DIERKS SUPPORTS JIMMY'S JOURNEY

I've been a fan of country music artist Jimmy Wayne since I saw him at SeaWorld in 2004. And although this is a site dedicated to Dierks Bentley, I felt compelled to tell you about Jimmy's journey. Don' worry, Dierks is in this story, too!

As many of you know, Jimmy Wayne, who toured with Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley last summer, began a bold, solo journey on New Year's Day to bring awareness to teen homelessness. He is walking--with nothing more than a back pack, tent, gloves and a coat, from Nashville, Tennessee to Phoenix, Arizona, in temperatures in the teens over the last few days.

His mission--dubbed the "Meet Me Halfway" campaign (since he is walking halfway across America)--is to to raise awareness of the plight of the homeless, especially at risk children, teens and young adults, but also raise funds for organizations that benefit homeless youth, including HomeBase Youth Services, a Phoenix, AZ -- based organization that provides essentials for homeless young adults.

“I realize beginning a mission like this in the dead of winter and walking through the middle of the country is going to be difficult, but I hope and pray I am up to the challenge,” Wayne said. “It’s going to be cold, rainy and maybe even snowing and that ground I sleep on at night is going to be really hard. But that’s what the homeless are dealing with each and every winter they go without a home of their own."

Teens who are aging out of the foster care system with no place to go, tend to end up homeless. This is a very personal cause for Jimmy, as he found himself in that situation as a teen after growing up in a variety of foster and group homes. He was given a second chance when Bea and Russell Costner gave him a home and fresh start when he was only 16 years old.

Although Jimmy is walking alone, he's had help along the way in the form of food, fellowship from fans and his management/record label.

Dierks Bentley has also offered his support, making donations to the Homebase Youth Services in honor of the Meet Me Halfway campaign (Homebase Youth Services is based in Dierks Bentley's hometown of Phoenix, AZ).

Follow Jimmy on his journey on Twitter.

Click here to watch a video from Fox 17 News in Nashville.

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

DIERKS AT THE RYMAN-JUST ANOTHER SUNSET

Whether it's a performance at The Grand Ole Opry House or the historic Ryman Auditorium, The Grand Ole Opry holds a special place in my heart. I've enjoyed dozens of memorable experiences at the Opry, but never from the front row, until December 1, 2009.

When I found out Dierks Bentley was playing the Opry at the Ryman, I knew it would be my last chance to see him in 2009, so I started checking for tickets. I could not believe my luck that Section 3, Row AA, Seat 1 came up! At first, I thought, that's probably row 27 after "Z," but after confirming I quickly entered my credit card and sealed the deal!

Now to secure a flight. Not so lucky. I love flying Southwest--direct to Music City, but it was not to be. $489--I don't think so! So I had to settle for a slowdown (stopover) in Charlotte before making my way to my final destination--Nashville, Tennessee--to get an affordable price.


Since it was a long trip alone and just a short piece of time--less than 36 hours start to finish, I declined the car rental and took taxis to and fro. The Best Western Music Row was just the right price and less than 2 miles from downtown. DBC rep Camille came by to say hi and give me a card to give Dierks. I then had some time to kill so I decided to take a taxi downtown and check out the infamous "Rippy's"--they had live entertainment and awesome chicken fingers!

Then off to the alley--the famous alley--between the back door artist entrance to the Ryman and the back doors to honky-tonk row--The Stage, Tootsie's, Legends, Roberts...all the historic greats! It was a little too cold for this Florida girl - in the 40's, but thanks to my friend and DBC rep Heather who lives 5 blocks from there for hanging out with me even though she didn't have a ticket to the show. I also met Tawny Tucker, aka Country Music Tattle Tale blogger and DBC rep from TN! We all waited in the bone-chilling weather in hopes of an impromptu Meet & Greet with Dierks, Jimmy, or Jason--but mostly Dierks! By five minutes til show time--there still was no sign of them.

