Woman, Amen Music Video Shares Story of Mother-Daughter Duo

January kicked off beautifully for Dierks Bentley fans around the world, with the album announcement, tour announcement, clothing line announcement, and release of his newest single "Woman, Amen." Still climbing the charts three months later, it was only a matter of time that we'd get a chance to see the artistic expression of this empowering, uplifting song through a music video. And, once again, Dierks shows he's all heart.

In the style of his Riser video, Dierks uses this medium to share a real story and hope it inspires others to action. This time, he chose mother-daughter duo, Jennifer and Sydnee Floyd from Nashville, Tenn.

(photo by Capitol Nashville)

"I was really drawn to their real life experience, and I wanted to do a video based on real people with real struggles and real triumphs," he said. "These are the people I get to meet every day, and they are really the ones who have inspired this music."

According to a news source in Franklin, Tenn., Sydnee was born with PFAPA, a syndrome that results in fevers and sore throats, and EDS, a condition that affects the connective tissue in her body. After dealing with bullying and other hardships, the pair decided to move "to a big town" and a fresh start. There, "Sydnee took bullying and turned it around, she used it to motivate herself to do more for others."

With their hearts broken for the homeless community, they regularly volunteer for a local organization, putting together toiletries and essentials kits to distribute to those who are homeless.

As Sydnee says at the end of the video, "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give."

The video shows just how much of a positive difference they are making in their community.

“Jennifer and Sydnee make everyone around them want to do more, to be better … it was an incredible honor for me to honor them,” Dierks said. “I hope that by shining a light on the completely selfless volunteer work they do, it will maybe inspire other folks to do what they can in their own communities."

But, it wouldn't have had the same effect if Dierk's team had simply called Jennifer and Sydnee to see if they would be interested in being featured. No. Dierks needed to be in on the action. And what a surprise it was! Here's the backstory:

On April 9, we knew the video was on its way with a behind-the-scenes video Dierks posted through his Instagram page.

tune in + watch @entertainmenttonight for an exclusive look at what happened next... #womanamen

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Apr 9, 2018 at 9:05am PDT

The next day, after the video was released, Dierks shared this full clip. Instant smiles and instant tears.

surprising jennifer and sydnee #womanamen

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Apr 10, 2018 at 1:12pm PDT

While pretty much anyone I know wouldn't be able to say "YES!" fast enough, Jennifer responded in the most humble, gracious way (letting all of us know he picked the PERFECT story for this song).

As Jennifer said in a later interview, “Sydnee and I are so excited and deeply humbled that Dierks Bentley thought we were special enough to help share his song. We hope that this video touches your heart like it does ours. New life motto #WomanAmen.”

Here it is!



Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

Dierks and Sheryl Hit The Streets of Nashville in Carpool Karaoke

For those of us who follow Dierks Bentley on social media, we knew it was coming.
For those who follow happenings in downtown Nashville, you knew even sooner than that.

Carpool Karaoke (Goes Country) edition, featuring Dierks Bentley and Sheryl Crow, finally aired this week, and it was worth the wait.

On July 31, Dierks dropped this teaser:

@carpoolkaraoke w/ @applemusic 🚘

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Jul 31, 2017 at 3:50pm PDT

With that bit of information in our pocket, a look back at an April 5 post from Legends Corner gave us a little more insight on what we could expect from this highly-anticipated episode:

#dierksbentley and #sherylcrow stopped in at this afternoon to sing a song. 🤠 You never know who will pop in and jump on stage at #legendscorner  #sherylcrow #dierksbentley #tennessee #honkytonk #countrymusic #nashville #tennessee #visitmusiccity #carpoolkaraoke

A post shared by Legends Corner (@legendscorner) on Apr 5, 2017 at 3:26pm PDT

The episode was available on iTunes and Apple Music as of Sept. 26. You can watch it here (though you will need an account to do so). It didn't disappoint.

