The Burning Man 2019 Tour Hits The Road In January

While it was hinted to in a recent interview, having the full details of the upcoming Burning Man 2019 Tour has us on a mountain high!

The details came available first thing this morning with this announcement:

Joined by Jon Pardi, Tenille Townes and the ever-amazing Hot Country Knights, the tour takes Dierks and the team to 24 stops across the US and Canada.

When asked what will make this tour different than the Mountain High Tour that just ended, he replied, "It’s a great show, I hate to tweak it too much. There are some subtle things we’re going to do for all those fans that come a long distance and travel to show after show, but for the most part, the guts remain from last year. What makes it fun for us is changing up who’s on the road with us. ... I’m on the road with Jon Pardi and Tenille Townes, they’re just as important as anybody out there as far as making sure the vibe is right and that the experience is unique for the fans."

Here are the dates!

Jan. 17: Hamilton, ON (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 18: Ottawa, ON (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 19: Oshawa, ON (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 22: Winnipeg, MB (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 23: Saskatoon, SK (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 24: Edmonton, AB(DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 26: Calgary, AB (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 28: Kelowna, BC (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Jan. 29: Vancouver, BC (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Feb. 14: Ontario, CA (on sale soon)
Feb. 15: Fresno, CA (on sale soon)
Feb. 16: Reno, NV (on sale soon)
Feb. 21: Lexington, KY (on sale soon)
Feb. 22: Nashville, TN (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Feb. 23: Columbia, MO (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Feb. 28: Sioux Falls, SD (on sale soon)
Mar. 1: Wichita, KS (on sale soon)
Mar. 2: Omaha, NE (on sale soon)
Mar. 7: Moline, IL (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Mar. 8: Deluth, MN (on sale soon)
Mar. 9: Grand Forks, MN (DB Congress pre-sale starts Oct. 30)
Mar. 28: Toledo, OH (on sale soon)
Mar. 29: Columbus, OH (on sale soon)
Mar. 30: Grand Rapids, MI (on sale soon)

"The goal is don’t hold anything back, every year put all you have into production, all you have into ideas, don’t save anything," Dierks said when planning for this new tour. "You put everything you have in every year and it forces us to find a way to top it the next year."

Be sure to log in to your DB Congress account to get access to the pre-sale (public sales begin Nov. 2)! And yes, it looks like the Seven Peaks VIP Experience is available for most shows (as are meet and greets)!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

WTH Tour memories from the DBC

While DB Congress members diligently and eagerly count down to when we get to see Dierks again, it's the perfect time to take a look back at our favorite memories from this year's WTH Tour. 

We asked and you delivered! Here are some of your favorite memories:

I took my 12 year old, Ellie, to see Dierks for her first country concert and he did not disappoint! We also were chosen for the meet and greet and, as you can see in the picture, her smile says it all! He was so kind, gracious and humble; it was a night we will never forget! He's such a great performer and truly entertains with such a love for family and country. It was a great time for us and we can't wait til next summer! Emily, DB Congress Member from Pennsylvania

My sister and I are huge fans and supporters. I have been to 13 shows--three just this past summer! At one, we were lucky to get a meet and greet. Dierks is such a sweet and genuine guy and his concerts show that! Elaine, DB Congress Rep from Wisconsin 

Dierks taking a selfie at VIP in Darien Lake, NY, on Aug. 4 was pretty memorable! 😉 
Nicole, DB Congress Rep from New York

My favorite moment from the WTH Tour is hands down when my husband drove our RV to Jacksonville from Tampa just to wait out in the parking lot while our son and I went in to see Dierks! (Not to worry about my hubby: He is going to see Dierks in Oklahoma. He has a ticket to get in this time 😂 All I know is I never have to doubt his love for me and he never questions my love for Dierks!) Nichole, DB Congress Rep from Florida

Every year (since 2014), I drive from Columbus Ohio to Charlotte NC to see Dierks. [That first year was] the tour's opening night and I had just graduated ... with a bachelor's in nursing (definitely needed a night to celebrate). Brandi, DB Congress Member from Ohio

At the sold out show in Fresno, before the show Dierks surprised a military family by having their husband, father at the show waiting for them. Then Dierks brought them up on stage, it was a very special moment. So much fun! Deanne, DB Congress Member from California

I went to SIX WTH shows this year--Nashville, Knoxville, Bristow, Charlotte, Raleigh and Phoenix (with a Grand Ole Opry show thrown in the week before Phoenix). I have literally 1,000s of pix, but [here are] a couple of my favorites. I have all kinds of special moments, but a couple that stand out: 1)Knoxville VIP: I requested my favorite song--Draw Me A Map--and he tried (twice) but couldn't get the words right ... so he handed me the mic and we sang it together (I so cannot sing! 😳)! He redeemed himself in Charlotte with mostly the right words. 😌 2)Bristow: My first meet and greet 💙 3)Phoenix: Pretty sure he drove past me next to the arena while I was videoing the marquee on the day of show about 10 a.m. and I met three fellow DBC'ers for the first time! We went to Whiskey Row, hung out, then went to the show together. Immediate friends! 4 Charlotte: I was part of D's "beach towel!" The WTH shows were amazing with Jon and Cole ... loved the George Strait song with Jon every night! So many awesome memories!
Mary Lou, DB Congress Rep from North Carolina

Someone handed this to me during the show on my walk around the amphitheater last night. You don't know how much letters like this mean to me. Thank you for sharing your lives with me.

