Today I’m recovering from a whirlwind trip to vegas and back in about 16 hours with 9 hours of driving, and 7 hours of concerts and poker. I’m tired. Beyond that, though, I’m very excited. Last night, I was front-row for CDB and Montgomery Gentry. What we have here is one of the true legends of Country Music as well as the top Country-Rock duo performing today.
Yes, I know that’ll disappoint many FGL fans out there, but those boys can’t TOUCH Troy and Eddie.
The show was incredible. On Charlie’s second song, he noticed me singing every word back at him, acknowledged it, and tossed me his fiddle bow. It now holds a proud place on the wall with my guitars.
About 9 years ago, I went to a show Rascal Flatts was headlining. I didn’t go to see them. I went because one of the featured acts that night was a young singer-songwriter on his way to stardom. That was Blake Shelton. At the end of his set, Blake walked to the front of the stage, handed me a guitar pick, and said “Hey man, hold onto this for me.” I still have it.
Now, this blog isn’t just a chronicle of the pieces of memorabilia I’ve collected from my country music brethren. It’s the sentiment behind both of those things that really matters to me. Those guys connected with me at their shows. Though Eddie and Troy didn’t toss anything out to me, they both interacted with myself, my friend Berwin, and many of the other fans around us. They weren’t simply singing out into the ether. It wasn’t “Look at me” - it was more “Let me look at YOU.”
Many of today’s artists seem to want everyone to praise them for being on stage. They deal in adoration. They appear to want people to care about them before they care about those people who have paid their hard-earned money to be at the show. I don’t get that. Garth Brooks, Charlie Daniels, Montgomery Gentry - these are artists whose shows I’ve attended in the past few weeks, and all of those artists put their fans first. They connect, they take the time and make the effort to do the SMALL things.
Today, Blake Shelton followed me on twitter. Sure, that doesn’t seem like much to a lot of people…but he’s a guy who does it right…and taking that small step really means a great deal to me.
As I progress in my own career, I hope I will always remember these simple things that my heroes have done, and that I also will do things the right way.
Yeahcomeon.
- Dukes
Thoughts of a Country Artist
Sunday, December 15, 2013
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
Garth Live From Vegas - AGAIN
I hadn’t seen Garth brooks in 16 years until July. Now I’ve seen him twice in six months. The experience was no less awesome the second time, I’ll tell you that. And in this one, I got to see even more of his personality. I’ve been around televised musical performances for years now, and there all generally pretty similar. The talent arrives on set, goes on stage, does the performance, and that’s it. They leave. If they’re doing multiple performances, they generally talk to the stage managers and such on breaks.
Not Garth.
No, Garth Brooks talked with the audience, introduced himself, shook hands, took pictures, even played not-for-air songs just for the crowd who was there to be with him. The man can’t help it - every show he does has to be its own animal. It has to be for the fans who are there in the room. You can watch him twenty times, and get a different show each time. Oh sure, the same basic script is there…maybe even the same setlist. But, there’s always something new. There’s always something different. Some joke, some spontaneous moment, some song that he hadn’t planned but just HAS to play.
And that’s going to make that experience unique. It’s going to make it something that you have, and he has, and the two of you share - forever.
Still learning from that guy.
He came down into the audience at one point, to shoot a “podbuster” in the middle of commercials. As he passed me, he put his hand on my back and said “Thank ya bud.” He’ll never remember that moment - but it will stay with me til there’s dirt at my door. Once again, Garth found a way to connect solely with me - and it gave me pause.
I wonder if some kid will be thinking similarly of me in thirty years. Who knows? I doubt I’ll be touched with anywhere near the success and fame that Garth has been - but I do hope that I can affect someone out there the same way he has me. THAT, my friends, is a gift that keeps on giving.
Yeahcomon!
- Dukes
Not Garth.