For those who don't have an account (or who want to relive the magic), here's a brief recap!
*spoiler alert*

With Dierks in the driver's seat and Sheryl riding shotgun, the comfortable pair took a drive down music memory lane, singing personal hits such as "All I Wanna Do," "Picture," "What Was I Thinkin'," and "Drunk on a Plane." (Though it's questionable if Sheryl knew all of the words, she nailed the majority of the song!)

They even pull in a random musician strolling down the street to have him sing "If It Makes You Happy." Surprising the pair, he gets the chance to sing one of his own. They picked a winner. Dierks even replies, "If I had the button to turn my seat around right now, I would! You're great man!" As it turns out, the musician is David Oakleaf who was a top 5 finalist on CMT's Can You Duet? in 2008. According to his Instagram post, he's still on a Dierks and Sheryl high six months later.

After finding out pretty much no one knows how to spell either of their names, Cheryl and Derk decide to take the challenge of seeing how many gigs they can accomplish in their remaining 30 minutes. The only rules--pull over, run in, play something, run out.

With stops at Tootsie's Orchid Lounge and (a very familiar venue for Dierks) Legend's Corner, they successfully fit in four shows in 30 minutes (with an entertaining bonus fifth show in the last minute in a back alley!). Classic country was on the menu with songs such as "Good Hearted Woman" and "I Hear That Train A Comin.'"

For those who want to see behind the scenes, these lucky fans happened to be at Tootsie's and Legend's when the pair took the stage:



With prior duets at the 2014 ACMs and the 2013 ACM Fan Festival, a special Miles and Music for Kids in 2012, and even social media jokes last year, it's clear the two have a friendship filled with laughter and "some fun" performing together.

With Whiskey Row opening in the coming months in Nashville, my guess is DB Congress members will be taking to the streets in droves, looking for their chance of a drive by!


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

Dierks Bentley To Perform at CMA Music Festival 2016

Dierks Bentley is scheduled to perform at CMA Music Festival 2016 in Nashville at Nissan Stadium on Thursday, June 9.  Dierks will hit the stage after Kelsea Ballerini and before Rascal Flatts in the 8:30-9:00 pm time slot.

The 4-day tickets are already sold out, but if you haven't purchased your package yet, don't fret.  CMA Fest 4 Less is offering DB Congress (fan club) members a $100 per person discount if you book a downtown hotel package with them during the month of April!  They still have great seats available so check out their website today!  Or call them at 1-888-638-8687 during business hours (M-Th/9-5, F/8-4 ET) to check availability.  You will need to mention the special code "FANCLUB" to get the discount.

No word yet on whether Last Call Ball (fan club party) will be scheduled during CMA Fest week.  Stay tuned--as soon as we know, you'll know!  

Exclusive DB Congress Interview: Behind the Scenes with "The Mom" in Dierks Bentley's "Riser" Music Video

Single mom, Nicole Staggs, became inspired for her leading role in Dierks Bentley's "Riser" music video after meeting real-life riser mom Amy Thomas on location. "I gave her a hug and told her what an inspiration she was. Especially being a single mother, as well. I was very grateful I could spend that time with her and really get a sense of who she was."

The Travis Meadows/Steve Moakler penned song, portrayed in video form, takes a hard (black and white) look at a very real situation and how to be a fighter, get out aliver, a riser--survivor.

We asked Nicole to share with us some behind the scenes stories, how she landed the role of "the mom," and what being a Riser means to her.


DB CONGRESS: Back in 2007, you won big on the TV game show, “Don’t Forget The Lyrics.” Did you ever imagine you’d be acting in a music video eight years later?

Nicole Staggs: Omg...I sure did! That was so fun! I have been in a handful of videos since then. The year after I did "Don't forget the lyrics," I shot "Waiting on a Woman" by Brad Paisley. That was another video I was very honored to be a part of, playing the late, great, Andy Griffith’s wife. He passed that next year, so the video was even more special to me.


DBC: You’re also a model. Tell us about some of your work. What other acting roles have you played or any upcoming?

