Dierks Bentley & Chase Rice Are A Perfect Country Combo at Xfinity Center
Dierks Bentley is an American country music singer and songwriter known for his distinctive blend of traditional and contemporary country sounds. Born on November 20, 1975, in Phoenix, Arizona, Beåntley moved to Nashville, Tennessee, to pursue his career in music after college. He quickly made a name for himself with his self-titled debut album in 2003, which produced the hit single "What Was I Thinkin'." Since then, Bentley has released multiple platinum-selling albums and numerous chart-topping singles, including "Drunk on a Plane," "Somewhere on a Beach," and "Burning Man." Throughout his career, Dierks Bentley has received numerous awards and nominations, including several from the Country Music Association (CMA) and the Academy of Country Music (ACM). His work has cemented his place as one of the leading voices in modern country music. Bentley's music often reflects his love for country music's roots while also pushing the genre's boundaries, incorporating elements of bluegrass, rock, and pop. His distinctive voice, relatable lyrics, and energetic live performances have earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. In addition to his music, Bentley is known for his down-to-earth personality and love of outdoor activities, particularly flying, as he is a licensed pilot.
Bentley’s discography reflects a broad range of emotions and themes, from the rowdy, fun-loving tracks like "5-1-5-0" and "Am I the Only One" to more introspective and heartfelt songs like "I Hold On" and "Riser." His ability to connect with listeners on various levels has made him a versatile and enduring figure in country music. In addition to his musical endeavors, Dierks Bentley is known for his philanthropic efforts. He has supported numerous charitable causes, including organizations like Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the Wounded Warrior Project. His annual “Miles & Music for Kids” charity motorcycle ride and concert event has raised millions for children’s hospitals across the United States.
Bentley’s influence extends beyond the country music world. He has dabbled in acting, appearing in TV shows such as Nashville and CMT Crossroads, and has hosted the ACM Awards multiple times, showcasing his charismatic personality to a broader audience. Despite his level of success, Bentley remains grounded and connected to his roots. He often speaks about the importance of family, and his songs frequently reflect his personal experiences and values. This authenticity has resonated with fans and critics alike, helping him maintain a lasting career in a constantly evolving industry.
Bentley’s impact on country music is undeniable, as he continues to evolve as an artist while staying true to the genre's traditions. With each new project, he challenges himself creatively, ensuring that his music remains fresh and relevant while honoring the rich heritage of country music. When we heard he was swinging by the New England area on his Gravel & Gold Tour we needed to see it. Dierk’s is an artist that I have missed live and I have no excuse for it despite being one of my favorite country artists. That time had finally come and we headed to Xfinity Center in Mansfield, Massachusetts to see Dierk, Chase Rice, and Kaitlin Butts. The host of tonight’s masterpiece of a performance was none other than the Xfinity Center, located in Mansfield, Massachusetts, it’s one of our most popular premier outdoor amphitheaters in the region although I do prefer Xfinity Theater in Hartford a little bit more. Opened in 1986 under the name Great Woods, it has a seating capacity of approximately 19,900, with around 7,000 reserved seats under the pavilion and the rest on the general admission lawn area. The venue is popular for its intimate setting that allows fans to enjoy concerts in an outdoor environment.
Kaitlin Butts hailing from Oklahoma hit the stage first. Butts is an emerging artist in the country music scene, with a beautiful voice and heartfelt lyrics, with a blend of traditional country and Americana influences. Admittedly, I hadn’t heard of her and I am always excited to hear a new artist. I never miss the supporting acts at shows and I like to give them their proper attention. You never know who the next megastar is going to be. Hope to see more of Butts soon! Butt’s was spot on with her singing. Her country twang was perfect for her style of country.