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on May 20, 2017 at 4:22am PDT

My big memory from the WTH Tour has to be Dierks posting my poem all over social media--that was surreal! 😍

Jenn, DB Congress Member from Maryland

As for me, two concerts with my hubby (also a DBC member), two VIPs, two meet and greets, two pit experiences against the stage, countless memories and chances to meet DB Congress members, holding Dierks' hand while he swayed and sang to the music from stage, and he even signed my pilot hat. Yah, it was one unforgettable tour!

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley Has Serviceman Seeing Stars (and Stripes)

Coast Guard Captain Jeff Yarosh's love for his country runs deep, a value instilled in him by his dad. "My dad raised us with the central belief that nothing is more important than God, family and country." Jeff recognizes this same set of values in his favorite artist, Dierks Bentley (especially with headlines such as the military reunion meet and greet). So when the opportunity to possibly sing with Dierks came up for Jeff in 2014, he was all in.

Jeff was nominated by his boss, Rory Souther, to be the Coast Guard finalist in the ACM Presents: An All-Star Salute To The Troops. Dierks was featured in the event with artists such as Carrie Underwood and Florida Georgia Line. One member from each military branch was selected to perform with the artist of their choice at the concert.

Thank you to Zimbio.com for the photos from the Salute to the Troops event.

Jeff ultimately wasn't selected, but his submission video seen here is still bringing smiles (a video he filmed with his daughter, Evelyn, who shares her name with Dierks' oldest daughter):




At the What The Hell Tour concert last month in Bristow, Va., Jeff's wife, Caren, had the opportunity to share her husband's story with Dierks at a meet and greet. After, Dierks told Caren he needed to look this video up online.

"He asked her for my name, and since he had nothing else to write on or with, he used the Sharpie he was using for autographs to write my name on his forearm," Jeff says. "A lot of people can say they got an autograph from Dierks, but I get to claim that he wrote MY name on him!"

To top it off, Jeff adds "Dierks [did] me the honor of accepting the gift my wife gave him: a t-shirt from the ship I just had command of--the best Band of Brothers I've ever been a part of."

Caren Yarosh w/ Dierks Bentley at the June 9 Bristow, Va., What The Hell Tour meet and greet.

The Yarosh's story, no doubt, resonated with Dierks, given
1. Wish It Would Break is a song he wished would have been his first single
2. He genuinely appreciates his fans
3. Patriotism and support of our service men and women are foundational for Dierks

"To see Dierks giving back and supporting the troops and our veterans, I think it's why we can all agree that Dierks is one of the good guys," Jeff says. "Home is a reminder that we shouldn't take the idea for granted that freedom is something which needs to be cultivated and protected."
Dierks understood how big that anthem could be.

Red, white and blue clearly run strong in Dierks' veins.  Just as strong is his love for his fans.

"I sat near the exit and watched each of [the meet and greet winners] as they came out," Jeff says. "The smiles they had on their faces were as wide as the Grand Canyon. Such a little thing, but it clearly meant a lot to those people. He should be proud of that."

After all, he's the one who taught us, "To the things I believe in, my faith, your love, our freedom."


Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

First Show, Meet and Greet For One of Dierks Bentley's Biggest Deaf Fans

Keri Nutt has been deaf since she was two years old but she is one of Dierks Bentley's biggest fans! She wore a hearing aid from the age of four until about eight years ago when she switched to a Cochlear Implant in her right ear, allowing her to hear Dierks' voice and music.

"I can hear with the implant fairly well in my right ear and speak pretty well," Keri tells us.  "Sounds like I have an accent, though, and when I get nervous I tend to speak softly. I believe in doing both signing (ASL) and speaking but it depends on who I am hanging around with. I am fully deaf in my left ear and use the implant in my right ear and once I don't have it on I'm fully deaf, obviously."

"I adore Dierks and his music. He is just the ultimate inspiration for me because of who he is and what he does. His music and songs are what gets me through each day."  Keri posted her "Behind Black" fan video on dierks.com to explain why she is especially fond of "Riser":

Keri attended her first Dierks concerts in Texas last weekend, including interpreters, VIP and her first Meet and Greet. She told us all about her experience below.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I was just so grateful for the opportunity to see him perform. I didn't anticipate winning a meet and greet too, but was hoping and when it happened it was beyond my wildest dreams! I requested interpreters for the shows, too.

I love Dierks' voice.  He has the sexiest and most clear voice I have ever heard.

The VIP Event was beautiful because I got to see the acoustic performances from Dierks.  It was very personal and amazing. The ASL interpreters were awesome!  I loved the VIP experience all the way around because it was small and intimate. It was awesome seeing Dierks interacting with the fans.

https://www.facebook.com/keri.nutt/videos/10154442180529153/

I am utterly and eternally grateful for the Meet and Greet opportunity with Dierks in Dallas last weekend, August 20. It was my very first time to meet him as well as attend his awesome concerts. He truly is a very kind and soft spoken gentleman. I was in awe the entire time and nervous. There were so many things I wanted to say and "sign" to him but completely blanked out.