NS: I have been modeling since I was 20 years old and that lead to acting. I've done lots of runway (Dillard's, Belks, Victoria Secret Regional, etc.) and print (Zappos, Swisher Sweets, Dillard's, etc.). I have also done commercials (TN Lottery, Buffalo Trace, Walmart, Ford, Cool Springs Galleria, etc.) and have been featured in some TV Shows (Nashville, Boston Public, The George Barris Show, It’s a Miracle, etc.).

DBC: Nashville! Love that show--what episode/role did you play?

NS:  I was initially brought in for the pilot, to audition for the host of the Blue Bird, which was an ongoing, speaking role.  I made it down to the final audition and it was between myself and another girl. She got the part.  Then I was called in for "Sophia Roxanne"...a backup singer. This was potentially an ongoing role, but my part was cut short and I didn't shoot anymore for that.  I was called in once again for the Mayor's mistress, but I didn't book that either!  So, I'm hoping to change the rules and 4th time be a charm?!!  Lol! I think it was season 2?!  

DBC: Can you talk about landing the role in the Riser video and a bit about the interview process? Did you do anything unique to show you would be perfect for the role of the mom?

NS: My agent called me for this audition. I listened to the song before I went, but I had no idea what the video was going to be about until I showed up at the actual audition, so I wasn't really prepared. Wes [Edwards], the director, asked me what one of the hardest things I've ever gone through was, and I talked about my son, his diagnosis of autism, and getting to where he is today. I know my passion and emotion were very apparent when talking about my amazing son. He inspires me every day...both my babies do!


DBC: What were some of the challenges in filming? Any behind-the-scenes stories you can share?

NS: Having to change clothes for every scene! Because we were mostly shooting in parking lots and in the car, changing was a little bit of a challenge! Luckily I grew up playing soccer and am pretty good at changing tops without exposing myself. The crew had a pop up/portable changing room and they would throw that up in parking lots, as well! That was pretty comical!

DBC: Two weeks ago we interviewed Emma Vance, who played the role of your daughter in the video. What was it like working with her and the little boy? Are you a single mom?

NS: Emma was great to work with. She was very sweet and very grown up for her age! Bentley (little boy) was so precious! He was such a little trooper. Because we had to drive around for two full days to many different locations, I was responsible for both of the kids while they were away from their parents and that made nurturing them very easy. Real emotions came out...especially with Bentley getting hungry, tired, or antsy, and my motherly instincts kicked in. I am a single mother of a little boy and girl, so it was easy to pretend Emma and Bentley were mine. Emma was also such a big help with Bentley! It really seemed like she was his big sister!

Nicole and her real-life kids

DBC: How perfect that the little boy’s name just happened to be Bentley! What a coincidence!


DBC: Were you a Dierks fan before this? What’s your favorite lyric in the song “Riser” and why?

NS: I’ve always loved Dierks' music, but this one is definitely my favorite! "When I don't know what I'm doin’ I can fake it...I'll pray ‘til Jesus rolls away the stone" is my favorite verse in the song. That resonates so much with me, because I was there. I never wanted my kids to see me worried, sad or upset, so I always faked it around them when I felt that way....and I prayed a lot! Still do!


DBC: What scene in the video took the longest to make—how many takes? Did you capture any scenes in just one take?

NS: Honestly, none of the scenes took too long to shoot. Wes had cameras rolling on us 3 a lot, even when we weren't shooting specific scenes, so he could capture as much raw emotion as possible.


DBC: Did you meet the real life single mom Amy and her kids? What was your first impression?

NS: I did meet Amy and her kids on the first day of shooting at Safe Haven! When we were introduced, I gave her a hug and told her what an inspiration she was. Especially being a single mother, as well. I was very grateful I could spend that time with her and really get a sense of who she was.


DBC: One of your friends said “she really poured out her soul in this representation of a single mom” and we agree! You clearly displayed just about every emotion without saying a word—from worry to fear to determination to joy. From where did you draw your inspiration?

