The 12 Days of Dierksmas Giveaways - 2019!

For the second year, DB Congress is proud to present: The 12 Days of Dierksmas Giveaways - 2019, exclusively on Instagram!

If you love Dierks Bentley and Dierks Bentley merchandise, be sure to follow us on Instagram @dbcongress, where we will give away 12 prizes in 12 days!

No purchase is necessary to win, and you do not need to join The DB Congress (Dierks Bentley fan club) in order to enter for a chance to win one of the giveaway items.

The only two requirements for this DB Congress exclusive campaign is that you follow us on Instagram and post a comment on the daily prize post!  That's it!

Winners will be randomly selected daily! No repeat winners.

The 12 Days of Dierksmas - 2019 will begin in a few days, so tell all your friends!  The prizes will get bigger as we go, so you'll want to follow every day and Comment on each prize post!

 

Special thanks to BubbleUp, Dierks.com, Red Light Management, Hot Country Knights and Flag & Anthem for providing all the giveaways!

 

Email us at dbcongress@yahoo.com with any questions!

  

Your #12DaysOfDierksmasGiveaways Committee:

• Ronna Clark, FL
• Stephanie Lanham, MO
• Jessica and Phill Borrelli, WA
• Mary Lou Green, NC
• Nichole Dalton, FL

 

Dierks Bentley and U2 Connection, Years in the Making

As die-hard, card-carrying members of DB Congress, we know what it's like to be super fans.

We listen to--and know--all the songs; we travel--sometimes around the world--to see him; we have the homemade t-shirts to prove it.

But what if you had Dierks Bentley's phone number in your cell? That's reaching dream status. Am I the only one?

Dierks knows that feeling. He, himself, is a card-carrying member of U2's fan club (literally--he carries the card in his wallet). AND he is in regular contact with frontman Bono.

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Sep 14, 2017 at 8:06pm PDT

Their history goes farther back, and is more intricate, than many realize. It all started with a "mutual interest in helping people out and trying to use our celebrity currency for good."

But a very public nod from Bono to Dierks this month drew the attention of country music (and U2) fans everywhere.

In a New Orleans concert on Sept. 14, U2 stunned the audience--and very clearly, Dierks Bentley--with a cover of "Drunk on a Plane" as an interlude in their hit "Beautiful Day."

trying to process... U2 breaking into drunk on a plane last night in New Orleans. Can't make this up. @u2 #drunkonaplane #beautifulday @onecampaign Thank you whoever posted this video. I need a drink... maybe several!

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Sep 15, 2017 at 4:31pm PDT

One could argue that is the ultimate compliment.

The feeling is mutual. In addition to publically noting U2 was the best concert Dierks has ever seen, for those of us who are familiar with Dierks' bluegrass album, Up on the Ridge, the song "Pride (In the Name of Love)" is actually a U2 cover.

Dierks even contacts Bono before every new album release, sending a song or two for Bono's feedback. A recent example is "Freedom" from the Black album.

"The third verse of the song was kind of inspired by something he said to me once," said Dierks. "He said when people in other countries see the American flag, they don't just see a geographical location, they see an idea of freedom. And they want a piece of that idea. So I sent him the song, and he sent me a pretty thoughtful email back. ... He couldn't be more supportive. It was pretty cool to get that email."

It's not just professional feedback between the two artists. When Dierks' dad passed away in 2012, Bono reached out with a letter of condolence. The words that stuck out most to Dierks were, "I don't know how close or far away you were, but it's just a stinker." That message held a lot of meaning in a very difficult time.

Just two months before, Bono--a lover of country music himself--had the privilege of introducing Dierks at the ACM Awards.



"Dierks Bentley's music reaches all the way from Nashville into my kitchen in Dublin."

As DB Congress representatives globally, we would have to agree, Bono.

Now the only question that remains: Has Bono joined our ranks a DB Congress member?
If not, sounds like he has honorary member status already established.
Now, to get him a card ...



Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley Flies High With Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority

There's no doubt some 737s are rocking like a G6 in Nashville this week!

Dierks Bentley has been selected to join the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners as Industry/Commerce/Finance representative. This is a volunteer position.