I had planned on showing him a few signs but instead gave him a piece of cardboard for him to sign his name, he asked me what my name was and I signed and spoke K E R I.  He asked how to spelled it, I said, like the hand lotion commercial, Keri.  He chuckled and said, "I don't watch very many commercials, Keri." I laughed.  My ASL interpreters were with me and signing for us.  Dierks was very gracious and kind to them as well.

I got my picture taken with Dierks and signed to him and thanked him.  He thanked me back and then I got my pic taken again with my common in law next to him as well. It was such an amazing experience, I only wished I had more time to talk to him but I knew there were others waiting their turns.

THE CONCERTS: Dallas and Houston.  Damn! That man knows how to put on class act shows!

I was completely in awe the entire time from the start to the end. I didn't want the night to end! It was truly magical and just fricking awesome!  Dierks knows how to work the crowd and make everyone feel a part of the songs itself.  The ASL interpreters were amazing.  I really appreciated them tremendously. They also had a blast!

I will never ever forget my first time for Dierks weekend and I am truly grateful and changed for life.

You can plan on seeing me at more at Dierks shows and I hope to meet Dierks again to talk and sign longer with him and actually show him some signs!

Sincerely,

Keri

P.S.  If anyone has any questions about implants or ASL or anything, I would be more than happy to assist with info.

Celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th Birthday in Huntington, West Virginia

If someone had told me ten years ago I would be celebrating Dierks Bentley's 39th birthday at my 60th Dierks show, I wouldn't have believed them.  But it happened on Thursday, November 20, 2014 at Big Sandy Arena in Huntington, West Virginia!

It only took three airports, two planes, and a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) buddy to drive six hours up the mountain, through tunnels and tolls to get there, and that's just one way!  But this was a special occasion and I've traveled 15 states to see Dierks so...no big deal. Every mile a memory, right Sandra?

Every DRT is special, not just because of Dierks, but because of all the Dierks fans I've met and traveled with along this 10-year journey.  It's a unique bond of friendships that one man started and continues to hold together.

What other group of fans do you know who would huddle together in 30 degree weather 5 hours before a show to be first in line? Thanks, Gina and Justin for the hot...beverage, and heaters and blankets!

And it's not just Dierks that keeps us coming back.  He surrounds himself with the best of the best--from his tour manager team to the stage crew, lighting, sound, and talented band of brothers-- together they make him look and sound awesome every night on the Riser Tour stage and they are all so nice to the fans--especially the DB Congress.

Gina, Sandra, Kathy, Chris Reade (lighting), Ashley, 
Ronna after the show Front of  House (FOH)

Sandra's 'almost' selfie with Tim Sergent (steel guitar) and DBC

Opening with "5-1-5-0", Dierks and his band - Steve Misamore, Tim Sergent, Brian Layson, Dan Hochhalter, and Cassady Feasby, emerged from under the Riser stage to the roar of nearly 6,000 in the crowd.

Dierks continued his own party with a killer set list, telling the crowd, there was no place he'd rather be on his birthday.

On this night, we DB Congress reps were especially thankful for being chosen to be a part of the big birthday 'surprise' that Dierks knew nothing about.  During "Drunk On A Plane," confetti fell from the rafters, blow up 'Riser Air' planes flew threw the arena as we ran through the crowd, giving high fives and throwing out Mardi Gras beads. What a special experience!  DBTV coming soon, but in the meantime, thank Justin for the video!  Looks like D came over to our side a few times but we weren't there...we left our front row spot to pass out beads!

Anybody who's been to a DB show knows he rarely stands still long enough to capture a great shot, but I did manage to catch him 'peacocking!'

And a few other cool shots.

Dierks showing Tim he's been practicing the steel

Dierks pointing to lucky section #7

Brian Layson, Cassady Feasby, Tim Sergent, Dierks
in a fog from Up On The Ridge

The Meet and Greet before the show featured Dierks on acoustic guitar, with DB Congress getting to enter a different door than the other 100, and brought within 3 feet of the backdrop, while the others filed in behind us. Talk about up close and personal!  Mel told us to make sure to sing along, and in fact it was very awkward for him if we didn't.

When he got to the chorus for DOAP, we apparently didn't sing loud enough, so he said, "you can do better than that!" and started again.  Second time was better.

During my turn, I showed him my 60th poster and reminded him about last year in West Palm Beach, when he wrote 'Let's make it 100' on my 50th poster. So he wrote that again.  I didn't look at what he wrote until later, but I was the last one out and walking down the long hall, he was walking out the other way and called me back.  "I'm such an idiot," he said.  "Let me see that poster again...I know there's no D in your name, let me fix it." And he did.  No, D, you're NOT an idiot! Thank you for remembering!

On our way back to Charlotte, another group of DBC reps were headed to the next night's show in Roanoke, so we met for hugs and pics and exchanged stories at exit 14 on I-77!

Carrie, Steph, Ronna, Amy, Sandra (Photo Credit: Jennifer)

Hopefully, I will get another 10 shows in over the next 12 months and be celebrating his big "4-0" birthday for my 70th show!

Every mile a memory!

Ronna
DB Congress Chair
Florida

London Loves Dierks Bentley!