The show started at 7, so I went in to get warm. When the usher walked me to my seat I could not believe it! I expected to be in the first row pew (The Ryman is an old historic church complete with original pew/benches), but there were about 5 rows of folding chairs in front of the first row pews! I was in the first seat in the first row--one foot from the stage! I had to scoot my chair back a foot just to see everyone on the stage!

I had barely sat down when I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was DBC rep, Larissa from Kentucky! She gave me a belated b-day card to give to Dierks, and I had one of my own. I had no hope of getting backstage and was planning to brave the cold again after the show to wait it out in the alley again.

Weaved between legends like Jimmy C. Newman, Whispering Bill Anderson, The Whites, and Dailey & Vincent were Jason Michael Carroll, Jimmy Wayne, and Dierks Bentley!

Jason sang Hurry Home, Where I'm From and another song from his new album. Wow--what a voice!
Jimmy sang Sara Smile, I Love You This Much, and Trespassin'.



After JW, Little Jimmy Dickens was scheduled, but I had heard a guard say he was still ill and wouldn't be there, so I knew Dierks was next. And there he was...waiting in the wings!



I started snapping a few pics and he looked out and saw me in the front row and waved--I waved back. The lady sitting next to me was like, "Do you KNOW him?" (Yeah), how do you know him? (I'm in the fan club)...have you met him before? (yes many times)...so he knows you? (yes)...She had no clue who he was but she was impressed.


I got a few pics of Tim and Robbie as they were waiting while Eddie Stubbs was spouting off a killer intro for Dierks.

Dierks came center stage and never left. The Opry is not like a regular live show where Dierks is all over the stage running and jumping and sliding like Bo Duke. No siree. center stage and a few bars with Robbie, a few with Rod then center mic again. Free and Easy...Opry's rockin' on the radio...he intro'd Beautiful World by saying he had been watching tv earlier seeing how more troops were being deployed and he dedicated BW to the troops and their families. Then I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes, and ended with Lotta Leavin' Left To Do.



They were done singing, but finishing the guitar parts, and the curtain started closing! The look on his face was like, what? So he had no chance to walk along the front row like he sometimes does, for hand slaps or autographs. And the ushers came rushing up to ward off any stage jumpers. And I am sooooooooooo not a bold person, but Dierks inspires me, so I grabbed the 3 cards, took one giant leap forward and ducked my head under the curtain. The floor of the stage was higher than my waist, but I saw Dierks walking and called out to him. He came over and said thanks for coming sweetie and I gave him the cards, told him he sounded awesome and he said he had to go do an interview. Normally we would hug but the stage was too high so he kissed his hand and reached down to transfer it to my cheek. There he goes again...always finding a way to make a girl feel special! And just like that he was gone.


I wandered out back to the alley, hoping to get a real hug but he never came out. The guards said he went out another door. But I did run in to Tim and Rod and Jimmy. I told JW how much I love the new album and especially "Just Look At You" and he said a lot of people love that song, and get this...he started singing a few bars! What?! Right there in the alley of the Ryman Awesome! What a phenomenal voice.

So back to the hotel and off to the airport the next morning, where my cabi is really friendly, talkative, interesting, an aspiring songwriter, AND he knows who Dierks is--automatically he's my friend! I highly recommend him.

<

• Roundtrip USAIR - Tampa to Charlotte to Nashville -$359
• Opry at the Ryman Section 3, AA, seat 1 - $57
• Taxis to/from airport, hotel, downtown -$80
• Best chicken fingers ever at Rippy's - $10
• Best Western Music Row $85
• Just another sunset, one more kiss from my baby, a smile from a friend...PRICELESS!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

DIERKS PHOENIX MM4K CONCERT PICS

Thanks to Jill (Dearpie), an inaugural member of the Arizona DB Congress who was right up front for the November 21, 2009 Miles and Music For Kids concert. She got some great shots of Dierks Bentley and specials guests like Jessi Colter, Jimmy Wayne, Stoney Larue, and Roger Kline and the Peacemakers.



Whoa! Where did his right hand go? It's magic!

