Dierks Bentley Gifts DB Congress With Two New Songs

More than a dozen DB Congress reps traveled to see Dierks Bentley in not one but two concerts in Las Vegas last weekend. Knowing the crew was there for both nights, Dierks decided to change things up ... and give a gift to the DBC, just in time for Christmas.

The first night, he unveiled a new song, "Burning Man." With an incredible, unique melodic chorus, the song was instantly a hit in the theater.

The lyrics "are not coming from [my head], they're coming from my heart, from inside me."

Here's the "Burning Man" video:



Burning Man

Half your life you struggle
Half your life you fly
Half your life making trouble
Half your life making it right
One day I’m the exception
Most days l’m just like most
Some days I’m headed in the right direction
And some days I ain’t even close

I’m a little bit steady
But still a little bit growing strong (rolling stone?)
I’m a little bit reckless
But Still a little bit flesh and bone
Little found and don’t know where I am
I’m a little bit holy water
But Still little bit burning man
Burning man

Always run the highway
I just don’t run it as bad
I still go wherever the wind blows me
But I always find my way back
I still don’t get it right sometimes
I just don’t get it as wrong
I still go a little bit crazy sometimes yeah
But now I don’t take near as long

CHORUS

Still Just a burn burn burning man Just a burning man

Maybe I’ll go to the desert
Find myself in the Joshua Tree

If we pass in the night then just hand me a light and

Tell me you burn just like me

CHORUS

Still Just a burn, burn, burning man
Just a burning man Still
Just a burn burn burning man Just a burning man

==============================================================

After learning the DBC reps who were there the first night were in line and ready to go for night two, Dierks changed the set list to add a little something special.

"I was thinking of everybody here, but definitely these hardcore, hardcore fans standing down here--if I had to pick one song to give to you guys as a Christmas present, Hanukkah, or whatever you’re celebrating, this would be my gift to you."

The gift? "Living." And goodness, what a gift it is.

Looking at the reps lining the stage, almost all had tears in their eyes after hearing this one. Dierks was absolutely right when he said this song is so him. It's all heart.

"[Me and the band, we] try to live every day, no matter what we’re doing, we try to go out there and do something that makes us feel like we’re living. That’s how this song came about."

Here's the "Living" video:


Living 

This morning I woke up at 6:01 
I walked out and saw the rising sun 
Then I drank it in, like whiskey 
I saw a tree I’d seen a thousand times 
A bird on a branch and I watched it fly 
Away in the wind, and it hit me 
It’s a beautiful world sometimes I don’t see so clear 

Some days you’re just breathing 
Just tryin to break even 
Sometimes your heart’s pounding out of your chest 
Sometimes it’s just beating 
Some days you just forget what all you've been given
Yeah some days you just get by 
Yeah some days you’re just alive 
But some days you’re living 
Some days you’re living 

I went back in and fired the coffee up 
She walked in the kitchen likes she always does 
In my t-shirt, and it killed me 
Then I kissed her like it was the first time 
She laughed and looked at me like I’d lost my mind 
I said baby I love you, can’t live without you 
I know I don’t say it enough 

CHORUS 

Some days you’re just living 
Like you’ll never die 
Blues a little bluer up in the sky 
Your high’s a little higher 
Feel that fire you’ve been missing 

Some days you’re living 
It’s a beautiful world some days I don’t see so clear 
Some days you start singing 
And you don’t need a reason 
Yeah the world’s just right 
And your clear eyes ain't even blinkin'
Got a heart full of grateful 
For all you’ve been given 
Some days you just survive 
Yeah, some days you just get by 
Some days you’re living 
Some days you’re living



Jessica Borrelli and Ronna Clark
DB Congress Reps, WA and FL

Riser Dierks Bentley To Be Recognized For Humanitarian Efforts

Dierks Bentley is finally getting accolades for something DB Congress members have known all along--Dierks is an amazing guy with a huge heart.

Country Radio Broadcasters announced this week that Dierks has been selected to receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at the 2018 Country Radio Seminar. Created in 1990, this annual award recognizes the "humanitarian achievements of country artists." Dierks is the 28th recipient of the award; past recipients include artists such as Carrie Underwood, Brad Paisley and Charlie Daniels.

Looking back on more than a decade of service, the examples of Dierks' humanitarian achievements are endless.

One of the most notable--the reason he was selected for this award--is his Miles and Music for Kids motorcycle ride and concert. This event, held for 10 years, raised more than $4 million for children's hospitals across the country, including the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.

