Don't let Dierks Bentley's youth fool you. This country singer and guitar player maybe look like the late 20's that he is, but his heart and musical soul seem a lot older. While many of his contemporaries have embraced a more modern pop oriented country style, Bentley draws his inspiration from the old school icons like Merle Haggard and Waylon Jennings.  His latest album is entitled "Modern Day Drifter" seemingly to put himself in the same category as those "rambling men".

He'll be bringing that road mentality and neo-traditional country sound to Rockford's On The Waterfront to headline the Miller Great Lawn stage on Friday, September 2nd. The journey for this artist started in his hometown of Phoenix, AZ. There he had listened and emulated, like his friends, the rockers and 80's hair metal bands of the day, but that sound just didn't truly resonate with him. Once he discovered country music, his path was clear, and it took him - naturally - to Nashville, TN.

Bentley relocated to live and breathe the music, and even landed a job working at TNN (The Nashville Network) researching country music history. This job certainly helped to put him further in touch with the roots of the musical style. It helped to create his particular flavor of country which has strong ties to the origins of that art form.  His first album was released in 2003, and since that time he has been touring the country heavily, but also managed to put out a follow up this year.

Both of his discs earned him awards and hit singles. The man has opened for such artists as George Strait, giving him the opportunity to win over the hearts and minds of country music fans everywhere with his live performance. He'll be bringing that live show to Rockford labor day weekend. If you are a fan of country music, and particularly the more traditional variety, you need to be there. He's looking to bring that music to you.

Friday, September 2 - Miller Great Lawn Stage - 9:30pm

Presented by Q98.5

Reserved seat tickets on sale through the MetroCentre Box Office, by phone at 815-968-5222, or buy tickets online