa in our lives and will miss her so much!  Thank you, Dierks, for the memories!"

Melissa was 40 years old when she passed away on Tuesday, December 6, 2011, after a courageous fight with breast cancer, which she chronicled in her Caring Bridge site from the beginning of her diagnosis to the end. By doing this she had one wish: that by sharing her experiences, both good and bad, it might help someone else who was facing this terrible disease or other hardships.

Visitation will be Friday, December 9 from 6 - 9 pm at Shackelford's Funeral Home, Bolivar, Tennessee. Services will be Saturday, December 10 at 11:00 am in the chapel at Shackelford's. Burial will be in the Shandy Cemetery, Bolivar. A fund (Melissa Martin Fund) has been set up for Melissa's children at First South Bank, 809 West Market Street, Bolivar, Tennessee 38008, care of Lora Moore.

A fellow DB Congress rep, Takara (MO), remembers meeting Melissa for the first time at the Dierks show in Tunica, MS.  On behalf of the DB Congress, Takara has volunteered to collect money for flowers and/or donations for the Melissa Martin Fund. 
God bless you, Melissa! You're finally home!

~Ronna (DBC Chair, FL)

Miles & Music for Kids: Nashville

Dierks Bentley will host his sixth annual "Miles & Music for Kids" celebrity motorcycle ride and benefit concert on Oct. 16 in Nashville.

Over the event's six year history, it has raised $1.6 million for children's hospitals in Nashville, Phoenix, Dallas-Fort Worth, Atlanta, Seattle, Columbus and is also slated to stop in Chicago on Oct. 9.

The hour-long motorcycle ride will once again kick off at the Harley-Davidson in Columbia, Tenn. and end at Riverfront Park in downtown Nashville with a concert featuring Bentley and special guests including Eli Young Band, Colt Ford and Josh Thompson. Other artists will be added to the bill.
Tickets for the family-friendly event go on sale on Friday, Sept. 9 through Ticketmaster. Tickets for the ride, concert and commemorative T-shirt are $50, or those looking to attend the concert only can purchase tickets for $20. Sponsored by Nationwide Insurance, all proceeds from the Nashville event will benefit Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, a Children's Miracle Network Hospital.

In 2009, Bentley joined forces with Nationwide Insurance, CMT ONE COUNTRY and the Children's Miracle Network to take the successful "Miles & Music for Kids" benefit on the road, and has since expanded to visit six cities.For the latest news and ongoing artist announcements, visit www.dierks.com.

Dierks Bentley Weekend at BlackBerry Farm Will Benefit Miles & Music Charity

As the sun rises over the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains, the morning mist fades to unveil one of America's greatest hidden treasures, Blackberry Farm.

Dierks Bentley comes to Blackberry Farm this fall with his chart topping music and his big heart. With a show dedicated to raising funds for his Miles and Music For Kids program that benefits the Children's Hospital Network, Dierks understands the power of a song and the heart. The September 30-October 1 weekend will offer two concerts, one by Dierks, as well as a Harley-Davidson ride led by the singer and supported by Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson!

For about $5,000, you and a guest can join Dierks for an intimate weekend and even better cause! This is a super exclusive event, and only 120 guests will get the opportunity for this experience.  A two-night minimum stay is required at Blackberry Farm to attend the concert. Rates range from $995 - $1,045 for the Estate rooms and $1,345 - $1,995 for the Cottages, meals included - per person, per night.

The Friday night (Sep 30) concert will feature an up-and-coming Country artist and is $200 extra. The Saturday show (Oct 1) is Dierks and is $300 per person extra. Or the package for $500 includes both concerts.

The exclusive ride with Dierks from Smoky Mountain Harley-Davidson is $2,500 per person for the ride only.  Only 10 people will be able to join the ride.

Being from East TN, this cost seems a little extreme, but Blackberry Farm is an event in itself--an absolutely incredible place! And then Dierks in such an intimate setting, for charity...it sure would be worth the money.

~Emily
DBC Rep, TN

Yesterday, Blackberry Farm tweeted: "@dierksBentley we are excited about having you in East Tennessee October 1! Bring some of the @dbcongress with ya!"

Availability is going fast since there are only 120 tickets to be sold.  Call now to reserve your spot! 800-557-8864.

Dierks Bentley's Miles & Music For Kids Nashville: A DB Congress Perspective

(Dierks leads the pack-Photo Credit: Janet Marlborough)

(Photo Credit: Amy Shepheard)

"Our feet never touched the ground, " Dierks told the concert crowd of more than 5,000 on Sunday afternoon, October 17, 2010, referring to the group of bikers who followed him from the Harley-Davidson in Columbia, Tennessee to downtown Nashville's Riverfront stage--without stopping. According to Dierks, they shut down Green Hills so the Police Department could escort close to 1,500 bikers as they rode to raise money for the kids.

DB Congress Missouri rep, Leigh and her husband Scott were among the riders. They also rode in the Dallas MM4K event earlier this year.


New Delaware DBC-er, Amy and her husband Bobby also followed Dierks on their motorcycle. "I am really pleased with my first experience at Miles and Music For Kids," Amy told me. "It was a perfect day to raise money for a great cause. The weather was beautiful, and all of the participants were eager to make friends with one another. One of the best parts of the day was being able to meet people from all over the country who share the common bond of motorcycles and country music."