“As a widely-acclaimed country music artist, he brings unique experience and expertise regarding the entertainment industry, tourism and business. And he's a licensed pilot as well," said Rob Wigington, MNAA president and CEO.

With award-winning hit song, Drunk on a Plane, this appointment might sound humorously ironic, but when listening to the words, “Buyin’ drinks for everybody but the pilot …” it’s clear he’s responsible in the cockpit.

“I love Nashville and I love aviation,” he said in a recent interview about this appointment. “There are many big changes happening in our city right now as it continues to grow so rapidly. I am very excited to get a chance to be involved in facilitating and managing that growth as it pertains to our airports and aviation services.”

Dierks will help manage the $1.2 billion capital investment in the MNAA facilities “while working to make [the] airport a true international hub for commerce and tourism.”

Being a pilot is as much as part of Dierks’ life as is country music.

In a recent iHeart podcast with Bobby Bones, Dierks defines becoming a pilot as a manifestation over the years, the fulfillment of a dream that began when he was 19.

“I want to be the pilot, not a passenger,” he says.

If the band is on tour, they all fly with Dierks in the pilot seat. This has saved precious time the band treasures with their families.

“When we walk on stage, [the band is] in a great mood," he says. "Their families are happy; their wives are in good spirits; and they got to be with their kids that morning. When we get onto the stage, it makes for a better show for us, for our fans. … At this point in my career, they go hand-in-hand.”

As a Nashville resident and frequent flyer in the area, Dierks will bring a unique voice to the table, all with the focus of keeping families in the forefront. This perspective will no doubt bring high-impact opportunities to the MNAA.

Photos from @DierksBentley Facebook page.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

New Dierks Song Released on Movie Soundtrack

Since Dierks Bentley’s first album, where he soon defined his place in country music, and through each album release since, fans have been craving new music. We can’t get enough.

Well, Congress, a musical snack was unveiled to whet your appetite as we eagerly await another album.

“Days of Dark” was just released on the original motion picture soundtrack “The Shack.” The movie, which hit theaters this weekend, tells the story of an unfathomable family tragedy and how they were transformed in a powerful way.

Number nine on the soundtrack, Dierks’ “Days of Dark” has been defined as a personal anthem for anyone who has lost hope. When facing struggles or wanting to give up, all you have to do is turn on this propelling, "emotionally uplifting" song. Laden with metaphors, the lyrics define personal darkness then morph into a story of light.

With his iconic “smoked gravel” voice carrying the song through, and an opportunity to open up his vocal range, it’s clear this song is classic Dierks. Through each brilliant verse, chorus and bridge, the Dierks we’ve loved over the last eight albums rings through. As would be needed with a story as powerful as this song tells, the music itself is strong enough to carry the positive message through, starting from the first note.

Dierks recently sat down to discuss the writing of "Days of Dark" and the honor he feels in being part of this movie:



The soundtrack is available through iTunes, Amazon music, pretty much anywhere music is sold. You can hear the song here:

“Days of Dark” was written by Dierks Bentley, Josh Osborne, and Ryan Tyndell.

Others featured on the soundtrack include country artists such as Tim McGraw, Faith Hill, Lady Antebellum, and Brett Eldredge.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi get "Strait" to classic country on the "What The Hell" Tour

Whether you were born wearing cowgirl boots or just donned your first pair at a recent "What The Hell" Tour concert, there are some country classics with which everyone can sing along. 

So when Dierks Bentley and Jon Pardi decided to have some extra fun on tour, honoring one of their biggest heroes was just too good to pass up.

Man, did they do it justice.

During a recent “What the Hell” Tour concert, Dierks and Jon, after a time of banter and joking with the crowd, led the band (and entire audience!) in the George Strait 1987 hit “All My Ex’s Live in Texas.”

One fan* posted a video of this talented performance, which you can watch here (song begins at 1:57):

George Strait holds a special place in Dierks’ heart. Early in his career, Dierks had the privilege of opening for George on tour. At one of those concerts, Dierks met up with his childhood sweetheart, Cassidy, again (who would later become his wife!). On that same tour, when in Dierks’ hometown of Phoenix, Ariz., George played “I Just Want to Dance With You” because he knew it was Dierks’ mom’s favorite song.