NS: Thank you! Being a single mother of two children, it was not too difficult for me to imagine being in Amy's shoes. While I was fortunate enough to have a home and a job after my divorce, there were still definite struggles that I faced, starting my life over. Thinking about those struggles, while not having a place to live or money to provide for my kids, really put things into perspective for me and allowed my real emotions to take over. I know how incredibly fortunate I was to have what I did. Amy was certainly my inspiration for this role and is truly the epitome of a riser!


DBC: Another friend gave “Kudos to Dierks for the song and kudos to you for bringing it alive and helping to make it real.” Did you get to meet and talk to Dierks? If so, can you tell us about that conversation?

NS: Unfortunately, I did not get to meet Dierks. He shot his part on a different day.


DBC: The song and video are serious in nature, but were there any funny moments you can tell us about?

NS: We definitely laughed a lot about how freaked out I was, shooting at the motel. I am super ocd when it comes to germs and this motel room was probably the filthiest room I've ever seen. I had my hand-sanitizer out and rubbing it all over myself and the kids! We also put one of the crews blanket down on the bed, before Emma sat down on it! Luckily it was the last shot of the day, so we all went straight home and showered! Lol!

DBC: Where were you when you saw the finished video? What surprised you the most?

NS: A director friend of mine saw it on The Guardian website and texted me about how great it was. I was at home and watched it on my iPhone! I think what surprised me the most was this being the first time ever that I watched myself on TV and didn't pick myself apart. This was the least glamorous role I've ever done (absolutely no makeup, no hair, no sleep, etc), yet I loved every single bit of it. It was so raw and real and I'm incredibly proud to have been a part!

DBC: Favorite scene and why?

NS: The same scene as Emma...when we were parked in the church parking lot and I look up to the cross…such a powerful message of faith and how God gets us through everything.


DBC: What does being a Riser mean to you?

NS:  A "Riser" to me, is someone courageous, strong, brave, determined and selfless. It's someone who does whatever it takes to get through the hard times and never gives up.

Director Wes Edwards said he "really wanted to do something that felt genuine and honest and a real story of a real riser."  You did it, Wes!  Nicole, Emma and Bentley were very convincing!

Watch the behind the scenes video here.

Riser, the single, is inching up the charts.  Please continue to request your local country radio plays this important, inspirational song!

Exclusive DB Congress Interview: Behind the Scenes With "The Daughter" in Dierks Bentley's Riser Music Video

After three consecutive number one singles at country radio (I Hold On, Drunk on a Plane, Say You Do) from the 2014 "Riser" album, Dierks Bentley finally released the inspirational title track as a single in late June--his goal all along.

A few weeks later his ACM Awards Live performance of "Riser" was released as the video, and while it was a beautiful production, many wondered if and when there might be a "story" video.

No more waiting! The Guardian launched the true story music video September 3, which follows the struggles of a formerly homeless mother of two--Amy Thomas--as she rebuilds her life.

"I really wanted this video to reflect the 'risers' among us. So, when it came to casting, it was important to me that the storyline follow something real - no acting. The first thing I thought when I met Amy was you would have never known that she had been living out of her car with two kids and nowhere to go. Hearing her story is such a solid example that there are people we pass all around us every day who are going through tough times. It's dedicated to all the 'Risers.'" ~Dierks Bentley

Excerpt from The Guardian article: "The song, which was written by Travis Meadows and Steve Moakler, struck a chord with Bentley, whose father died in 2012. He says finding time to grieve while trying to be a good husband and dad (Bentley and his wife had two children at the time, three now) wasn’t an easy task, but it had to be done. “People are counting on you to get your shit together,” he says. Unsurprisingly, the lyrics of Riser’s chorus resonated: “Hey, I’m a fighter/When darkness comes to town, I’m a lighter/A get out aliver of the fire/Survivor.”"




Twelve-year-old, 7th grader, Emma Vance from Nashville, was cast as Amy's 'daughter' in the video. With the help of her dad, Todd, who contacted us on Twitter, Emma graciously agreed to answer our questions about her experience.

DB Congress:  We see you’ve already been featured in other music videos and commercials, some with your dad.  Tell us about those! 