Rod Janzen, Dierks Bentley, Jimmy Wayne

Rod Janzen, Jimmy Wayne, Jessi Colter, Roger Kline, Dierks, Steve Misamore, Robbie Harrington

OK, congress. I need a caption for this pic! Best answer wins a prize!

BIG APPLE, GARDEN APPETITE FOR DIERKS

Here's an interesting blog about the Brad/Dierks/Jimmy show at Madison Square Garden last week, from a self-proclaimed "Englishman in New York."

http://heavier-than-air.blogspot.com/2009/10/cmj-report-day-2.html

"I headed uptown to the Garden. If country music isn't a staple in the big city, nobody told the thousands that flooded into the arena on this particular evening. With a strong, well-known dual billing of Dierks Bentley (right) and Brad Paisley, the crowd appetite for this one was palpable from the moment we took our seats. Opener Jimmy Wayne did his best to energise the audience ahead of the main acts and, to some extent, succeeded in doing so with his enthusiastic stage running and sign-waving ("How many of you have ever even remotely heard of me?", being a particularly self-deprecating and unpretentious effort).Nonetheless, he appeared slightly dwarfed by the stage and perhaps requires stronger songs to captivate at this level. 'A' for effort though. Dierks Bentley suffers from no such limitations, however, his set being warmly received and the singer himself looking every inch at home on the multi-pronged stage. With a number of songs having charted well in the past, the crowd is perfectly familiar with his catchy material and proves it by singing the words of said tunes right along with him."

CA REPS MEET DIERKS IN SAN DIEGO

Two of our DB Congress members, representing California, won Meet and Greets before the San Diego show October 2. Notice Dierks is wearing a "Spiritual Gangster" shirt. That's new and different from the plaid or plain T's! I hope you enjoy both experiences from Janet and Stephanie below!

JanetM:
Friday, it's been hot here and today it started to get cloudy, humid and then rain. Oh No! It hasn't rained since February you see, and this is fire country. So we are thrilled for the rain and crushed that it decided to do it the one day Dierks is in town playing in an outdoor amphitheater. Cricket Wireless Amp. is about 10 miles from the Mexican border, in an area that used to be the middle of nowhere, but is surely becoming part of the Chula Vista suburbs. Pretty rolling hills that look a littler greener today. The rain off and on stops about 4:30 as I drove in. I was a tailgate party of one, with my Dierks Flag sticking out the sun roof of the car.

So I sat in the back end facing the Amphitheater and listened to Dierks do sound check. Sound check started 3 hours late, so that backed us all up in getting in. While waiting, I handed out business cards to the locals to join Dierks.com and made new friends in the fan club, all wearing their Meet & Greet passes. We congregated to the side of the stage and Brittany finally let us go back.

We stood there in a circle until Dierks arrived. He took alot of time, wasn't rushed and talked to everyone, took pictures and then talked about coming to San Diego as a kid for the summers (that Zoni). [Zonis come every summer and on Labor Day, us natives take the place back.] He talked about being here for a vacation early one morning and he & Cass were walking on the beach when he was approached by a guy with a video camera. "Oh no," groans Cass. Dierks says the guy just asked him about how he liked the weather and asked him his name. No recognition. Dierks just laughed.

We told him that NBC had played 'Sideways' on the morning show two days ago. Fely, who works for NBC San Diego was in the crowd and she was responsible for it. "Jason pronounced your name right," I said. "Really?" Dierks replied. Finally, we had to go. He still was going to see the people the radio stations had lined up for him and wanted us to see Jimmy Wayne's set.

Dierks hit the stage singing Sideways, running, sliding, hitting all three platforms. He ventured up the stairs into the crowd at one point. After Sideways, he talked to the crowd and mentioned that the last time he was in town it was a little different venue - the Casbah Bar. Funny, since that's what we talked about in the M&G. If I was really good, I'd remember all the songs he sang, but I was too busy living the moment.