No, Garth Brooks talked with the audience, introduced himself, shook hands, took pictures, even played not-for-air songs just for the crowd who was there to be with him. The man can’t help it - every show he does has to be its own animal. It has to be for the fans who are there in the room. You can watch him twenty times, and get a different show each time. Oh sure, the same basic script is there…maybe even the same setlist. But, there’s always something new. There’s always something different. Some joke, some spontaneous moment, some song that he hadn’t planned but just HAS to play.
And that’s going to make that experience unique. It’s going to make it something that you have, and he has, and the two of you share - forever.
Still learning from that guy.
He came down into the audience at one point, to shoot a “podbuster” in the middle of commercials. As he passed me, he put his hand on my back and said “Thank ya bud.” He’ll never remember that moment - but it will stay with me til there’s dirt at my door. Once again, Garth found a way to connect solely with me - and it gave me pause.
I wonder if some kid will be thinking similarly of me in thirty years. Who knows? I doubt I’ll be touched with anywhere near the success and fame that Garth has been - but I do hope that I can affect someone out there the same way he has me. THAT, my friends, is a gift that keeps on giving.
Yeahcomon!
- Dukes
Saturday, November 23, 2013
House of Blues - ROCKED
Last night ROCKED!
We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing. Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards. It was incredible. There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments. No, it was a seamless show from start to finish. Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.
And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly. Comments I heard last night:
“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music. Damnit man, you made me like Country.”
“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”
“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”
“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”
“You guys KILLED it!”
I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people. Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles. Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.
Thanks so much to all who came out. This is only the beginning!
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
We played the House of Blues, and I put the new show in full swing. Storytelling, singing, the whole nine yards. It was incredible. There was no fumbling through the setlist, no awkward pauses while we re-tuned, or changed instruments. No, it was a seamless show from start to finish. Forty-One minutes and twenty-three seconds of kickass.
And that’s coming from the Fans, not just from yours truly. Comments I heard last night:
“I Hate Country Music - But I love Your Music. Damnit man, you made me like Country.”
“I didn’t know country could be so rockin”
“Your stories were awesome - they really got me into the songs!”
“I had no IDEA I could have so much fun with country music - can I buy a CD?”
“You guys KILLED it!”
I was blessed to be on stage with friends who are fantastic musicians, and in front of so many people. Over 850 fans filled the dance floor, surrounding areas, and the balcony at House of Blues on Sunset in Los Angeles. Sure, they didn’t know what to expect when the first downbeat hit, and we featured a BANJO…but by the time we were done with Merle’s classic “Mama Tried”, the whole place was on our side.
Thanks so much to all who came out. This is only the beginning!
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
(nearly all photos © Mike Danenberg - www.mikedanenberg.com)
Friday, November 22, 2013
The Hollywood Music In Media Awards
Tonight I attended the Hollywood Music in Media Awards (HMMA), as my song “Walkin Thru Hell” was nominated as “Country Song of the Year.” Didn’t win. Not incredibly surprised by this - not because I don’t think the song is worth the accolade; I certainly believe in that song, and am very proud to hold the nomination. No, I guess I just questioned whether or not a song like that would win ANY award in today’s country music market. Of course, the HMMA isn’t the CMAs or even the CMTs. It’s a HOLLYWOOD award. I guess it’s no big shock, then, that a “Swedish Country” song won the award.
Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this. I just laughed. The experience was an interesting one, to be sure. This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee. It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees. It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card. It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music. Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest. Still, fun - entertaining.
I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her. Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity. Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future? Doubtful. But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.
I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
Some in attendance were a bit peeved at this. I just laughed. The experience was an interesting one, to be sure. This was my first time walking a red carpet as a nominee. It was the first time I’d seen my name up on a screen of nominees. It was the first time someone had preceded me through a door holding my name on a card. It was the first time someone interviewed me on video about my music. Just all kind of…well, weird to be honest. Still, fun - entertaining.
