Due to hit stores this summer, Up On The Ridge features Bentley playing with a few friends like the Del McCoury Band and the Punch Brothers feat. Chris Thile. Other artists contributing vocals and instrumental work include Alison Krauss, Miranda Lambert, Tim O’Brien and Sam Bush.
Backing Bentley on the tour will be Del McCoury Band offshoot The Travelin’ McCourys while singer/songwriter Hayes Carll opens.
As to bringing Up On The Ridge to life on the concert stage, Bentley says every show will be different and unique.
“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,” Bentley said. “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’s be a total blast… I’m already plotting and planning on how to fit more dates into the schedule.”
Right now there are 24 shows booked for a 30-day road trip, beginning in Portland, Ore., at the Wonder Ballroom April 21 and wrapping in Nashville at the Ryman Auditorium May 22. In between, look for Bentley & Company to play Colorado’s Boulder Theatre April 22; Colorado Springs at the Arnold Hall Ballroom April 23; Austin at The Paris April 24; Athens, Ga., at 40 Watt Club April 28; Greenville, S.C., at Blind Horse Saloon April 29 and Wilkesboro, N.C., at Merlefest April 30.
May stops include Knoxville (May 2), Athens, Ohio (May 4), New York City (May 5), Foxborough, Mass. (May 6), Philadelphia (May 12), Pittsburgh (May 13) and Washington, D.C. (May 20).
Tickets for most shows go on sale March 19. Washington, D.C., goes on sale March 26 and Nashville goes up April 2. For more information, please click here for the Dierks Bentley Web site.