Chase Rice. I can say so much about this artist. One of my favorite country artists and I was beyond excited to see him live. Rice first gained widespread attention as a co-writer on Florida Georgia Line's massive hit "Cruise," which became one of the best-selling country digital songs of all time. His own breakthrough as a solo artist came with the release of his 2014 album Ignite the Night, which included the Platinum-certified single "Ready Set Roll." The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top Country Albums chart, establishing Rice as a rising star in the genre. In addition to his musical career, Chase Rice gained fame as a contestant on the reality TV show Survivor: Nicaragua in 2010, where he finished as the runner-up. His time on the show introduced him to a broader audience, but it is his music that has truly defined his career. Chase Rice's latest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go to Hell, was released on February 10, 2023 and I am pretty sure I listen to that album at least once a week. With Rice and Bentley being on the same bill it was a no brainer that I was going to this show. Rice played his new song “Raw River”. I absolutely loved it! I cannot wait for his new album Go Down Singin’ which will be released on September 20, 2024. Rice made it clear to the audience that this was his best album that he has ever made and was extremely proud of it. A highlight for the crowd was Chase playing a song he wrote that everyone knows “Cruise”, made famous by the massively huge Florida Georgia Line. A nice heartfelt moment for me in particular was while introducing his song “Bench Seat” he brought out his dog Jack, in a Drake Maye jersey. He explained the meaning of the song and how his buddy’s dog saved his friend’s life. It was very heartwarming. Chase Rice’s performance was really top-notch. I couldn’t have hoped for a better show and setlist. Bentley’shigh-energy performance that showcased both his newer hits and classic favorites. As part of his "Gravel & Gold" tour, Bentley delivered a powerful set that included tracks like "Gold," "Burning Man," and "What Was I Thinkin'." Bentley featured a few well-chosen covers, such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads" and a mashup of classic country songs, which added a nostalgic touch to the evening.
Now it was time for the man of the hour! Our headliner Dierks Bentley hit the stage like a bomb. Bentley’s high-energy performance which showcased both his newer hits and classic favorites. Bentley delivered a powerful set that included tracks like "Gold," "Burning Man," and "What Was I Thinkin'." Bentley featured a few well-chosen covers, such as "Take Me Home, Country Roads,” “Simple Man" by Lynyrd Skynyrd and a mashup of classic country songs, which added a nostalgic touch to the evening. These covers were a hit with the crowd, who joined Bentley in a rousing sing-along that filled the night with a sense of nostalgia and unity. Bentley’s 7 piece band was nothing short of amazing. They sounded crisp and hit all their marks. During the band’s solo performances I was absolutely stunned and amazed by guitarist Ben Helson. He was incredible and reminded me of Billy Strings. Just about the best compliment you can receive as a guitarist. The vibe of his whole performance was that of a party-like atmosphere. There were beach balls being volleyed throughout the venue. Bentley’s stage presence was also impressive. I supposed I didn’t know what I was in for. He interacted with the crowd constantly and at one point handed out roughly 30 beers to his fans in the crowd for a massive audience cheers.
Bentley's newer material was also well-received, proving that his recent work hits just as strongly as his earlier hits. Tracks like "Gone" and "Burning Man" showcased his evolving sound, blending traditional country with modern influences to create something uniquely his own. It’s always great hearing familiar songs to go along with the fresh songs. The energy in the venue peaked with Bentley's performance of "Drunk on a Plane," a song that has become synonymous with his live shows. The crowd's excitement was clear as day as they danced and sang along, creating a party atmosphere that carried through to the end of the concert. The evening was a testament to the enduring appeal of country music. All the artists delivered performance that was not only musically exceptional but also emotionally resonant, leaving fans with memories that will last long after the lights went down. Overall, this concert was exceptional. I am glad we were able to cover it. The support acts were a perfect fit for a Deirks Bentley concert. The audience was a perfect compliment and gave the same energy back that they were receiving from the stage. Every time the crowd was given a chance to sing back they belted out with all their hearts. It was s if we got two headliners for the price of one. Thank you for a great show and we highly recommend seeing Chase Rice and Dierks Bentley if they are coming to your area or when they return back to New England. BUY. THE. TICKET.
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