Grace, The Happy Intern, Gets Surprised by Dierks Bentley

Grace Lenehan is a long time member of the Dierks Bentley Congress, representing Ohio.  But this summer she interned for Sirius XM The Highway and on her last day, Storme Warren surprised her with getting Dierks to stop by the studio on August 14.

Grace found an emotional connection with Dierks's music after watching him perform Long Trip Alone on the Opry on GAC TV in 2006.

Right before he played the song he said, “I don’t know if you’re the praying kind, but if you are, make this your prayer tonight.” I realized that listening to the song in that way put an entirely new meaning on it, and it really hit me hard.  Many artists have music that have said something to me...but Dierks’ music was the first one to really hit me in the face and make me fall in love with country music.

During his visit to The Highway, Dierks did an on-air interview with Storme, who will also be hosting Dierks' Miles and Music For Kids event in Nashville, September 28 at the Riverfront.  Dierks admitted that DB Congress flocked his yard and Storme mentioned Grace was a DB Congress member and she told him she had been to a few Last Call Balls "back in the day."  I had the pleasure of meeting Grace and her mom Carrie at Last Call Ball in 2009.

At the end of the interview, Dierks said he would be filming his next video that weekend for "Say You Do," so I think it's safe to say that's the next single!

Grace was so surprised by his visit, she said that her summer was "complete" and tells how much Dierks and his music means to her in this blog.  She also got a chance to tell Dierks he was one of the artists that got her into country music, and Dierks thought that was the best compliment!

You can listen to the 20 minute audio of the interview with Dierks here.

One of my favorite parts of the audio is toward the end when Dierks reminds everyone again that Grace is a part of the DB Congress.  That emotional connection keeps us fans for life!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair (FL)

In Memory: Dierks Bentley's Dad Dies

As you know by now, Dierks Bentley's dad died Friday.  Leon Bentley was 88 years old, a WWII veteran and a huge influence on his son's life.  Dierks tweeted the news yesterday along with a very personal photo:

"my dad died yesterday. it was an honor to comfort him as he left us. thank you fans for the time and understanding."

Dierks is like family to us and this news saddens us deeply.  The DB Congress has been asking of ways to help honor Leon's memory.  The Bentley family is asking that all donation go to Hospice.  We are setting up an account to gather as one lump sum from DB Congress (details soon).  But if you prefer to send individually, send to:  Hopice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ  85014.

We are also sending flowers to the service on behalf of DB Congress.  If you would like to contribute, send to Ronna Clark, 754 Burlwood Street, Brandon, FL  33511.

Performances were cancelled for June 2 after the Washington Nationals game and the annual fan club party--Last Call Ball 8, scheduled for June 6.  Dierks is scheduled to resume performances on Saturday, June 9 in Detroit and CMA Fest June 10.

From dierks.com:

"Thanks to everyone for all the thoughts and prayers you've extended to Dierks and his family. With a heavy heart, we have to postpone Last Call Ball 8 on Wednesday. We plan to reschedule for you guys later this year. Tickets will be refunded, please stay tuned for more details. We will let you know as soon as we have a new date set. Keep checking back here at Dierks.com for more information. Thank you all for your unwavering support and understanding." 

Many DBC reps will still be in Nashville Wednesday and are still planning to meet, even without LCB.  We'll post details when we know.

Just know that we're thinking of you, Dierks, and praying for strength for you and your family. We hope you take as much time as you need with your family--we the fans understand and are here for you now and when you get back.  That's what families do.

Dierks Bentley Added to CMA Fest Nightly Performances

Dierks Bentley has joined the performance lineup for the Nightly Concerts at LP Field during 2012 CMA Music Festival. The event that USA Today calls “the crown jewel of Country Music festivals” will again take over downtown Nashville, TN for four days this summer, Thursday-Sunday June 7-10, 2012.

The CMA Music Festival celebrates the unique relationship between country music artists and their fans in the heart of Music City USA. The artists participate for free, and on their behalf, CMA has donated half the net proceeds of the festival to support music education through the Keep the Music Playing program.

To date, more than $6.1 million has been donated to purchase musical instruments and supplies, providing thousands of students in Metro Nashville Public Schools with the resources and opportunities they could not have afforded on their own, and giving many of them a strong reason to remain in school.