Last week, Dierks Bentley made a lasting impression across the pond. People who barely knew him or his music before his performance, ended up speechless, saying it was the best of the night.  Twitter was buzzing with accolades:

After Dark Country ‏@LucAfterDark Mar 15 I always knew he was a great performer with some great songs - but a whole different dimension to @dierksbentley came out today. #C2C2014 

Sam ‏@RSfanUK Mar 15Hard to say this but wasn't a fan of @DierksBentley b4 2nite, maybe hadn't listened to his songs enuv, but now afta @C2Cofficial = Fan4Life! 

Eternity Rod ‏@camztweetz Mar 15@DierksBentley I didn't know I would like your music so much live. Definitely the star of the night #C2C2014 

@NewCountryUK: How amazing was @DierksBentley at #C2C2014?! A set that phrase 'owned the stage' was made for, @TheO2 loved him!

Flex (@xthefrog) captured one of the best photos of the night.  See all of his Dierks Bentley photos on frogography.com:

Dierks even covered "Hey Brother" by Avicii and "Wish You Were Here" by Pink Floyd:







Two of our International DB Congress members, Hannah Compton and Sanna Lindgren, shared their Dierks experience with us!

Hannah's Story

I had a meet and greet for Dierks at the London C2C Festival.  We were all lined up, Fan Club first and then competition winners. The Fan Club were all gathered in a group so that when Dierks arrived he could take a group photo.

Then the man himself arrived. The room went silent and it was like everyone stopped breathing. He was more handsome in real life. He said hello to us all and thanked us for being here and said how happy he was to be in London but that he has done press all day and not yet done any sightseeing. So of course I said, "well, it means you have to come back!" He then asked where we were all from and everyone was from all over the globe. Then it was time for our individual photos.

When it came to my turn, Dierks said he loved my dress and that I looked beautiful which was so nice to hear, especially coming from Dierks.  I could not react any other way than a girly giggle and a shy thanks. He then signed my C2C programme and like a fool I pointed to where his picture was (like he can't find himself) But hey, I was nervous. I asked if he was doing a Fan Club Party at CMA Fest which he said yes so I will be on the look out for those details.

Then of course his show. Are there words? I am not sure there are. He pretty much stole the show. My highlight was I HOLD ON as it is my current favourite and I have been playing it loads in the past few weeks and it was great to hear the story behind it, making the song have a deeper meaning and understanding.

His entire set had the crowd up and dancing and cheering. A few of my friends had never heard his music before and when I asked them what they thought of his show.  One in particular could not even say a word and his mouth fell open and eventually he said, "He blew me away, he was out of this world, I am so impressed, I just cant even find words." This was pretty much the reaction of everyone there.

I am sure I speak for everyone in attendance when I say Dierks, please come back to England, we love you and you have a home here always. Your fan base is huge here and will only be on the RISE.  I HOLD ON to the memories of your show!


Sanna's Story

Man, was I stoked for the C2C festival. I had been counting down the days since the beginning of October for this day to come around. March 15th – THE day I'd finally get to see Dierks live for the first time. Have been a huge fan for the last couple of years – but have never had the chance to see him perform because of where I live.

Sweden is not exactly the ideal country to live in if you want to live and breathe country music. But lucky enough I've found two lovely friends through Facebook who have their hearts set on the same music genre as me – so we decided to go to this festival together. Time went so slow, but about a week before the trip to London I got a tweet from the arrangers of the festival that I had won a competition and that I was going to get to meet Dierks! I could not believe it! Now I REALLY couldn't wait for Saturday!

And when Saturday finally came around I woke up really early – super excited – THE day was here! Finally! And I knew that the first 50 people who showed up outside the Cinema at the arena would get a ticket to the Riser Screening (the last one and only one in Europe). So off I went and got to the arena the same time as the doors opened – so I went straight to start queuing. Didn't want to miss this for the world! Sat there for about 2 hours patiently and nervously waiting. Didn't dare to be happy just yet – I wanted the ticket in my hand before I could believe it and actually freak out a little.

And that's exactly what happened – as soon as the ticket was given to me, I had to like pinch myself really hard to convince myself I wasn't dreaming – and then the biggest grin spread across my face. Total happiness! Then I went into the cinema, got a popcorn, and sat down middle seat, first row – perfect view.

And about one hour later he finally walked into the room, introduced himself and talked about the film, what it means to him and the story behind it, and then went to sit down at the very back of the room. So naturally pretty much all I could think about while the film was rolling was that Dierks was in the same room. Good thing I had seen it a couple of weeks earlier at the live stream, since I barely could concentrate this time. And after the film was over there was a short Q&A – and then he had to leave for sound check.

A couple of hours later I went off to my next Dierks adventure – the Meet and Greet. At 16.45 it was arranged for the ones that had got a M&G to meet up and get escorted to where we'd all get to meet Dierks. And when we stood in line and waited he suddenly walked up from nowhere with a beer in one hand and said "Oh, y'all waiting for me?” Everyone was shaking hands with him and got the thing they'd brought with them signed, took the picture and then they were off.

When it came to my turn he got a big smile on his face and said ”Wow we've got a Little White Tank Top in here” and laughed. Then he reached out his hand to say hello to me – but I said ”No way dude – in Sweden we hug” and then I hugged him. He said he recognized me from the screening earlier, We chatted for a bit and he noticed the Riser-bird with the Swedish flag that I had painted on the back of my LWTT – and asked if we could take a pic of that one too. So we did. Then he signed it.