Emma Vance:  All of my acting experiences have been fun. especially the ones with my dad. I think my favorite thing to shoot, not including the Dierks video, was a music video for Casting Crowns - Broken Together.

DBC:  How were you chosen to be in Dierks Bentley’s Riser video? How did that come about?

EV: My agent sent me the audition notice and  I wasn't sure how I did until about two weeks later when my dad got the email.

DBC:  In the video, you portray the daughter, but you still go to school and can be seen studying Biology.  What is your favorite subject in school?

EV: My favorite subject in school is probably Language Arts because I enjoy writing.

DBC:  How did the Riser video experience compare to your other videos and commercials?

EV:  The riser video experience was the biggest thing I've done so far and it took the longest to shoot so it was much different from what I've already acted in before.

DBC:  You were a brave “big sister” to the little boy and for your “mom” in the video.  How did you get yourself  ready for the emotions you displayed throughout the video?

EV:  I met the actual girl I was playing, so I just tried to put myself in the place and mindset that she could've been in.

DBC:  How much did you know of Dierks and/or his music before getting the job?  Did you know the song (Riser) prior to being in the video? Have you been to a Dierks concert?

EV:  I've loved a bunch of his songs, though I hadn't listened to "Riser" before I found out about the audition. I have never been to a Dierks Bentley concert, but I would imagine that it would be super fun!

DBC:  Do you think the video is uplifting or sad?

EV:  I think the video was definitely emotional, but I see it from an uplifting point of view.

DBC:  What was your favorite scene in the video and why?

EV:  My favorite scene in the video would have to be when the kids are going to sleep in the car and the mom looks at the cross at the church because I saw it from the perspective of never giving up hope in the Lord.

DBC:  That was an inspirational scene! For us, when the cop (Kevin Grace), knocked on the window of the car and that tear dropped out of the little boy's eye, that's when the water works started!

DBC:  What was it like to work with Dierks? Can you share some of your conversations?

EV:  I actually never got to meet Dierks because the parts of the video he shot were separate.

DBC:  How long did it take to film the entire video? Did you have to miss and make up any school work?

EV: It was 10 am to 10 pm for 2 days, but because it was in the summer I didn't have to make up any school work.

DBC:  Tell us about working with and being directed by Wes Edwards.  The shot of you laying your head on the mom’s shoulder at the end was perfect and ties nicely with the lyric: “lay your pretty head down on my shoulder.” You made it look so natural!

EV:  I really liked working with him. He communicated what he wanted us to do really well and made it super easy. I would love to work with him again someday.

Emma standing in front of Director, Wes Edwards

DBC:  What was your favorite memory of the day?  

EV:  My favorite memory would probably be when we went to the lake and before we started filming, we fed the geese.

DBC:  What does being a “Riser” mean to you? 

EV:  To me, being a Riser means staying strong in a tough situation and having hope that you get through it. 

In the closing scene, Dierks has just finished singing the last of three "I'm a riser" lyrics, and you can see he is visibly moved with the seriously emotional look on his face and the way he swallows hard.  A true testament to how real this experience was for him--a real-life fighter, riser--survivor.

With the help of Nashville non-profit Safe Haven Family Shelter, Amy was able to receive critical education, support and guidance that helped her make a successful return into her own home. Amy shares her story in more depth in this behind-the-scenes footage from the video shoot. To watch, click here.

Ronna

DBC Chair (FL)

Dierks Bentley Celebrates #1 Hit "Drunk On A Plane"

Nashville celebrated Dierks Bentley’s multi-week No. one and Platinum certified “Drunk On A Plane” in Nashville last night at the newly opened venue The Sutler.

Photo L to R: Katie Dean (UMG), Shane Allen (UMG), Royce Risser (UMG), Bentley,
Chris Thompkins, Steve Hodges (UMG) and Mike Sistad (ASCAP)

Industry friends gathered to honor Bentley and co-writers Chris Thompkins and Josh Kear (who was out of the country and unable to attend) for the smash hit, which is the second consecutive No. one off Bentley’s critically acclaimed album RISER and the 12th of his career as both a singer and a songwriter.  