Featuring concerts, autograph signings, family activities, and more, CMA Music Festival is an unparalleled celebration of America’s music. In 2011, the event drew a record-setting 65,000 fans from all 50 states and 26 nations and, for the second consecutive year, sold out in advance each night at LP Field for the star-packed nightly concerts.

No word yet on the exact night Dierks will perform, but we'll keep you posted.  Traditionally, Dierks also hosts his annual "Last Call Ball" fan club party the Wednesday evening prior to the Thursday festival start, so stay tuned for that announcement as well.

If you don't already have your tickets, click here for details.

Dierks' Last Call Ball Tickets Still Available!

Can you believe Last Call Ball tickets are NOT sold out yet? Dierks Bentley is hosting his annual DB Congress (fan club) party at Rocketown (601 Fourth Avenue South Nashville, TN 37210) in downtown Nashville, TN on Wed., June 8, 2011 at 10 pm CST! 

Tickets went on sale Tuesday as a soft launch email, and are still available!  This year, DB Congress members can buy one for themself at $35 and up to 3 guests at $40 each.

The ticket includes an exclusive Dierks Bentley "Last Call Ball" Fan Club Member laminate, photo op with Dierks, food, and a rockin' performance!

Don't miss this opportunity to get up-close and personal with Dierks as well as a rockin' performance!  You must be a DBC member to buy tickets here!

Hope to see you all there!  I think this is lucky LCB7!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

LAST CALL BALL, MEET & GREETS ANNOUNCED

After Dierks Bentley's official fan club website, dierks.com, finally announced the Meet and Greet winners for next Wednesday's Last Call Ball (June 9) at the Limelight in Nashville, the promise of 100 names was broken. Instead, EVERY fan club member who applied won a M&G! That's 250 DB Congress reps, folks!

"We've saved the biggest and best Last Call Ball surprise for last! Our meet and green winners for Last Call Ball are listed below, and if this list looks bigger than 100 people, that's because... it is! EVERYONE who applied for a meet & greet (and still has a valid membership) will be meeting Dierks next Wednesday night at Last Call Ball 2010! Signups are now closed and this is the final list of people who will be attending the meet & greet.

Oh, and to help get this party started, we're throwing in 2 free Bud Lights for every fan club member who purchased tickets before the public onsale! "

I challenge anyone reading this to name one country music artist who would open the doors at 10:30 p.m., perform a concert, then sign autographs and take pictures with 250 people. There's no way he's gonna be done before 4 a.m.! Man, I don't know how he does it! When does our president sleep? This is why we love and support him--unconditionally! He gives so much of himself to his fan club. We just want you to know, Dierks, it means the world to us!

See you next week!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair

LAST CALL BALL - MEET & GREETS

On this week's GACTV Top 20 Countdown, Dierks was featured as one of the CMA Fest interview snippets. Here's what he had to say about his fan club party:

"This whole deal as a singer it's kind of like thanksgiving, where you count your blessings, think of all the things you're thankful for and get a chance to see all your fans personally and thank them for this great life you get to live and live out your dreams. So that's what CMA Fest is...the fan club party is like sitting around the family table, you know, because those faces I've seen them now for 5, 6 years and we've grown up together, gone through a lot of shows together, and a lot of life experiences together. So the fan club party is really special. It's a 2-way street and I get a lot out of it--hopefully as much as they get out of it, too. It's a big deal."

Several fan clubbers (and DB Congress reps) wanted to share their LCBV M&G photos and stories, so here they are:

I was freaking out the whole time that pic was being taken! lol I wished it could have lasted longer! I was still freaking out even after we got outside.

I looked at Mikhael (husband) and my hands were shaking and my eyes were even watering a little bit. All he said was 'you don't do that when you see me!' I think he got a little jealous.

This was her first photo with Dierks!

~Kendra, Louisiana

During my M&G with Dierks, when it was my turn I had told Dierks I do not have anything for him to sign (I am not big on signatures anyways) and told him I have too many things signed and would just like a picture this time. We took the picture and he tried to make conversation by saying he liked my shirt and thought it was really cute. I said thanks and walked out so he could move on to the next fan.

As I was walking away Dierks said, "WAIT, wait, wait!" I turned around and he said "Is that an Urban tattoo I see?" Busted! I just smiled and said "you don't see nothing"!