Ready for tomorrow... @indianmotorcycle #DIERKSMM10

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Oct 31, 2015 at 3:38pm PDT

Another highlight that contributed to Dierks receiving this award were his efforts to support the families of the Granite Mountain Hotshots. In 2013, he partnered with Entercom Country KMLE/Phoenix and Guyann Communications Country KAFF/Flagstaff to host the Country Cares Concert in Arizona, which raised more than $500,000 for the families of the firefighters. He since played a part in promoting the major motion picture about the Hotshots, "Only The Brave," singing and writing the movie's featured song, "Hold The Light." (This song is so powerful, there is buzz about it being an Oscar contender.)

headed back from @onlythebravemovie phx premiere last night. last three days have been profoundly moving. met some great folks, made some new friends and learned a lot more about the bond that exists in the firefighter and first responder community. it was a honor to spend some time with all the people that come down from prescott az last night for the premiere and later at @dierkswhiskeyrow

A post shared by Dierks Bentley (@dierksbentley) on Oct 11, 2017 at 12:19pm PDT

He's also an advocate for the Safe Haven Family Shelter in Nashville, even featuring a family from the shelter in his "Riser" music video. The entire Bentley family has jumped in to support this shelter. Through these efforts, the family has brought tens of thousands of dollars in donations, not to mention countless opportunities for advocacy. Even last week, Safe Haven did a fundraiser where the Bentleys were on site and matching funds raised (his kiddos even helped serve).

We are excited to have @dierksbentley and @charles_esten here tonight at A Taqueria Holiday. For every $1 you spend, Safe Haven gets $6.

A post shared by Safe Haven Family Shelter (@safehaventn) on Dec 4, 2017 at 4:17pm PST

Beyond these three notable humanitarian efforts, in just the last year, Dierks has raised money for disaster relief for those affected by the hurricanes; hosted a private concert for first responders; donated blood; adopted from the humane society; supported our military; advocated for the National Park Service; fished to benefit cancer research; took on the volunteer position on the Metropolitan Nashville Airport Authority Board of Commissioners. Not to mention his day job (of which we all are familiar!) and being one heck of a hubby and dad.

It's clear Dierks has taken his natural platform and made it a voice for good. We might be biased, but looking at all this man does, not just for his family and fans, but for the community, it's clear there is no one more deserving of this honor.

Congratulations, Dierks!

Successful night raising money for the kids! #mm4k10

A post shared by DierksBentleyCongress (@dbcongress) on Nov 1, 2015 at 10:30pm PST

The award will be presented at the Country Radio Seminar on Feb. 5 in Nashville.

Dierks previous received the Country Radio Seminar "New Faces of Country Music" award in 2004.

Jessica Borrelli
DB Congress Rep, WA
@AllTheWayToMe

DBC Reps Stand Out In Durant (with a special gift for Dierks, as well!)

For the last 17 Dierks Bentley shows that Cecia Benoit, rep from Louisiana, has attended, she has made a t-shirt to stand out in the crowd. So when she heard a couple dozen DB Congress members planned to attend Dierks' show in Durant, Okla., on Nov. 18, she decided to introduce herself. She never imagined where this offer would take her.

"I was collecting my thoughts to make myself a shirt and I thought I'd like to make myself approachable to other DB Congress members whom I haven't met in person before," she said. "So I decided to put my name and state on it ... adding DB Congress and the Riser bird was a given. I shared my idea with a couple of other ladies who were going, and before I knew it, I was making shirts for ones from every corner of the United States--from Oregon to Maine, from California to Florida."

The shirts were a hit! Cecia ended up making shirts for 12 DB Congress reps from 10 states--all of whom went to Durant for the show. The Dierks Dozen met up at the venue (hours before the velvet rope dropped) and shared their love and passion for "our favorite dude" while standing in line, discussing the "musical gift he has shared with us all."

What started as a 1,200-mile road trip with her friends--Sylvia, rep from Louisiana, and Tracy, rep from Mississippi (who were naturally having Dierks withdrawals)--ended up as a gathering of new friends from across the country. (She even made special sweatshirts for her roadtrip buddies!)

"It made my heart overflow with happiness to have been the brains behind the shirts that all of these beautiful people were rocking."

To top it off, Mary Lou, rep from North Carolina, asked Cecia to make one of the shirts to give to Dierks--just in time for his birthday.

"To see my creation presented to Dierks during the show was icing on the cake. Wow. Just mind blowing!"

Great work, Cecia! Way to represent, ladies!
And Happy Birthday, Dude!

Side note: Did you catch Dierks saying they just finished a new record in that video? Happy birthday TO US!

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