Dierks Bentley prepares for the release of his sixth studio album Home with fan events, television appearances and exclusive album release shows in support of the disc, out Tuesday, February 7th. Bentley will officially kick off release week at the ‘home’ of country music, the historic Ryman Auditorium, with a special album release show today. Tonight’s sold out performance will also mark the last concert played on the current stage of the landmark venue before it undergoes renovation.

Bentley will start on the east coast and move west over the course of the week visiting fans in Boston on February 4th, Baltimore on February 5th, New York on February 8th, Chicago on February 9th, Denver on February 10th and Phoenix on February 11th. Throughout the cross-country trip, he’ll make time to appear and perform on NBC’s Today on both February 6th and  7th and The Late Show with David Letterman on February 8th, where he’ll follow the TV taping with a full set for their popular webcast program Live On Letterman from the famous Ed Sullivan Theatre. The week will cap off in Los Angeles with the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards on February 12th and a performance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show on February 15th.

“We worked so hard and spent so much time writing and recording this album,” said Bentley. “Now we get to criss cross the country and get it in the fans’ hands…I’m sure I’ll be running on adrenaline the entire time. I’ve got a few surprises planned along the way too. Kicking it all off tonight at The Ryman…there’s nothing better than that!”

Bentley’s versatility as a writer shines on the new disc that has already produced the rowdy No. one hit “Am I The Only One.” He penned the good-time chart topper, as well as the disc’s spiritual anchor and title track “Home,” which caught early attention from National Public Radio critics for the authenticity of its lyrics. Last week, it was nominated for ACM’s coveted “Song of the Year” award. The new project also features special guests including Little Big Town’s Karen Fairchild and bluegrass icons Sam Bush and Tim O’Brien. Over his diverse career, the CMA winner has sold over five million albums, scored eight No. one hits at country radio and collected 10 GRAMMY nominations.

Following release week, Bentley will jet straight to the first show of his 2012 Country & Cold Cans Tour on February 15th in Vancouver, BC Canada. For a list of upcoming appearances and tour dates in Canada, Australia and the US, visit www.dierks.com.

Got some country music gossip and don’t wanna be a tattle tale? Email me, Tawny Tucker, Tawny@countrymusictattletale.com