Univeral Music Group's promo team helped celebrate in style, complete with pilot hats, aviator sunglasses and fake mustaches, commemorating Bentley's chart-topping hit, which is nominated for “Single Of The Year” and “Music Video Of The Year” for the upcoming 48th Annual CMA Awards.

See other photos here.

Riser Bird Game Grand Prize Winner: Experience 'Opportunity of a Lifetime'

In celebration of RISER's release in February, Dierks Bentley created an interactive game based around the thunderbird image that represents the project. 

“There are so many addicting games about birds right now, and we thought it would be funny to create our own RISER BIRD game,” laughed Bentley. “I’m all about finding interesting ways to get music out to the fans, and this is just supposed to be fun.”

While trying to conquer each level, gamers previewed the new music throughout the bird’s journey, shared high scores and entered to win the grand prize trip to attend a RISER TOUR rehearsal.

DB Congress California rep, Cameron Slatterbeck, was the randomly chosen winner of the Dierks Bentely RiserBird Challenge grand prize--a special Riser Tour Rehearsal experience in Nashville, Tennessee! 

Read his story below.

"I played the Riser Bird game for a few days and made sure to share it on Facebook and Twitter in order to be automatically entered into the contest. I was on the leaderboard on Dierks.com for a couple days before other people passed me up. I obviously didn't think much of my chances to win because after all, you never think something like this could actually happen to YOU. 

About a week later, I was at the NASCAR race at California Speedway, an annual tradition my friends and I have. Toward the end of the race I noticed I received a Twitter message from DIERKS BENTLEY! It read, 

"Hey Cameron! You have won the RISERBIRD Challenge! Before we announce can you confirm you can come to Nashville at the end of April?"

I was ECSTATIC...but still not completely sold.

I was put in contact with Kevin Grace at The Green Room PR thanks to you guys at DB Congress. After much back and forth due to available dates and working around Dierks' schedule, I was all set to go to Nashville! I was comped round trip airfare and two nights hotel, as well as the opportunity to experience a private rehearsal for Dierks' Riser Tour! 

I opted to stay an extra night in Nashville on my own dime so I could experience as much of the city as I could. Kevin picked me up from the airport on Sunday, May 4th and drove me to the hotel, pointing out many of the landmarks and fun places to go on the way. Luckily I have a close friend, Megan, who went to Belmont and still lives in the Nashville area. So for the majority of the trip, she was able to show me all around the town. We went to the Parthenon, toured the famed Ryman Auditorium, and went to many of the famous honkytonks and bars downtown on Broadway and in Mid Town. 

Tuesday was my last full day in Nashville. Kevin picked me up from the hotel and we drove out to a huge warehouse in East Nashville that Dierks apparently rented out for rehearsals. I was quickly introduced to Dierks and his manager, both of whom could not have been nicer. The only people present were the band, the crew, some of his representation and then some country music TV and radio folks. 

The stage was built as an exact replica as it was going to be on tour. It was incredible! He played his entire set as if he were playing in front of a sea of 20,000 people. One of the best moments was when he played "Drunk On A Plane" toward the end of his set, and the brand new video was playing on the massive "WAVE" screen behind him. Afterward Kevin told me I was the FIRST member of the general public to have viewed the "Drunk On A Plane" music video. That was pretty awesome! 

Afterward, I was able to talk to Dierks for a few minutes. We just shot the s#&* about what shows I've been to of his, and how we both could not wait for his latest RISER TOUR, which I told him I would see him a few different times when he makes it out to the west coast in July. Dierks was everything I expected and more. I have only met a handful of celebrities in my life, but I could not imagine there being someone more down to earth than Dierks is. 

I thanked him for the opportunity of a lifetime and I went on my way. My friend Megan dropped me off at the airport the next day, and I could not have been more bummed to leave. The city, the people, the places...it was all an amazing experience and I cannot wait to go back as soon as I can. Heck, I just might move there!"