Dierks Bentley inks Knoxville show

Photo by Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Country music star Dierks Bentley is shown in Nashville, Jan. 28, 2009.

Photo by Mark Humphrey/Associated Press

Country music star Dierks Bentley is shown in Nashville, Jan. 28, 2009.

Country star Dierks Bentley will return to Knoxville on Saturday, May 2, to perform at the Bijou Theatre. Bentley will be supporting his upcoming bluegrass and acoustic-themed album "Up On the Ridge." The show will feature members of the Del McCoury Band as Bentley's back-up band. The band includes Ron McCoury on mandolin, Rob McCoury on banjo, Jason Carter on fiddle and Alan Bartram on bass, who call themselves the Travelin' McCourys when performing without patriarch Del McCoury. Hayes Carll will open the show.

Bently's new album features the Del McCoury Band, Chris Thile and the Punch Brothers, Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Tim O'Brien, Sam Bush and other guests.

In a press release, Bentley said: "The only way I know to explain what this new album is to all the fans is to just get out on the road and play it for them. I’ve been rehearsing and working on set lists already… every show is going to be different and really special. There aren’t any better acoustic musicians in the world than the Travelin' McCourys, period. And I’ve been a big fan of Hayes for a long time. It’ll be a total blast…I’m already plotting and planning on how to fit more dates into the schedule!"

Early ticket information is expected to be released on Friday, March 19, at www.dierks.com.

UP ON THE RIDGE Tour Dates:

4/21 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom

4/22 Boulder, CO Boulder Theater

4/23 Colorado Springs, CO Arnold Hall Ballroom

4/24 Austin, TX The Parish

4/28 Athens, GA 40 Watt Club

4/29 Greenville, SC Blind Horse Saloon

4/30 Wilkesboro, NC Merlefest

5/2 Knoxville, TN Bijou Theatre

5/3 Charlottesville, VA Jefferson Theatre

5/4 Athens, OH Templeton-Blackburn Alumni Mem Auditorium

5/5 New York, NY Highline Ballroom

5/6 Foxborough, MA Showcase Live!

5/7 Portsmouth, NH The Music Hall

5/8 South Burlington, VT Higher Ground Ballroom

5/9 Northampton, MA Calvin Theatre & Performing Arts Center

5/11 Portland, ME Port City Music Hall

5/12 Philadelphia, PA Theatre of the Living Arts

5/13 Pittsburgh, PA Mr. Smalls Theatre

5/17 State College, PA State Theatre

5/18 Richmond, VA The National

5/19 Baltimore, MD Rams Head Live

5/20 Washington, DC 6th & I Historic Synagogue (on sale March 26)

5/21 Charlotte, NC Coyote Joe’s

5/22 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium (on sale April 2)

Visit www.dierks.com for pre-sale info and for more on the upcoming album.

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