When I was on my way leaving his tour manager Tom grabbed my shoulder and asked me where I was seated in the arena – I explained it to him and he told me he was going to come find me – and then handed me one of the Irish Riser picks from the night before. I also told him to keep an eye open for a Riser banner.

My seat was located at row Q – way too far away from the stage if you ask me. So I went hunting for a better seat and managed to ”steal” a seat on second row instead! And when Dierks walked on stage he spotted me immediately – pointed at me and gave me a ”Yeah.”

Two songs in, I notice someone's trying to get my attention in the front and I walk over there and see that it's Tom again. He takes my hand and gives me 3 UK Riser picks, a smile and a pat on the back.


Dierks kept mentioning my little white tank top several times during the 60 minutes he had on stage, and the Riser bird on my back. And I held up my banner while he was singing "Riser” and he gave me two thumbs up. When the time was running out and I knew he only had perhaps two or three songs left to play, he says ”I saw one  little white tank top tonight” (while pointing at me), and I knew ”What was I Thinking” was up next.


He sang the first and second verse goofing around on stage and then suddenly he turned around and started walking towards my side of the stage again, with that walk (like he's up to something) and a determined face and the next I know he jumps off stage and walks up to me and puts one arm around me while singing the third verse --15,000 people were starring at the two of us – and there were cameras and flashes everywhere, but I really didn't pay that much attention to that – hey I had Dierks next to me!

Then he jumps up on my seat and starts high-fiving people – and later on pulls me up with him on that seat. It was just awesome. (And yeah – while I had the chance – I just had to steal one more hug). Then he went back on stage to finish the song and it turned into a party with ”Sideways” before he finished his set with ”Home.”

The noise of the crowd when he first walked out on stage compared to when he walked off was like black and white. Everybody loved him and he definitely gained a lot of new fans that night - he's on everyone's lips! So I hope this was not the last time he visits this side of the pond!

Feature DB Congress Rep of the Week: Greg Birkmann, Missouri

Our newest DB Congress rep, Greg Birkmann, has been a Dierks Bentley fan since "What Was I Thinkin'," and recently emailed us to see what the congress thing is all about, wondering if it would be for him.  Apparently it is, because he joined the congress, representing Missouri, and agreed to tell his Dierks story below!

"I've always been a fan of Dierks' music, since "What Was I Thinkin'".  I like how he keeps the traditional sound of country, and throws in a bluegrass sound combined with his own rowdy style.

 

I have to admit, although I've always really liked his music, I didn't really get to know him as a person until last summer when his dad passed away.  I began reading about his passing online, and before I knew it, I was watching every DBTV episode, past interviews, and was really impressed by how much he interacts and involves his fans in his work.  Being a huge fan of country music, and an amateur guitar player & vocalist, I grew great admiration for Dierks.

 

I wanted his autograph, and soon learned about the Congress group and presale offers along with meet & greets, so I joined the fan club.  To my surprise, I was accepted the first time I submitted a request for a meet & greet, and got to meet him last June in Columbia, MO. 

 

I was in a group of 9 people for the M&G, and when he walked in the room, he looked right at me and said, "A few familiar faces."  I didn't really know what that meant at the time, but when I talked to him one on one, he said, "We've met before, haven't we?"  I said no, and then he looked at me and said, "We have the same haircut."  I thanked him for making it cool!

 

I left the M&G thinking he was about the most sincere artist towards his fans I've ever known.  We recently all found out how sincere he is to his home state, along with mankind, with the "Country Cares" event.  I'm now a die hard Dierks fan, and as weird as it sounds, I think of him as a buddy or bro!

 

I'm happy to help promote Dierks by doing what I can.  I look forward to helping team Dierks!"

 

 

Thanks, Greg! Welcome to the DBC family! Be sure to check out the Campaigns!

 

Dedicated Dierks Bentley Congress Rep Reflects On First Show, Meet & Greet

It's two in the morning and the house is quiet except for the sound of us Chatty Cathys whispering wildly about the amazing Dierks Bentley experience just a few hours before in Estero, Florida, March 15.  We're at the kitchen table, munching on McDonald's and trying not to wake up Sherrie Shamon's husband, mom or dog Lexi.  The alarm gets set for 6 am to get on the road to Jacksonville to do it all again. Such is the life of two long-time DRT (Dierks Road Trip) buddies, right?

Wrong.  Sherrie and I met on Twitter and Facebook over a year ago, but this was the first time we met in person.  To save on hotel expense, she opened her home to me.  Who does that?  Friends through Dierks--DB Congress friends!

And it's as if we've known each other for years--instantly.  We have a lot in common--around the same age, have grown kids, a love for Dierks and his music, but one thing was was not so common.  While I will hit my 50th DB show this year, Sherrie was a Dierks 'virgin' before that night!  Yes. After a year and a half of promoting him daily, this was Sherrie's first Dierks concert! He finally came a little closer to her in Florida --and she won a Meet and Greet!

"When Dierks first came into the meet and greet, he said "Hey, guys. How's everyone doing?" Then he walked over and stood next to me, put his arm around me, hugged me close to him, and said, "So, you've been waiting here all day?" I almost died right then and there! I was so surprised!


