Dierks Bentley, Ricky Skaggs, et Kentucky Thunder

Multi-platinum selling country music heartthrob Dierks Bentley certainly knows how to put on a show. The Arizona-born crooner, who has been hitting the Number 1 spot in the US charts since his debut, ‘What Was I Thinkin’ in 2003, still dominates the popular country and bluegrass scene, and sells out arena tours worldwide. His tell-it-like-it-is lyrical style and amped-up, guitar-led country jives are part of radio-friendly appeal, and as a live act Bentley doesn’t disappoint either, with a live band behind him as well as showing his prowess on guitar and melodically throaty vocals, and always showing his charisma and appreciation of the fans who come to his shows. He was extra-appreciative the night I saw him headline the AK-Chin Pavilion in his hometown of Phoenix, Arizona last month- telling the excitable crowd on multiple occasions throughout his set that ‘this is where the dream of being a country singer began for me’, and that ‘this is easily the best night of the tour’. Of course, the crowd went wild for such ecstatic words, and really let loose for all his hits, such as the foot-stomping ‘Lot Of Leavin’ Left To Do’ and the singalong favourite, ‘Drunk On A Plane’. The highlight though was when Bentley showcased his newer bluegrass material with a beautiful rendition of ‘Livin’ On A Prayer’. This was fun-filled night of pure, no-nonsense country music that got the entire arena dancing.

Ricky Lee Skaggs…bluegrass roots, southern charm and artistic style. The singer, producer and multi-instrumentalist has been making music for much longer than I’ve even been alive, and has received accolade and recognition of the highest honor, and has worked with people across a number of genres. He is well respected as an artist by many of his fans, as well as his peers.
When he takes the stage, he is extremely polite, and most definitely brings the Southern charm wherever he goes. He gets onto stage, mandolin wrapped around him ready for what’s to come, and a giant smile on his face, both of which remain with him until the end of the show. As he plays, you can see how happy it makes him, no matter where he could have been at any given moment. In between songs he is always having a conversation with the audience, not just talking at them. He will always say thank you, and for almost every song he introduced the name of it, as well as a little about the process behind writing it. Whether you like bluegrass or not, watching his live set is a learning experience, both musically and of the human condition.

I saw 14 Grammy winner Ricky Skaggs and Kentucky Thunder at the Kent Stage on May 19, 2016. Incredible show. All acoustic bluegrass (natch). Ricky put his band to shame with fever pitch on mandolin, guitar and fiddle, outpicking and outlasting all of them even at twice their ages.

Kentucky Thunder includes six awesome musicians. I wish I knew all of their names, but I remember Jake Workman, the lead guitarist from Salt Lake City. He was phenomenal. The fiddle player from White House, TN was amazing. He was essentially the lead musician because he played the bridge between virtually every verse of every song. Sometimes, Ricky did with mandolin, but Ricky was obviously busy with lead vocals and storytelling. Speaking of vocals, the harmonies were spot-on perfect, as you would expect with Ricky's band.

Mostly Bill Monroe songs, some Flatt & Scruggs, a tip of the cap to Guy Clark (who passed away this week) with one of Guy's songs, but a good variety among the category of bluegrass.

Overall, a very good time.