At least once each summer, the Les Schwab Amphitheater plays host to a big name in the country music world. In past years it's been Brooks & Dunn or Willie Nelson, but this time around, the venue is bringing to town one of the genre's most celebrated young artists in Dierks Bentley, an energetic singer-songwriter who brings a modern rock-and-roll edge to his country tunes.
A native of Phoenix, Bentley eventually moved to Nashville, like so many other artists before him, to pursue a music career. But it wasn't until 2003 that he got his big break when his self-titled debut record launched his popularity, landing him plenty of festival appearances and award nominations. Most of that acclaim came from the hook-laden single, "What Was I Thinkin'." In fact, that debut album helped him win prizes at the CMT Music Awards, Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association Awards. He followed that album up with an even stronger effort, Modern Day Drifter, in 2005. That record, featuring some throwback country influences - including a track with the Del McCoury Band providing the backing - coupled with Bentley's crooning voice, won him further acclaim and cemented the artist near the top of the country music hierarchy.While most know him for his music (as well as his rugged good looks), Bentley is also known to back a good cause or two. In 2006, he launched his own nonprofit called "Miles and Music For Kids," which since its inception has raised some $1.5 million for the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. The fundraisers for the charity include a jam session featuring Bentley and other musicians, but that comes after Bentley, a known motorcycle enthusiast, leads a ride through the given town.
Presently, Bentley continues work on his charity while also prepping a new album tentatively titled Diamonds, which is set for release this year. But before that, he's got a busy summer ahead of him and before he comes to Bend in August, he's hosting a big party for his loyal fans with the Last Call Ball, a show in Nashville meant exclusively for his most hardcore followers. In addition to that big show, he's playing what seems like dang near every country music festival across the nation, while also playing his own headlining amphitheater and theater shows.
