Dierks Bentley Brings ‘Broken Branches’ Tour to Bethel Woods [Pic

Country superstar Dierks Bentley returned to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Saturday, August 16th, to celebrate his latest album Broken Branches. With support from Zach Top and The Band Loula, the show was one to remember. THE WOLF and CJ were on hand for the unforgettable night of country music, while staff photographer Lauren Hunter captured the evening in words and photos.

Dierks Bentley Returns to Bethel Woods

Review and photos by Lauren Hunter

Dierks Bentley returned to Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on Saturday, August 16th, to celebrate his 11th studio album, Broken Branches. He was joined by special guests Zach Top and The Band Loula. Together, they created an unforgettable evening of country music.

Celebrating the New Album Broken Branches

Broken Branches is Bentley’s latest album, which features 11 songs and artists like Riley Green and Miranda Lambert. The setlist for the show featured some of his hit songs like “5-1-5-0” and “Say You Do.” Regardless of whether the song was off his brand new album or one of his older albums, the audience was right with him, singing and dancing along.

The Arizona native moved to Nashville in the late 1990s and released his first album, Don’t Leave Me in Love, in 2001. After he signed with Capitol Records Nashville, his career took off. This was Bentley’s third time at Bethel Woods. He made sure to mention how beautiful Upstate New York is. He told the audience about how he tows his Jeep behind the tour bus and enjoys driving it around the areas where his tour takes him.

The Band Loula Sets the Stage

The Band Loula opened the show and set the tone for a great night of music. Malachi Mills and Logan Simmons are two best friends from a small town in Georgia who love singing together. They’ve toured with country artists like Brothers Osborne and Ashley McBryde. It was clear to the audience that their lifelong friendship has grown alongside their love for music. Their soulful, yet raspy, harmonies added depth to their storytelling songs.

Zach Top Brings Classic Country Energy

Following The Band Loula, was the infamous Zach Top took the stage in his authentic cowboy hat and crazy guitar skills. His set featured songs like “I Never Lie” and “Cold Beer & Country Music.” Top quickly won the audience over with his fun stories of life on the road and stories of each of his band members. Top made a point to sign a post for a little girl who was celebrating her birthday and even gave her a signed set list.

Bentley and His Band Shine Onstage

There’s no doubt that Dierks Bentley is a talented musician and songwriter, but his relationship with his band members brought the show to another level. It was more than a concert; it was a full performance. It’s obvious that Dierks has a close relationship with each of his band members, and each member had an opportunity to shine, from instrumental solos to singing covers of songs.

Unforgettable Cover Song Moments

Two show highlights were the cover songs that Dierks Bentley sang with The Band Loula and Zach Top. The cover of “Get Down on Your Knees and Pray” with The Band Loula specifically was magical. There was something so special in that moment between the rasp and harmonies.

Encore Surprise: Hot Country Knights

With all of this being said, the encore performance of the Hot Country Knights was a perfect way to end the show. For those who don’t know, the Hot Country Knights is the alter ego of Dierks Bentley and his band. The 90s-inspired country band performed a medley of iconic country songs like “I Feel Like a Woman,” while the audience sang and laughed along. The level of commitment from each band member was the key to making the performance as special as it was. Zach Top even made a guest appearance with the Hot Country Knights. You never know who you’ll see in the Hot Country Knights these days!