“Country & Cold Cans” hit Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, CA on Friday, April 13^th, as Dierks Bentley kicked off his new tour. It was a chilly and rainy evening in usually sunny L.A., but that didn’t stop country fans from coming out to hear some good country music. Hitting the road with Dierks this time around are touring mates Will Hoge and the Eli Young Band, making this a tour you will not want miss.

As the crowds filled up the venue you could feel the excitement in the air as the show was about to begin. First out of the gates was Will Hoge. Not new to the music scene, Will is a multi talented artist. He treated us to his soulful gritty voice, tickled the ivories, played guitar and harmonica. His latest album is called “Number Seven” and he played his new single “Too Old to Die Young,” which was a song the audience seemed to really enjoy. After sharing an array of his music, he ended with “The Highways Home” and capped it off with some lines from the country classic “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry.”

Will did a great job of keeping the crowd fired up. After a brief set change the Eli Young Band hit the stage to the sound of cheering fans. They didn’t disappoint as they went right into a fan favorite, “Always the Love Songs,” followed by the newer, but ever so popular, “Even If It Breaks Your Heart.” People were singing along and it seemed the band was feeding off that energy and giving us all they had. Of course their set would not be complete without playing the newly crowned ACM song of the year winner, “Crazy Girl,” which had excited fans on their feet. During the set a very humble Mike Eli took the time to thank the fans for believing in their music and for the success they have achieved over the last couple of years.

After playing a great set, Eli Young Band said good night and left the stage. Now the time had come and Dierks came out on stage showing us he was just as excited to be there as the thousands of people in the venue. He opened up with “Tip It On Back” and went right into “Feel That Fire.” The crowd was beyond enthusiastic which led Dierks to comment, “I don’t know why they even put chairs in this place!” The crowd cracked up and then Dierks sang, “Am I the Only One,” adding a special 3^rd verse he wrote for the evening. He certainly knows how to work a stage, moving all over the place and high fiving concert-goers along the way. After singing a few songs he said, “I’m warmed up,” and clearly he was as his energy level on stage was contagious.

The night continued with one great song after another from “Settle For A Slow Down” to “Free and Easy.”  As if a night filled with awesome music wasn’t enough, Dierks also had some surprises up his sleeve to kick off this “Country & Cold Cans” tour. He started talking about how much he likes the Foo Fighters and that him and his band listen to them backstage before shows. Next thing we know he has his good friend, and Foo Fighter band member, Chris Shiflett come out on stage. Dierks shared they both admire Gram Parsons which led Dierks to reveal his white Gram Parsons t-shirt he had on under his plaid shirt. They sang “Sin City” and the Foo Fighter song “You I Fell Into.” He also had another special guest, Garrett Hedlund, from the movie “Country Strong.” Dierks invited Will Hoge, and Eli Young Band to join him and Garrett and they sang “Hard Out Here,” which is a Hayes Carll song.

The night was upbeat and all about having a good time, but it did have a very touching moment as well. One of the best parts of going to see live music is often hearing the story behind the song. Before Dierks sang his hit “Home” he took a minute to tell the crowd where the song came from and what it means to him. Dierks, a co writer on the song, said it was written days after the tragic event in Arizona involving Congresswomen Gabrielle Giffords. He said as they sat down to write the song he thought of her bravery and patriotism, the sacrifice of our military and just everyday people falling on hard times. With all this on their mind they were inspired to create this meaningful song that has touched the lives of many Americans.

Of course the night wouldn’t be complete without a great encore including “Sideways” and “What Was I Thinking.” I think the first night of this tour was definitely quite a success. The crowd loved every minute and the performers were on fire! If you check out www.dierksbentley.com and see that he is bringing his “Country & Cold Cans” tour your way I would try to get a ticket. You will be entertained completely! All of the guys on this tour, including the talented members of each band, give it all they have showcasing some amazing music. Don’t miss it!

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