Amy continues, "Dierks was a gracious host and made time to thank every fan for participating. It was exciting to know that he was riding with the rest of us! Dierks led the pack on a relaxing, hour-long trek through some gorgeous Tennessee countryside that I would otherwise have never seen. A police escort kept the group together all the way into downtown Nashville where the riders got to park next to the park. I had a fantastic time making new friends and raising money for a wonderful charity. I am already planning my return trip next year!"





Even though this was the 5th anniversary of the Miles and Music For Kids in Nashville to benefit the Monroe Carell Jr.'s Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt, it was my first time at the event. It was an enlightening experience!

My Southwest flight from Tampa landed in Nashville on Saturday, October 16 around noon and my DB Congress friend Ann picked me up from the airport. We checked into our downtown hotel and then off to the fan club get-together at Joe's Crab Shack. We were 23 strong, from 11 states and signed 94 get-well cards for the kids! David (DBC rep in KY), organized the evening, and arranged through Chris (Dierks' road manager) to get a bag of DB guitar pics to place inside each card! WOW! We found out later there are over 200 kids in the hospital, so next year we need more cards, congress!

Debbie (IL), David (KY), Janet (CA)

The next morning we drove to the Harley shop in Columbia to see Dierks off. We ran into about a dozen DBC-ers, too!

That's me on the far left--with the Starbuck's Grande Skinny Caramel Latte!

We picked up our VIP back pack and T-Shirt and I found a place to put all my stuff down and get organized. I had my back to Ann and her family and was only gone about 30 seconds. When I walked back over to them, there was Dierks! I couldn't get my camera out fast enough, but got a hug from him then up the stairs he went to the VIP lounge.

Outside, Ira Dean was just finishing up his set and I planted myself there right up front thinking Dierks would do some announcements before the ride. During that time, Dierks did some media interviews inside the shop, and several fans got autographs and photos. I was torn between running in there or holding my ground. I stayed, and got a few good shots of Dierks pre-ride:

Dierks with Heidi Newfield (formerly with Trick Pony)

After annoucements, they were walking toward the bikes and I tried one last time to get a pic with D, but it wasn't meant to be. Oh, he took a pic with me, but I forgot to take it off zoom! It's not like I don't have umpteen photos with him, but this day was a special event.

Once the riders were on their way, we drove to the Riverfront and found the VIP tent, which was serving Mexican (what else?), and ice cold beverages. We took our chairs up to the side stage and watched all the performers. How surprising and refreshing to see Dierks' band-mates playing for some of the artists! Even Dierks himself came out several times to play guitar in the back part of the stage.



Dierks joins the Del McCoury Band!

On a few occasions he stepped to a microphone and joined in the singing, too! Special thanks to Jayme for taking pics with my camera since she was in the front row!

Dierks and Luke Bryan go Fishin' In The Dark!

Dierks and Miranda team up.

Then he did his own set, beginning with "Lot Of Leavin' Left To Do," where he changed the lyric to "There's at least another million miles under these old 'bike" treads," instead of 'bus'. All the fast hits followed, as he catered to the bike-enthusiast crowd:


Tom Petty's 'Learning to Fly' was covered creatively by Dierks and Mat Kearney, and What Was I Thinkin', while not on the set list, is always a given staple of a Bentley show! The Up On The Ridge arrangement was, well, WOW! Steve was rocking out on those drums!



Dierks was clearly in awe of host Laura Bell Bundy's tap dancing skills!






Miranda makes Dierks laugh so hard...I wonder what's in that cup?


Bad Angel was a treat since Miranda was there, and they added Jerrod Nieman to fill in for Jamey Johnson's part.


In between artists, we meandered in and out of the VIP tent and we saw people like Ray Scott, Tim Sergent (steel/banjo), and Brian Layson (lead guitar). At one point we were asked to stay inside the tent for a minute--what? Then Dierks walked by on his way to a Meet & Greet a few yards away. He waved and said hi.



I saw Brian and asked if he'd take a pic and he agreed!

Dan Hochhalter, Dierks's new fiddle player, came out before Miranda performed to say hi and take a pic (thanks Brit!). Thanks, Kristin for finding me and taking the pic! We told him how happy we were to finally have a fiddle player in DB's band! It was great to meet the new guys finally! Next time--Cassady!


The big moment of the day came when the kids presented Dierks with the "check." He gladly signed below the $250,990.62 amount, "On behalf of C & W fans and motorcycle enthusiasts, Dierks Bentley."


After the concert I noticed a couple dozen fans by the fence and decided to take my chances again. Dierks did come up to the fence and signed for a few minutes and I was able to get him to sign some CD covers, but again, no time for a pic--wasn't meant to be. Dierks never ceases to amaze me, though. Chris had the car running, waiting for Dierks since he had to be at the airport at 5 am for NYC the next day. A few fans were disappointed. One girl yelled, "Dierks, it's her birthday and she didn't get a picture with you!" Dierks got out of the car, came back to the fence, smiled for the camera and off he went! How many artists do you know that would do that? I can only think of one. Dierks Bentley.


If Dierks' feet never touched the ground once the caravan of motorcycles started on their mission, my mind never left the clouds. It was a beautiful day in so many ways! Great music, great friends all coming together for a great cause!

The Capitol Building at night from my hotel window.

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair