Dierks To Debut Music On Tour

Dierks Bentley will debut music from his upcoming bluegrass/roots album at dates across the country this spring. His Up On The Ridge Tour opens in Portland, OR on April 21 and will make more than 24 stops before the end of May. He is set for a hometown show on May 22 at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium.

Bentley’s roadshow includes Texan Hayes Carll in the opening slot, and Bentley’s backing band the Travelin’ McCourys—featuring Ron McCoury (mandolin), Rob McCoury (banjo), Jason Carter (fiddle) and Alan Bartram (bass) as the latest incarnation of bluegrass stars The Del McCoury Band. The outing will visit rock clubs and major bluegrass festivals, such as the just announced April 30 date at MerleFest 2010 in Wilkesboro, NC.

Fans can expect new music and surprising new arrangements of his hits during the run. Contributors to Bentley’s summer release include Del McCoury Band, Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush. For the project, Bentley teamed with award-winning singer/songwriter/producer Jon Randall Stewart and recording engineer Gary Paczosa.

Tickets for the Ryman show go on sale April 2, other dates on sale Fri., March 19. Visit www.dierks.com for pre-sale info and for details on the upcoming album.