So you know, I am not an Urban fan but do like the Monkey figure, so I had it done in my own way...No worries, Dierks is still my #1!
~Anne, Minnesota


It was so nice meeting everyone at the fan club party.

It was a fantastic experience and fun meeting so many people.

Thanks so much! Dierks is awesome!

~Lora, New Hampshire

Theresa (left) is our 501st DBC rep! She and her sister Joelle (below) are from New York.

"We had a great time meeting Dierks and can't wait to meet him again. Thanks!"

~Amy, Virginia

A VIDEO MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT...

Dierks Bentley has a natural ability to "wing it" - no script - just says what's on his mind. Me on the other hand - I could only utter the words "Hi" and "Bye." Here's hoping this inaugural presidential video message becomes an annual event! CHECK OUT THE TOP SIDE PANEL and "click to play."

I had asked Dierks earlier that day if he could post a comment on here sometime, and he said he thought he could do that. This is the one, dude! Please leave a comment!

LAST CALL BALL V - MY MEET & GREET

If you're following these blogs starting at the bottom with the Country Music Hall of Fame Dierks autograph signing session, you might remember Dierks agreed to let me video him giving a message to the DB Congress. So I made sure to go last in the M&G line at LCB so I didn't hold anybody up.

Going last has pros and cons. Pro--I don't feel like I am taking too much time from anyone behind me. Con--he's reeeeeeally tired after meeting 349 people before me. But that's ok--he trys so hard not so show it. Still has that great smile!

I gave him a thick envelope--this is for you for later - he knew right away there were photos inside and said thanks and he and the guys would look at them on the bus. We took the photo first and although it was tough, I stopped talking to get the shot with me smiling instead of my mouth open.

I asked him to sign a few magazines (Country Weekly cover, American Songwriter cover, CW featuring the DBC website and the AAA Going Places mag with his pic in it). I tried to get him to go to the table to have a hard surface but he said he could sign better holding them. I told him everybody at work thought I had something to do with getting him in the AAA mag, but I didn't--and he commented, 'So they just put me in there at random?' Yep.

I mentioned how that was a hard-won campaign for the CW cover and he said yeah it's hard to get that. I asked him if he heard the trivia game while it was going on, and told him I made them up and he said 'you got them all right?' I said, 'No, I made up all the questions! And I made the name tags, too.' He just looked at me - really? - and then kept on signing. When I looked later, he wrote this on the CW cover: "Thanks for all the help with our Last Call Ball!"

When he was signing the CW DBC website page he started to sign, then stopped, read the actual article for a few seconds, and said 'this is so great', then finished signing.

Finally, I gave him a small gift bag and told him you don't get a gift this year--this is for your girls - DB Congress shirts - a black tshirt for Cassidy and a small baby pink one for Evie. On the back it says "Dude's Wubba Nub Girl Evie."

Now he's getting ansy--ready to go hang out with Randy Rogers and the gang I think-- so he put the bag aside to look at later. But he did say 'thank ya'll' for the dbc shirts for his girls. Hugs!

Now it's time to do the video message, so I asked if he was ready to do that - 'yeah let's do it' - I started to walk over and get my camera to shoot it, but he kept his arm around me and made me be in the video!

Next blog...the video message from our president!

LAST CALL BALL V - THE CONGRESS

I was hoping to get a huge group photo of all the DB Congress reps who were at LCB but that didn't happen. So, I had to improvise. I walked the line while people were waiting for their M&G and took photos--some wore their DBC Tshirts. Here are just a few DBC reps and their guests I found:

Kim (KY) and Holly (TN):

Lloyd and Lee Ann (KY):


Lee Ann's "I'd rather be at at Dierks Bentley Concert" post-it-notes she gave out to the crowd:


Becky (AR) and Kim (MO):


KY reps Malorie and dad David (DBC Banner/flag):


Anton and Matt:


Angie (SC), Melanie, and Haley (NC):


Leigha (IN) and LeAnna (AL) new fast friends:


Amy and daugther Leigha (IN):


Tim (banjo, steel guitar) and me!


Daughter and mom Kristie (OK):



Mikhael and Kendra (LA):



Mariah, Brandi (Indiana), Nicholle (WV) and Heather (TN):



Janet M. (CA) and Granny Ann (AL):



Susie and Nancy, Representing Texas:


Jamie (DBC Rep of the week) and mom (KY):


Grace and mom Doris (OH):


NH Rep Lora and hubby John:


If you know any names I left out or have any name changes, please let me know so I can correct them!

