On a hot summer night it was time for the Country 102.5 Festival featuring Dierks Bentley. Country fans of all ages, dressed in their country attire, filled the parking lots of the Xfinity Center. They were tailgating early and ready to party!
The first act of the night was up and coming country artist Travis Denning. Born in Warner Robbins, Georgia he began pursing his musical interests as a teenager and later moved to Nashville to pursue his career further. He released his first single “Ready for Tonight” a short time later. Since being in Nashville he has written songs for artists such as Jason Aldean, Justin Moore and Chase Rice just to name a few. Travis released his second single “After A Few” which landed in the Country top 10 countdown and set a Billboard record. He released his song “Beers Better Cold.” which is based on a friend where he used to buy drinks for while he was underage.
The fans were piling in as Travis hit the stage. They were eager to hear him play live as some of the fans it was the first time seeing him live. Some of the fans knew him and were singing along while others danced along to the music. Travis is an upcoming artist so listen to his music on all social media platforms.
The next artist was an unexpected surprise as she was a late addition to the lineup. The original artist scheduled to appear Ashley McBride had to unexpectedly back out so Elle King was able to fill in quickly. Elle is a country singer/Songwriter, tv personality and actress. She is a four time Grammy winner in country and rock. She is known to be sassy and wild. She was a great addition to the lineup for the evening and got the crowd on their feet. She is most known to country fans by her song “X’s and O’s.”
Her other singles “Under The Influence,” and “America’s Sweetheart” have also been ones fans have come to enjoy. Her single “Good Girls,” which was featured on the Ghostbusters soundtrack, has been heard on mainstream radio. Elle came out with high energy and had fun with the fans and got them jumping and screaming to her songs. She is a showstopper and fans really enjoyed her live performance and got the fans ready for the headliner.
Finally the showstopper of the night Dierks Bentley was ready to hit the stage and boy did he. He came out with tons of energy and ready to party the night away. His first song was “What Was I thinking.” The crowd was already energized so this just got them more in a party mood.
He played a few more songs some of which included, “I Hold On,” Burning Man,” Gone,” and “Black.” Just at the tail end of ” Up On The Ridge/ Devil Went Down to Georgia,” Elle appeared on stage. The crowd went crazy. They finished the song and went into the next one “Worth A Shot,” which the two of them sang together. The crowd was so amped to be able to see the two singers perform together live.
A short time later, during the song “Beers On Me,” Dierks passes a Miller Lite to the crowd while Travis and Dierks were singing. During the next song “Lot Of Leaving Left To Do,” a fan passed Dierks his phone and he reads a message that asked his girlfriend Suzanne if she would marry him. She said Yes! What a great and exciting proposal. The fans were cheering on the newly engaged couple.
Dierks plays a few more songs and then during the song “Riser,” a fan in the crowd hands him a Boston FD hat. Dierks played the entire song with the hat on. Another point in the performance a fan hands Dierks his ID to check to make sure he is of the drinking age. Dierks continues his set with songs that the fans love and enjoy. This now turns into a great big drinking party. The fans are waving their beers in their hands and having a grand old time. He goes on to play “Somewhere on A Beach,” “5-1-5-0,” and his last song before the encore “Drunk On A Plane.”
Once the encore was over the screen displayed clips of 80’s country superstars. The background then appeared with Hot Country Knights! It was in all vibrant neon colors just like it was in the 80’s. After a short moment the band came out all dressed in 80’s attire. They continued to play their final songs of the night which included, “Hot Country Knights,” T-R_O_U_B_L_E (a Travis Tritt cover,) “Moose Knuckle Shuffle,” Brand New Man,” and “Man! I Feel Like A Woman” (a Shania Twain cover) This was a fun night for both the band and the fans. The entire atmosphere was like a giant party and was such a fun show to attend.
Dierks Bentley
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Elle King
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Travis Denning
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