He then asked if anybody had any questions for him. Someone asked about Last Call Ball and he said it would be either Wednesday or Sunday [We now know it will be Sunday--details next week!] and might be during the day. He was sniffling and I asked him if he was getting sick, since we knew Brian had been sick (Brian Layson, lead guitar). He said no, he had allergies. Someone said something about his daughters and he said yes, they were with him. I said that I had seen them out on the stage earlier and he laughed and said that they were out there making sure everything was set up right!

When we got the one-on-one time with him, he was getting ready to sign my t-shirt that I had bought and he said, "It's Sherrie, right?" I was so shocked that he knew who I was and he said, "I know who you are. I see you on Twitter."

They had asked us to only have him sign one thing. But I also had on my DB Congress t-shirt and after he signed the t-shirt I bought for him to sign, he asked if I wanted him to sign my t-shirt that I had on.  I, of course, immediately said yes. So, he signed that, too!


He was so gracious and took his time with all of us. It was not rushed at all, even though there were a ton of other people waiting to meet him (he met with the fan club members first).

My favorite part of the concert? Hmmm....that's a hard one. I absolutely loved the Up On The Ridge part when they were up there on the elevated stage with the woods background. And I loved when they all came down to the end of the catwalk and played. I also loved how he interacts with the fans during the concert. He makes everyone feel like he's there just for them. It was just totally amazing."

-Sherrie Shamon, DBC Rep (FL)

Thanks for sharing your DB experience, your home and your friendship, Sherrie!

-Ronna Clark
DB Congress Chair (FL)

 

Dierks Makes Daniel Forget About His Disease

Our family has always been a fan of country music and since Daniel was a baby he would never go to sleep unless the country music was playing. Daniel’s first song he sang when he was two-years-old was ‘What Was I Thinkin'” by Dierks.  As Daniel became older he would listen constantly to Dierks’ CDs.  I remember the first time he saw the video  for "Every Mile a Memory”  he said, “I am gonna be on a big stage like that and play my guitar.” That Christmas we bought him one and ever since he has not put it down.  His dad even is learning to play and they play together all the time, not in tune but they try.

No other country musician has made more of an impression on Daniel as Dierks Bentley.  When Dierks did the live webcast when making his new Home CD, Daniel was there sitting with me watching from the time he came home from school until it was time for bed. I had to fight with him to do his homework because he did not want to stop watching.

In November 2011, we had decided to take Daniel to a concert in NYC and to see if we could get a meet and greet so Daniel could finally meet his “best friend” as Daniel would call Dierks. We had bought the tickets and received the meet and greet, but Daniel became sick and could not go.  

I noticed Daniel becoming very tired and assumed it was from school and playing baseball, but I was wrong. On December 19^th we had a call from the school nurse that Daniel was jaundiced and very tired. He was admitted to the hospital and after many tests we were told Daniel has a rare disease called Evans Syndrome that affects less then 350 in the whole United States and 1100 in the whole wide world.  We were devastated. 

After two transfussions  he was released with his numbers in stable range and placed on steroid treatments.  He gained 42 pounds in a month and started having kidney stones due to the high does of steroid to keep his counts in stable range. He was admitted to the hospital twice with kidney stones and infections so they stopped the steroids to give his kidneys a break. His counts had dropped and he had to be put back on the steroids again. He missed 3 months of school and was being tutored at home. 

In April of 2012 Daniel was in remission (Thank you Jesus).

May of 2012 we found out Dierks was coming to the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, NJ. I bought tickets as soon as the presale opened that morning and put in for a meet and greet.  When the meet and greets were announced 3 days before we did not get one.  So I sent a few emails and luckily received an email and phone calls from Dierks's team arranging for a family meet and greet for Daniel, me and his dad. At this point I still didn’t tell Daniel because I needed the doctors clearance to bring him. Daniel's counts were fine and we received  the OK and told Daniel.  He was so happy and scared at the same time.

June 30th we woke up and packed the van and drove 35 minutes away to see Dierks. As soon as we pulled up Daniel screamed, “There is Goldie!”  We parked the van and walked around to the entrance but we could not see Dierks anywhere. As we were standing waiting on our family passes with some other girls from the congress (fan club), Cassady (bassist) walked by us and we didn’t even realize it was him until Daniel said it.  A few moments later here comes Dierks walking back from the beach and we all said, “Hey Dierks” and he said hey to everyone and kept walking to get ready for the show.

We all went inside the outdoor arena and Daniel started becoming sick and tired.  We were getting a little nervous that we may have to leave, but the security officers took Daniel in gave us our own private seats and gave Daniel free slushies all night long. They were so nice to us.  They came and got us and took us to the meet and greet. 

Daniel finally met Dierks after  all these years of being his “best friend.”  Daniel was nervous as we all were but Dierks talked to Daniel and was such a very nice person. Daniel just wished he was able to talk with Dierks as if he knew who he was. Daniel sends so many letters but we don’t know if Dierks gets them because Daniel said, “he didn’t know who I was.”

Daniel was overwhelmed at the concert.  He sang to every song and was rocking it. He was the happiest little boy in the whole world at that moment. His father and I were in tears seeing how happy he was and just think a few months ago he was the sickest little guy.

Two days later after the show Daniel began to show signs he was sick again. He was admitted to the hospital with double pneumonia and had to be taken off his Allstar team; he was so upset. We hosted a benefit for Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to raise money to find a cure for Evans Syndrome and Daniel could not be there--he was back in the hospital listening to his Dierks CDs, which he keeps with him always. 