Ronna@dbcongress.com

Next blog...my M&G!

LAST CALL BALL V - THE CONCERT

When the trivia was almost over, Coop said Dierks would be out in about 17 minutes, but I don't think it was even 5. Dierks just came walking out like he was part of the production crew--no introduction, no announcement, just him and his guitar. "Hey guys how ya doin?" Caught me by surprise. I thought I was gonna have a few minutes to eat, but forget that!

Of course the place went wild. Rod and Tim and Dierks played acoustic the whole set--no Set List--all songs were pretty much on request. Robbie and Steve came out and made an appearance before they started.



A man of his word, Dierks had promised previously to sing "Don't Leave Me In Love" and he did it beautifully! His voice the entire 70 minutes was at his ultimate best...the words though...he sometimes changed up...uh...for effect, right?

That's what I love about Dierks--he's NOT perfect--that's how he stays down to earth with his fans, who are not perfect either--at least I know I'm not. He laughed it off and at one point even apologized and said he was embarrased for forgetting the words, but dude--no need to be sorry! We were the one's throwing out requests that you probably hadn't sung in forever. We totally love you for trying--just hearing your voice was enough! Our love in unconditional.

So, without further rambling, I have a few videos for you below. The complete set list is here, too, and Nid has the entire audio from XM Radio for you on dierksfans.com.

Don't Leave Me In Love (video)
Wish It Would Break (video)
Distant Shore
Life On The Run
Come A Little Closer
So So Long
Hey Jordan (video--highlight of the evening)
I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes
Free And Easy (Down The Road I Go)
Better Believer (video)
Cab Of My Truck
What Was I Thinking?

Dont Leave Me In Love:

Wish It Would Break:

Hey Jordan:

Better Believer:




End of What Was I Thinkin' and final comments before M&G:

There are more LCB V videos on YouTube.

Next blog...the congress!

LAST CALL BALL V - PRE-CONCERT

After handing out all the name tags - which was a great way to meet all the DB Congress reps and their guests - and everybody was able to be inside in the cool air, the Bud Lights were free as is customary at LCB. The food was Mexican, although I think I had two bites before the trivia started. Fiona and Coop (aka Mr. Clean) did a great job getting the crowd pumped for Dierks to come out. I couldn't play since I was asked to write the trivia questions so I took photos during that time. Fiona handed out all kind of prizes from Sidways koozie cups to autographed Tshirts and retro Dierks memorabilia.

Here are the trivia questions. How many do you know? Click on "comments" to leave your answers!

1. What shirt did Dierks wear Wed. June 10 while signing at the Country Music Hall of Fame?
2. What video game is one of Dierks songs featured on and what song?
3. When did DB Congress form?
4. When did the DB Congress officially become the name of the DB Fan Club?
5. Dierks and TLB performed at the Capitol in Washington DC on July 4th--what 2 songs?
6. Name 3 ways you can vote for Dierks.
7. Name 3 talk shows dierks has been on in the last few months.
8. Name 3 charities/ events Dierks supported recently.
9. Name 2 books Dierks has read recently.
10. Clay Underwood sings a song Dierks wrote-name it.
11. How many #1 hits has Dierks had? Name them in order.
12. What song had the best debut on the charts? At what number?
13. What song was co-written by Dierks and Rod and Robbie?
14. Where was the Sideways video filmed?
15. Feel That Fire was written by Dierks, Brett Beavers and what 2 others?
16. Rivers Rutherford co-wrote which song on FTF with Dierks?
17. What is Dierks favorite line above his autograph?
18. Which 2 songs on FTF did Dierks NOT co-write?

Now don't cheat by reading your FTF liner notes! I have a prize for the first one who gets them all right!

~Ronna

SIRIUS XM RADIO TO BROADCAST BENTLEY'S LAST CALL BALL

For those DB Congress representatives not able to join us live at Last Call Ball in Nashville on June 10, there's hope for you yet! Dierks Bentley's annual fan club party (LCB) will be broadcast from Sirius' XM Radio Highway 16 several times after the event for your listening pleasure.