During So So Long he walked down (ran) the center aisle looking at the crowd. I was three people from the end of the row at the end of the ramp. He pointed at me and waited until I got to the edge of the stage, grabbed my hand and spun me around. Now you have to understand that the stage is over my head by about a half a foot, I am tripping on the stage equipment, and I get caught and can't whip around. Okay, sadly there is someone who dances even worse than Dierks. He thinks it's funny too and is laughing while he's singing as he lets me go. He sits down at the end of the stage sticks the mic in a girl's face and says "what's your name?" She answers and he says "Nice to meet you, but I have to go back to work now," rolls back and continues to sing So So Long. So much for multi-tasking!

At the end when as he was getting ready to sing 'What Was I Thinking" he sits at the edge of the stage and asked someone if they watched a Will Ferrell movie. The girl had no clue. So I suspect everyone today is trying to figure out the Ron Burgundy references. Nice try Dierks! Last song was Free and Easy. It was over way, way, too quickly. How I love to watch him sing!

========================================

Stephanie (beaglefan21)
A few months before the show, I saw the San Diego show was right next to Evie's first bithday. So I got the idea she needed a birthday card! I told my friends on dierksfan.com and let everyone sign up for their name on the card. Some just gave their name, some had screen names and where they where from. I added them all the day before the show and wrapped it up and could not wait to give him the card. I could not wait for that!

The day got going when my friend Ivory and I left around three for the show at seven thirty and we had Dierks playing all the way there! We picked up my meet and greet pass and turned around to see none other then fellow DBC'r JANET! We said our hi's and how are yous then we waited for a bit for them to let us in! Then we found the meet and greet area and waited a bit talking to few people around me. Jimmy Wayne fans went in first and we had to wait until he was done before we went in.

As we walked in, Jimmy walked out! We all said hi but he just went on walking. But as we waited I was near a few girls who where just the 'lets-get-a-meet-and-greet-never-get-on-the-board fans.' They called me crazy knowing so much about DB and about the card I got for Evie. But I did not care--I was happy I knew so much about him and happy for the card. But no matter what if you are a big fan, knowing all about him, if you pass out stickers or run a site for him, or just go to his show you are his fan!

So once we got in the area, that was pretty dark and there was Dierks' background thing and Brad's across from his. Eveveryone was taking pictures of it so i did too, but it looks much better with DB in front of it! Once he was there was when the nerves hit! My heart was going crazy and I watched as one after another met Dierks--one girl giving him a coffee cup even!

But before I knew it, I was up! It was so great--right off he went for a hug and smiled and said, "You've been to my shows before I've seen you!" Aw...it had been a year since I last saw him at the Knitting Factory, and three years since I last met him. But he said, "Yeah, I remember you from here when I said this was where I last met him. I gave him the card saying it was for Evie from me and some of his fans. He said thanks and how her birthday was in two days. He put it in his pocket and I am sure he looked at it later. There was much more I wanted to tell him about the card and how dierksfans.com was on it, but you know you can't waste time. Inside, the card said, "wishes to you for a day of birthday fun!"

I wished I could have told him I got him a fan from Indonesia to join the DB Congress, but time ran out. Maybe next time right? I had the Country Weekly--the one with just him on the cover. He signed it, 'Love ya, Dierks.' Then another hug, and I went and waited at the side until everyone else met him.

Then we all got to get close to him and talked about his favorite Mexican food, and how he was walking on the beach with Cassie when some news guy did an interview with him but he had no idea who Dierks was. He was sweet and we talked for a little bit. Then it was time for the group shot. I always told myself get near the middle in front of Dierks--and I got it! Right in the middle! And soon I felt his hand on my shoulder. It was great--that made me happy! Then sadly he had more to meet and we had to go. We said good bye, and good luck and it was time for the show.

Jimmy got everyone going and Dierks rocked it! He made jokes, sang his songs perfectly and looked great. Brad came out at the end and he did great too! The last song when Brad, Jimmy and Dierks sang, it was perfect. There was even some "surfing!" What a great night!

Thanks, ladies, for sharing your Dierks stories!