From growing up listening to George through his parents, to opening for George on tour, to now headlining his own show and paying homage to his hero, Dierks certainly has a connection with King George.

As Dierks said in a recent interview, “He is tied into my family in many, many ways.”

One more unforgettable way was just added to those memories. It was worth every mile.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe


*Thank you to YouTube user "shyloh durocher" for the video.

Dierks' Music Gets 'All The Way' To Those Who Listen

Ten years down the road, is this going to be something we look back on and say, ‘We should have done that’?”

 

Yes, those words came out of my mouth when presenting the Jet Black VIP Experience opportunity to my husband. 

 

And it worked.

 

See, he’s been a dedicated supporter of our president (Dierks Bentley) since, “What Was I Thinkin’” so this was an easy sell. What was most surprising to him was I was the one doing the asking.

 

The biggest reason? Just two weeks before, I didn’t listen to country music. At all.

 

I sealed my fate when I got him bleacher seat concert tickets to see Dierks in Puyallup, Wash., last September. For some reason, I couldn’t wait to go, despite my lack of knowing really any of the songs. My anticipation was not misplaced. 

 

Since you’re reading this, you know what happens next.

 

I fell in love right then and there. The music, the lyrics, the passion, the personality. It’s life’s soundtrack heard through a band full of talent and a voice full of whiskey honey!

 

My album collection grew by eight that night and I cannot stop listening. 

 

When the Vancouver, BC, concert was announced, we couldn’t miss reliving the experience from the front. So I joined the Congress, got our VIP tickets, put my name in for the Meet & Greet lottery, booked the trip and set a countdown timer. Four. Long. Months.

 

Every Mile a Memory

We are at Roger Arena early. We’re in a different country, unfamiliar territory, and have no clue what to expect. Apparently we’re there too early because we’re the first in line. This is the right gate, right?

 

 

When the doors finally open, we’re greeted with excitement and our “runway” VIP gift. First in the room, we grab our whiskeys and stand front and center, awaiting the private concert with 100 other VIPs.

 

In one of those “Is this really happening right now?” moments, Dierks and the band walk in the room and land two feet in front of us. This moment I’ve been dreaming about is real.

 

With nods to the little white tank tops around the room, and excitement about how the concert will be if this is how the pre-show is, Dierks casually asks, “What do you want to hear?”

 

People ask for the classics such as “Free and Easy” and “I Hold On” and new hits “Pick Up” and “All The Way To Me.” One woman in the back even raised her hand to be called upon, causing a dumbfounded laugh from Dierks, saying, “I don’t believe anyone has ever raised their hand at one of these!”

 

Thirty unforgettable minutes later, it’s time to go to the big show. That’s 30 minutes that were worth every minute of waiting and every penny to get in the door.

 

A mass exodus ensues as VIP ticket holders swarm the standing-only pit to get the best vantage point possible. My husband gets a spot touching the stage. 

He’s on his own for that one, though, because just six days before, my email arrived. I have been selected for the Meet and Greet experience!

 

Standing in line with 30 Congress lottery and radio contest winners, it’s our turn to shake hands with the man himself.

 

I don’t want this opportunity in a stereotypical fan girl fashion. I want to say thank you. Thank you for sharing your talents with all of us. Thank you for taking time to meet with those in the Congress. Thank you for changing lives with music that gets all the way to those who listen.

 

In that moment, I, in the chaos of people and 100 decibels, know without a doubt I have Dierks’ complete attention and appreciation. That’s just like him, though, isn’t it? He cares about his fans and appreciates our support. After 14 years in the industry, he hasn’t gotten too big for his Levis.

 

 Reaching out to the fans, walking into the audience, fist-bumping the crowd, Dierks and the band connect with every concert-goer in the arena. The talent and entertainment value are unprecedented. No matter where you sit, you’re in for a memorable show. 

 

I know because four months before I watched from the back row. I do have to say, though, front row certainly does have its advantages. 

 

There are just some things that can’t be replaced.

 

Jessica Borrelli

DB Congress Rep, WA

@AllTheWayToMe