Thursday, June 11
9:00 PM ET Dierks Bentley “Last Call Ball”

Friday, June 12
3:00 PM ET Dierks Bentley “Last Call Ball”

Saturday, June 13
11:00 AM ET Dierks Bentley “Last Call Ball”

In fact, if you're wishing you were in Nasvhille for the entire CMA Music Fest next week, you can listen to the sounds of Music City, including the kick off parade, other fan club parties and concerts) Wednesday through Sunday (June 10-14) via Sirius channel 60 / XM channel 16 / DISH Network 6060 / DirecTV channel 814.

Don't forget, if you ARE going to LCB, and you have a last minute cancellation on your GUEST ticket, please let me know by Tuesday morning, so I can match up a fan clubber with you who reeeeeeeealy wants to go! THANK YOU!

Don't have Sirius Radio? Get a free 7-day trial here.

WANT TO MAKE DB CONGRESS HISTORY?

Are you in the Dierks Bentley Fan Club? If you are, then we want YOU! We are only 13 DB Congress representatives away from reaching a monumental milestone--500 DBC reps! There are many more than that in the official fan club, but these 487 die-hard fan clubbers are dedicated to promoting Dierks in some small way every day!

Voting on video countdown sites...blogging...calling DJs to request Dierks songs...handing out "Dierks" bracelets, candy, stickers...talking up DB to anyone who will listen...wearing DB dog tags and Tshirts...these and so many more campaigns are happening at the grass roots every day! And you could be a part of all the fun and camraderie!

Our goal is to reach 500 members by LCB (Last Call Ball, DB's annual fan club party), to be held June 10 in Nashville. That's 13 days and 13 reps needed so one a day and we will achieve our goal!

Not in the fan club? No problem. Just go to dierks.com and join today! Then come back here and let us know you want to join the DBC and tell us your state you want to represent. It's that easy!

Help make DBC history! Join today!

~Ronna
DB Congress Chair
Representing Florida

DIERKY TURKEY "SAM"WICHES SUPPORT DB

Samantha L. (dierksbentleyTWO) met Samantha Rae at a Dierks Bentley show in Mankato, Minnesota in 2007. They had been emailing back and forth after meeting online through the dierks.com fan club message board, and finally met in person.

Sam L., proud first member of the DB Congress to represent Wisconsin, also created and runs The Official Dierks Bentley Fansite Myspace page to promote Dierks in the digital world. Additionally, she's an Administrator at dierksfans.com and wears an indelible DB logo tatoo on her lower back.

Sam-Rae, DBC Rep in Minnesota, recruited more fan club members than anyone else in 2007, which earned her a personal "thank-you" phone call from Dierks as her grand prize. How'd she do it? My understanding is that she asked all her family and friends to buy a DB Fan Club membership for themselves, for HER birthday! Genius, dude!

The two Sam's became fast friends and met at LCB (Last Call Ball fan club party) in Minneapolis in 2008. "We got to the Hard Rock Cafe pretty early in the morning to wait to get in. Dierks and the boys pulled up right in front of the Cafe and walked by and said Hi to everyone! The doors finally opened and of course we were the first ones in. We ate and of course grabbed a few DLC's(Domestic, Light and Cold from Bentley's Modern Day Drifter CD).

Then Dierks came walking in near Sam Rae and I, and pointed right at us! Kinda like he was confused with 2 Sam's being together. Instantly we looked at each other and started to laugh.

It was our turn for the M&G and I went first. Sam Rae was right behind me. I got my autograph and pic and Dierks asked me to wait by him so he could get a pic of him with my tattoo. So I stood off to the side.

It was Sam Rae's turn to meet D. Once she was done a few others went through the line and Sam waited with me cause I was embarrassed--Dierks' face by my lower back--I TOTALLY BLUSHED. Well Dierks took the pic with his camera of my tat and someone asked for of pic of all three of us and I just blurted out, "It's a SAMwich!" Everyone laughed!


Even Rod Janzen (lead guitarist) got caught in the middle of the SAMwich fun--doesn't look like he was embarrased!


After the pic Sam Rae and I were talking about the SAMwich and decided to call it a Samwich with Dierky Turkey! It was a blast! Now, where ever we go, Sam Rae and I together are called a Samwich! It was an awesome day! We are inseperable at concerts now! It's awesome!"

Thanks Sam and Sam for all your efforts to support and promote Dierks!