I have to say, there are worse things in the world than being nominated for an award, getting your girlfriend dressed up, and walking down a red carpet with her. Kudos to the HMMA for giving me that opportunity. Will I submit music to them for consideration in the future? Doubtful. But, I am certainly glad to have received the nod this year.
I guess it’s true what they say - “Feels great just to be nominated.”
Yeahcomeon!
- Dukes
Friday, July 5, 2013
Garth Brooks: Still teaching me about music
Seventeen years ago, I made my first ever ticketmaster purchase. I stood in line at a Publix in LaGrange, Georgia. At the time, Publix was a new installation there, and I felt like being in that store was a slap-in-the-face to the Kroger which had fed me for years. Still, Kroger had no ticketmaster outlet. No, I was in Publix...waiting for my chance to purchase tickets to Garth Brooks's "Fresh Horses" tour. The show would be in Atlanta, and there was no way I would miss it. That is, until the woman at the register told us that all three shows had sold out. I couldn't believe it. I was heartbroken...
Until she announced that they'd added another date...
And minutes later, that date sold out.
And then they added another date...
SOLD OUT.
When I walked up to the counter, I didn't hold out much hope....but I received tickets. Tickets for the final day of the now 6-day run. I attended the concert with two of my friends, and we were high in the rafters for the show. Garth exploded through the floor when he entered the stage. He ran all around, entertaining the thousands in attendance. And, at one moment, one sweet moment in history, he pointed directly at myself and my two friends who were giving him two thumbs up apiece. He pointed at us, and gave us two right back.
We would forever be connected.
Now, many years down the road, way has lead on to way and I have begun my foray into Country Music. That show still lingers in my mind...the way the music, the man, and the myth all intersected for me - it stands alone, indelible, as the benchmark by which a performance should be judged.
Or it did, until last night.
Last night, I saw Garth Brooks in a way I had never seen him before. It was him, and a guitar. That's it. No band. No lasers. Not even a lot of smoke (though I did see some of it rise in front of the lights that surrounded the small theater at the Wynn Casino. Garth took the crowd there on a journey. He started in the 1960s, and carried us all the way up through the late 90s, when he put his career on hold. And then, as if it weren't enough, he brought his wife, Trisha Yearwood, onto stage to perform as well. And there, on July 4, I saw the two of them sing an unrecorded, unreleased, "brand new" song for the audience.
The performance was gripping. Garth's entire show was funny, and touching, and meaningful, and at the end of it... even if you had never heard of the man, you were forever changed by having seen him. (I say this on good authority, as my girlfriend said it was the best show she'd ever seen...and she barely knew of Garth prior). It was him, and a guitar. It was Garth Brooks, his life, and the truth...and it was incredible.
I think that I put on a pretty good show. People seem to enjoy what I do...but that's not Garth. People live and breathe that man's music. It's a part of them. He forces them to listen, and to pay attention, and to actually give a damn about what he has to say. That should ALWAYS be our goal, as entertainers.
Near the end of the show, Garth sang a song by one of his major influences, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. I have that song on CD, and I've listened to it hundreds of times, but I've never heard it quite like I did last night. There's a very simply line... "he knows that it's me, they've been coming to see, to forget about life for a while." The stories he weaves help people let go of everything outside the doors of the bar, concert hall, or stadium where he plays - and that's what we ALL should be doing.
17 years after Garth made me fall in love with the spectacle of his live show, he has made me once again fall in love the power of its simplicity. He made me give a damn.
I look forward to passing that on.
YEAHCOMEON
Until she announced that they'd added another date...
And minutes later, that date sold out.
And then they added another date...
SOLD OUT.
When I walked up to the counter, I didn't hold out much hope....but I received tickets. Tickets for the final day of the now 6-day run. I attended the concert with two of my friends, and we were high in the rafters for the show. Garth exploded through the floor when he entered the stage. He ran all around, entertaining the thousands in attendance. And, at one moment, one sweet moment in history, he pointed directly at myself and my two friends who were giving him two thumbs up apiece. He pointed at us, and gave us two right back.