DB FANS SEE TX STARS ON A RAINY NIGHT

Texas DB Congress rep, Connie, was excited to share her Dierks experience with us:

Well it was a rainy week in Texas, and I had concert tickets to see Mr. Dierks Bentley in Dallas on Saturday September 12. It was only a 2 hour drive, plus I had a M&G so I was going to be there rain or shine. I had an extra ticket to the show and Penny wanted to go, so I told her she could have the ticket.

The drive seemed long--it was raining non-stop the whole way. We finally made it to the venue, and for some reason the lady let me park in the parking lot back where the buses were and told us how to get to the will call. As we pulled in, we saw the green machine (Dierks' jeep), and I was no longer wondering WWIT (what was I thinkin') for driving up here in this weather!

We could hear Brad singing W2TF during sound check, as we were walking to will call. The guy said he didn't have the tickets or passes to check the other side so we walked to the other side but it wasn't even open so we asked a lady and she told us to check the other side. I explained I had just left that side and he told me to come over here and that I just wanted to get pointed in the right direction so I could get out of the rain, because the wind kept messing up my umbrella! Why does it seem like every show nobody knows what's going on?

I headed back to the first will call and the guy told us to come back in a hour. We told him thanks and headed for lunch. After lunch we headed back to the venue and picked up the tickets, and waited for the doors to open. The parking lot was filling up and the guys were starting to get in line for the grass seats. Lucky for us our seats were covered. There was a bar that opened before the venue so we went in and soon after they told us we could head into the venue.

Penny headed to the radio stations to fill out for a Meet & Greet, while I sat by and talked to the stations about concerts and they loved my "Who the hell is Dierks Bentley" T-shirt.

It was time for me to head to the fan club M&G so I left Penny and she stayed there by the radio station tent. As soon as I walked away I got a call from Penny. She said, "I just got a hug from Dierks, he was talking to the radio stations!" I was happy for her that she got to see him, because she didn't win a M&G, but she was happy that she got to see and say hi to him.

Big 96.3 radio posted this video of Brad, Dierks and Jimmy interviews. Dierks is at the 4 minute mark.

I went and lined up with the other people for the M&G. We were all there early so Brittany said ok lets get out of the rain. We all went into the room and she went over how it was going to go. Everyone was to put everything on the table except the one thing you wanted him to sign, and your camera. I handed out the Congress stickers from Alicia.

As we waited we all talked about Twitter, and I mentioned Brad had posted one that said Dierks was bald. She said she hadn't seen it. She said we should have seen the one Dierks wouldn't let her post. I said "Awww...just post it next time!" Someone made a comment about the towel sharing and we all laughed. Then one girl looks around and says "Question--why is nobody wearing a white tank top?" and everyone said "uhhh...its raining." Someone also mentioned getting beer at the M&G. Brittany said, "You'll have to talk to your president about that, but I'm sure it would up your fan club fees."

I was a little nervous about my M&G this time thinking Dierks is probably like, 'I'm tired of seeing this girl.' But Dierks walked in and everyone lined up and started taking pics. One person had a Magazine for him to sign. He said, "I can tell this is old 'cause my name is in all caps and Taylor Swift's is lower case."

It was my turn for my picture. I smiled and gave him a hug. My plan was to tell him, "Whenever you get tired of seeing me let me know," and to thank him for his time during the M&G because I know he doesn't have to spend that time talking with us, because of a past M&G experience that I had with another artist. But instead I said, "Thanks for the beer and popcorn in Ft. Hood, that was the first beer I ever drank!" He laughed. He also asked if we had any signs to hold up and I told him we didn't because our seats were too far back. He asked where our seats were, I told him and said next show I would definitely have some signs.



We lined up for a group photo, and he did Q&A and I told him I was ready for him to headline & pit section!!! A lady asked how long they played for, he said "50 minutes." She asked 15 mins? He said, "Yes, I sing like this," and starting singing really fast and then told her 50 minutess again. The M&G was over and everyone got their last hug. When I got mine, he said "Always good to see you," which made me feel a little better about filling out for a m&g again (fan club allows 2 per year now), and I told him next time I would have signs.