If there is one thing that makes Daniel not think of his Evans Syndrome it is Dierks!

It's been a long hard ride, got a ways to go...

Daniel will be 10 years old next week. He is in remission and doing well. He still goes for weekly counts to make sure they stay in normal range. 

~Dawn Applegate (Daniel's mom)

DB Congress Rep, NJ

One Dierks Bentley Show Spurs Texas Fan to Join his First Fan Club Ever!

Our two newest Texas DB Congress reps, Dallas and John Olthoff, just received their DBC T-Shirts and are excited to spread the word about Dierks Bentley!  John was happy to tell us about their most recent Dierks experience!

"Dallas joined the fan club in late April, found out she would be off June 16th, so on May 4th, I was online at 10 am to buy tickets (I have internet access at work, she doesn't) to the show at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion in Woodlands, TX (outside Houston).

I told Dallas the tickets would be at will call, and we would probably be pretty close to front.  I sent her a copy of the map for seats and told her I had no idea where the seats really were.

Dallas had won a Meet & Greet with Dierks through the fan club, so day of show we drove down as the email said to be there an hour before gates opened to pick up her M & G pass. We got there around 11, but the people at the ticket booth told us no passes as yet. So we got our tickets, opened up the envelope and found Pit Row 1 Seats 29 & 30.

She was excited that for the first time ever she had front row seats.  We kept checking back and they had no idea when the M&G passes would show up. So we checked into the hotel and kept calling the box office until they said passes were finally there and we could get them.

We got some lunch and headed back to the pavilion. Dallas got her pass and put it on. The show was being put on by Houston country station 93Q "A Day in the Country," and we decided to go find our seats after Dallas got a Dierks T-shirt.

The guy at the pit gate told Dallas we had the worst seats in the place.  He led us to front row..."see the mic stand? You guys are right in front of it."  We listened to a couple of artists until time for M & Gers to go back.  Dallas went over what she wanted to say to Dierks (she gets nervous and forgets).  She went back and got in line.

During Ronnie Dunn's set she came back to her seat.  I asked what she had said.   "I told him I was sorry for his losing his dad, that this was my birthday present (June 1st) and was thrilled to be in front row and would he mind waving to me during show."

Dierks came out and sang one song, then during "I Want To Make You Close Your Eyes" he came to the front of the stage and held out his hand. He took Dallas' hand and sang a couple of lines to her.  Both of us were kind of stunned (I was taking a bunch of pictures but I was too close and didn't get both of them in the shot--just him kneeling with his arm out...still, wish I hadn't messed up a once in a lifetime shot).

During "Free And Easy Down The Road I Go", he was having people sing along and held the mic down so Dallas could sing the chorus.  He even held it to me. She says how he treated her, meeting him backstage, front row seats made it one of the best experiences in her life.

Later in the show he pretended to take off his sweaty t-shirt (of course thunderous female screams), he asked "so y'all want a t-shirt?" He got out a hockey stick and one of the crew was throwing out rubber banded t-shirts and he kept smacking them out into audience. We waved hands and he sent one towards us. Unfortunately, it got a little sideways and hit her chin and landed on her arm. Dierks immediately ran down front asked if she was alright and was very apologetic. I teased her that he was playing up to her.

I liked Dierks songs and videos before, but wasn't what you would call a fan. Two things during that show impressed me that nigh.  Normally a star will walk off stage and come back for what I call a fake encore (they're going to sing a couple more songs anyway). Dierks stopped and said he was going to go offstage, but if you don't mind we will just keep playing on.

Another thing is his energy and audience interaction.  You see artists point out into the crowd to connect with people. Dierks shook hands, sat on the edge of the stage and talked to people.

I only remember one other guy that treated the stage like the entire thing was his playground as Dierks did that night...Chris LeDoux.

Dierks was going from side to side, no part of the stage was off limits to him or his band. He and his band gave that audience everything they had, and they got it back in equal measure.  You left feeling you had seen a show...not just a concert.

A couple of days later, I was looking up Dierks on the internet. I saw where he had told an interviewer how he was a rock/pop/country guy.  He said when he moved out of an apartment he left everything 'not country' on the counter. That impressed me greatly.  

As a country fan of over 40 years, many of today's artists don't like looking back at country that came before. Dierks on the other hands acknowledges it and respects it.  He has said he does a bluegrass song on every album (something I picked up on when we listened to his CDs when we went to Nashville in May).

It's his respect for country music, the stars who came before, his appreciation of his fans and what it takes (cost) to go to a show.  He knows it costs his fans and so he gives 100% while he is on stage. That is why within a week of the show, I joined my first fan club ever--the Dierks Bentley Fan Club (DB Congress).

Dierks Bentley is what every country fan wishes for.  Not a celebrity who sings to make money or anything else. But a performer who goes out with the idea that  it takes a lot for fans to be there.  They deserve to be entertained and to get their money's worth.  I can tell you I have a great deal of respect for him  not only as an artist but as a person and a man."

BentleyGirl2 Represents DB Congress Well in Missoula

BentleyGirl2, aka Lara Hatch, was "super excited" about getting her DB Congress T-shirt . "Just wanted to let you know that I received my shirt and it's just as awesome as I thought it would be. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!"  

