DIERKS TO PERFORM FOR TROOPS IN VEGAS

Dierks Bentley has a heart of gold. I challenge anyone to say otherwise! His patriotism and appreciation for our military is true-blue. And he always finds a way to say it through song:

For the first time EVER, ACM Lifting Lives™ is partnering with the USO to bring a free, private concert to troops and their families stationed at Nellis Air Force Base just outside of Las Vegas, NV. Dierks Bentley, Josh Thompson and USO tour veterans Randy Houser, James Otto, Anthony Smith and Montgomery Gentry, who are also the 2010 ACM/The Home Depot Humanitarian Award honorees, are scheduled to perform for the crowd. Storme Warren, host of GAC’s Headline Country, will emcee the day. This event, as part of “The Week Vegas Goes Country” series of special events surrounding the 45th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards, will be open to all military ID holders and media credentialed specifically for this event.

DIERKS DRAWS KENTUCKY BOYS TO THE GRAND OLE OPRY

David has seen Dierks Bentley in concert many times, but never at the Opry. In fact, the DBC rep from Kentucky--the same home state at Dierks' steel guitarist, Tim Sergent--had never been to the Opry--ever! So when he learned Dierks would be performing the Grand Ole Opry February 19, he couldn't pass it up! Read his review below!

Well, my first trip to the Grande Ole Opry was a memorable one. History and tradition just surround that place and I was getting excited just walking up to it. Especially after I spotted a cool banner of Dierks hanging on a light pole in front of the place! After getting my ticket, I headed on down to my 4th row seat. That's when I noticed that the seats are like church pews but with cushions on them....too comfy! As I sat down I just stared at the stage for the next 15 minutes taking in the surreal moments of all this tradition. It was awesome!

In the first segment there were some really good acts. Diamond Rio, The Del McCoury Band, John Conlee, and Craig Morgan heated up the stage! After intermission Bill Anderson took the stage and I really liked him.

(The Del McCoury Band)

Next, when Montgomery Gentry took the stage they got the crowd going. "Back When I Knew It All" was great live and I can't wait to see one of their full shows! In early December, Eddie Montgomery opened a steakhouse in Harrodsburg, KY [near David's hometown], and I ate there about 3 weeks ago. The food was great and the atmosphere is really cool. You can check it out here.

(Montgomery Gentry)

After they left the stage is when all the ladies started to take a seat in front of the stage. There must have been 125 of them waiting to see Dierks from the front row, all with cameras in hand! I thought that was cool. They set up the stage a little different for this show. Tim came out to set up his steel pedal guitar and he set it up right behind where Robbie usually plays from. That was just fine with me being that I was on that side, too. I shouted his name and he acknowledged me with a point and a "Hey David." Us Kentucky boys stick together. LOL

Dierks hit the stage busting into Sideways as that got the Opry crowd going. Dierks knew I was there when it came to the "what....what" part of the song. He gave me a point and a chuckle when he heard me say that. Next, he introduced his current single and played, "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes." He sounded great as his voice was right on. But I will have to say this--that was the first time I stayed in my seat while listening to Sideways live. I wanted to get up and cheer soooo bad!




The whole Opry experience was incredible and I highly recommend to anyone who has never been! So much history and tradition.....I'll be back, that's for sure!

After the Opry show I made the trek over to the "Station Inn." Another place I had never been to, and I wanted to check it out. I walked in the door and holy cow, it was The Del McCoury Band on the stage! Del himself was at home, but his two son's and the other band members were there. I stayed to the very end as these guys are awesome to watch perform. You talk about some talented musicians, these guys are nothing but pure talent! Watching Ronnie play the mandolin is just awesome.

I talked to Ronnie for about 15 minutes after the show. I told him that I was at the GAC taping of FTF [Feel That Fire] when he played the mandolin for the song "Last Call." Also told him that I have tickets for this coming weekend when they play in Louisville. He told me "I'll see you there." He also told me something about Dierks' bluegrass album that I need to keep under my breath. But I will just say that the Bluegrass album will be awesome. I can't wait for it to come out!

Another great road trip and more great memories. Thanks Dierks....you rock!!

WEEK 6: IWMYCYE CRACKS TOP 30

This week, "I Wanna Make You Close Your Eyes" cracks the Top 30 on the Billboard Top Country Songs chart, and lands at #29. WOOHOO! (I personally love it because it's so much easier to see where it is.)

I know it seems like it's taken forever to get to this point, but compared to other songs, it isn't doing too badly. Case in point: "Long Line of Losers" by Montgomery Gentry also cracked the Top 30 this week, coming in at #30 -- in its 12th week on the charts. "Honky Tonk Stomp" by Brooks & Dunn is at #26 this week, in its 5th week, and you have to remember that particular song is likely getting a boost from the announcement B&D made about calling it quits next year. Closer to the top of the charts, "Boots On" by Randy Houser is at #2 this week, but it's taken a whopping 28 weeks for it to get there!

So, frustrating as it may seem, especially after the immediate success "Sideways" had on the charts, IWMYCYE isn't doing too badly. It's at 195 of 226 stations, which is 59 stations more than last week!!! Pat yourselves on the back, Congress, it's obvious our efforts are paying off!

~ Carrie S. ( DBC Rep/Chart Reporter - NC)