I headed out to my seat, my poor concert ticket was falling apart from the rain. I told the guy it's falling apart so he took out the flashlight to read where my seat was. I went to my seat as Penny & I waited for the show to start. First Jimmy Wayne came on and I knew a couple of his songs, plus he sang "Sara Smile." I think he said that was his next single. I only knew that song from the oldies station.

Next it was time for Dierks. He came out to SIDEWAYSSS -- lots of energy and running around as always. Songs included in no particular order What Was I Thinking, Free and Easy, My Last Name, Lot of Leavin Left To do, Settle for a Slowdown, How Am I Doin, Every Mile A Memory, Feel That Fire, Come A Little Closer (I know I am missing some probably). Even though we were on row R we stood up singing and screaming the whole show.

After Dierks' set was over, my voice was gone a little as I told the people next to us they could move down--we weren't staying for Brad. They looked at us like, What? I said, Yes, Dierks is amazing--we saw who we came to see! They asked, Are you sure? I said, Positive! They thanked us and moved down! In the end it was a great show, and amazing M&G as always, but you guys already know that!

Can't wait to do it again! Every Mile a Memory!

Connie
DB Congress
Texas rep

CRAWFORD COUNTY CROWD - WHAT WERE THEY THINKIN'?

Although he missed a M&G with Dierks Bentley, writer Dave Richards was duly impressed with our DB Congress prez, even if the rest of the crowd was not so enthusiastic:


"I caught Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley and some of Jimmy Wayne at Crawford County Fair. I spent about 45 minutes in a long, snaking line of traffic before even getting a whiff of cotton candy. The delay, alas, prevented me from attending a meet-and-greet with Dierks Bentley. He had graciously offered a chance to meet him before he played but my daughter and I didn’t pull into the venue until Wayne was well under way.

No matter. Bentley was on fire, even if the crowd response seemed a little underwhelming. He opened with recent hit “Sideways,” while “Feel That Fire,” in particular, scorched. “Come a Little Closer” also shined.

Bentley spent as much time high-fiving fans and racing from catwalk to catwalk as he did singing. Seemed to me he might have returned for an encore but the crowd didn’t exactly encourage him."

JIMMY PINGS DIERKS ON FIRE

I just found this on Jimmy Wayne's Twitter ping post 30 minutes ago from backstage:

"Dierks is on fire!!!!!!!!!! "

Where are they tonight?

JIMMY, DIERKS, BRAD--FRIENDS TOURING TOGETHER

Our friends at Gotcountry? posted a blog quoting Jimmy Wayne on touring with his pals Dierks and Brad:

“Every day we roll into the venues it makes me realize how fortunate I am to get to do what I do, and to be running up and down the highways with two guys who I’ve considered friends for years makes it all the more fun,”

“You know, when you see great artists—great entertainers—like Brad and Dierks are, you don’t always find people on that level of success so approachable, but that is not the case with either of those guys. Now I have known them since before I broke through years back, but you know, they treat everyone the same, no matter who you are."

Read the whole blog here, including a video of the trio singing, 'Alcohol.'

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

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

=======================================================

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.

GOOD OLD BOYS 'SATURDAY NIGHT' SMART

Hazel Smith is my favorite columnist--mostly because she loves Dierks Bentley as much as we all do! Here's her latest love for Dierks:

"I wish I was smart enough or schooled enough to say how proud I am of Brad. It seems his every move is a winner. For example, his 2009 opening acts are Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne. Now that's a really smart move! Dierks is releasing hit singles right and left, and Jimmy's singing for more country music fans than he ever dreamed possible. Those boys are having a good old time out there, and the critics can't say enough good stuff about American Saturday Night -- the album and the concert."

DIERKS AND JIMMY JAMMIN'

Found this little gem on musicrow.com.

Jimmy Wayne takes a camera with him everywhere he travels, and this week his label Valory Music Co. launched a weekly series spotlighting some of his favorite photos from the road. See below.