When the Montana DB Congress rep wore her new Dierks Bentley Congress (fan club) shirt to the Missoula show last Thursday at the University of Montana, she had no clue it would land her an interview.

"I just wanted to inform you that there is an awesome article about our president, Dierks Bentley, at Missoula up on their web site . It mentions how awesome he was (oh and a little about me sporting my DB Congress T-shirt!)"

She was being a little modest, because the article did a little more than mention her:

"Lara Hatch proudly sported a “DB Congress” shirt to the concert. Hatch holds the title as the first Montana “representative” in Bentley’s official fanclub – the “DB Congress” – and was one of a few lucky fans who got to meet Bentley backstage Thursday night.
She wasn’t sure what she’d ask him – “This is a fly by the seat of your pants thing,” she said – but she did have a poster for him to sign. When Hatch met Bentley before his last concert in Missoula, he told her he had hiked the “M” in flip-flops and looked around the Montana Harley-Davidson shop."

"The highlight for me," Lara admitted, "was the fact that I haven't seen Dierks in a meet and greet since 2008 and he actually remembered who I was and said he was glad to see me!  It was an awesome concert and the crowd even gave him a standing ovation!  I'm just happy to share ( as well as other fan club members) the love we share for our president Dierks."

Thanks for sharing, Lara! You represented DB and the DBC well in Montana!

Dierks Road Trip 2012: LA to Pozo

DB Congress reps, Dave and Jamie Watts, promoting our president in California, set off on a DRT (Dierks Road Trip) to Los Angeles and Pozo last weekend.  Come along with them on their journey...

Dierks Road Trip 2012 

By Dave Watts (aka @DistantShore19 on Twitter) 

Hey y'all (dbcongress),

If all I had to do was tell you about how awesome the first weekend of the new "Country and Cold Cans Tour" went, that would be easy. With four hours of concerts over two days, there are many memories.

Dierks was in top form playing all the number one's, along with five off the new album, mixed in with covers from artists as diverse as Buck Owens to The Foo-Fighters. The sound was great, and the new light show was top notch [thank you Chris Reade!] (In LA; lights blew out in Pozo).  But no matter what kind of fan you are, Dierks did not disappoint!  Duh! Selling out Nokia (4,300) and Pozo--wow!  Bigger, better, with a new album in tow, Dierks was incredible.

But sitting here reflecting on the weekend, all I can think about is Dierks Bentley--the person--and the Band of Brothers he has surrounded himself with. 

Some of my most special moments were more personal.  They include my wife (@jkonthecoast) and Tim Sergent (steel guitar) discussing his "warm hands" and where he bought his gloves--how real is that?  Another was Cassady Feasby (bassist, aka @drfeasby) and Dan Hochhalter (aka @fiddlinDan) taking time to shake our hands and say hi.  By the way, they were NOT part of the Meet and Greet (M&G)! Dan was talking to my wife about her life and her profession.

Cassady asked how our kids were and how the drive was from LA to Pozo.  This was NOT acting.  These were real questions, real conversations, with real people. Simply genuine is how I would describe Team Dude.

And of course, there is Dierks.  During Home in LA, thanking the fans, he points to my wife (we were 28th row) and says, 

"I see you, I see you DB Congress.  I’ve got the best fans in the world!"  

Everyone was looking at us with our DB Congress shirts on and cheering.  It was crazy. By the way, dbcongress, when DB points at you, he really sees you.   When he says, "I see you up top, with that lil' white tank top," he really does. When Dierks says, "I love you guys," he means it! 

And then of course there was show #2--Pozo, CA, where we had a M&G with our President, Mr. Dierks Bentley!  Needless to say we were  jacked up to finally get to meet Dierks after so many shows (our first was in 2006). Once DB came out and started to chat with the group, I knew this was gonna be special.  DB talked about the LCB8 and told us about his solo drive through the "woods."  Very cool getting into Dierks' head.

When it was time for the individual M&G, I was standing in line watching my wife chat with DB.  I had it all planned out.  I knew exactly what I wanted to say! Ha! What a waste of time because as I walked up to Dierks he turned, looked at me and said, "Dave...DistantShore19, right?  It's a pleasure to finally meet you!"  I was floored! A pleasure to meet ME?  He thanked me for all my tweets and constant support.  

I realized at that moment, I didn’t have to tell him about all the shows I’ve been to, or all the TV performances (Leno, Ferguson, etc.) because Dierks remembered.  He sees you on Twitter/Facebook supporting him.  He sees you in the front and in the last row. Dierks is watching us, too! Dierks is a Fan of US (HIS CONGRESS). He genuinely appreciates his fans. I truly believe this is what separates Dierks from other artists.

And now he has a group of musicians ("dudes") who feel the same way about the fans.  It was simply one of the best days of our lives.  

Eight years ago when I first heard Dierks, I knew I was connecting with his music on a much deeper level than with other artists (of any genre of music).  It was touching my soul.  I always believed in DB, his music and his message.  It always felt personal with Dierks, And finally getting  that once in a life-time chance to meet him only affirmed what I already knew:  Dierks, “the human being,” is what makes Dierks, “the artist/musician,” so damn special.

Thank you, Dierks.  We love you, Brother!

Dave and Jamie Watts

DB Congress Reps, CA