We would forever be connected.
Now, many years down the road, way has lead on to way and I have begun my foray into Country Music. That show still lingers in my mind...the way the music, the man, and the myth all intersected for me - it stands alone, indelible, as the benchmark by which a performance should be judged.
Or it did, until last night.
Last night, I saw Garth Brooks in a way I had never seen him before. It was him, and a guitar. That's it. No band. No lasers. Not even a lot of smoke (though I did see some of it rise in front of the lights that surrounded the small theater at the Wynn Casino. Garth took the crowd there on a journey. He started in the 1960s, and carried us all the way up through the late 90s, when he put his career on hold. And then, as if it weren't enough, he brought his wife, Trisha Yearwood, onto stage to perform as well. And there, on July 4, I saw the two of them sing an unrecorded, unreleased, "brand new" song for the audience.
The performance was gripping. Garth's entire show was funny, and touching, and meaningful, and at the end of it... even if you had never heard of the man, you were forever changed by having seen him. (I say this on good authority, as my girlfriend said it was the best show she'd ever seen...and she barely knew of Garth prior). It was him, and a guitar. It was Garth Brooks, his life, and the truth...and it was incredible.
I think that I put on a pretty good show. People seem to enjoy what I do...but that's not Garth. People live and breathe that man's music. It's a part of them. He forces them to listen, and to pay attention, and to actually give a damn about what he has to say. That should ALWAYS be our goal, as entertainers.
Near the end of the show, Garth sang a song by one of his major influences, "Piano Man" by Billy Joel. I have that song on CD, and I've listened to it hundreds of times, but I've never heard it quite like I did last night. There's a very simply line... "he knows that it's me, they've been coming to see, to forget about life for a while." The stories he weaves help people let go of everything outside the doors of the bar, concert hall, or stadium where he plays - and that's what we ALL should be doing.
17 years after Garth made me fall in love with the spectacle of his live show, he has made me once again fall in love the power of its simplicity. He made me give a damn.
I look forward to passing that on.
YEAHCOMEON
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Late Late Show…part deux!
Such a great experience to play The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson again. Craig is amazing…to give me an opportunity to showcase my music to the world, and then to invite me back for a SECOND time - I really don’t have words. There’s no end to my appreciation for Craig and what he’s done for me.
If you don’t watch the show, first off - start. It’s hilarious, and it’s unlike any of the other late-night talk shows. Craig is definitely his own brand of kickass. Second, you can still catch the performance at my youtube channel.
But really, start watching the show.
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
If you don’t watch the show, first off - start. It’s hilarious, and it’s unlike any of the other late-night talk shows. Craig is definitely his own brand of kickass. Second, you can still catch the performance at my youtube channel.
But really, start watching the show.
YEAHCOMEON!
- Dukes
Friday, March 22, 2013
So long, Nashville!
Well, we played Nashville. IT WAS AWESOME. Three shows in four days, at three separate venues. The week started off with "Whiskey Jam" at Winners in Midtown. We played a quick three-song set at this collection of songwriters and bands, and then slipped over to "Losers" next door. The duo there was fantastic, and there were tons of folks in there just having a good time. Chart-Topper Chris Young was even spotted milling about. Then we had a day off to rest from the road before back-back show nights at Red Rooster off Music Row and The Silver Dollar Saloon at Broadway and 2nd! Both of those shows were full-showcase slots where we were able to play nearly the whole album.
I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning. I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!
At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover". A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven. His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience. Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.
All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday. Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down! People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards. It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway. When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio. You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash. But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.
We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots). Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!
YEAHCOMEON!
I recorded a new song on Wednesday morning. I'm not exactly sure about the release plans for it, but I'm extremely happy with the music we laid down, and I'm looking forward to putting the vocals on it!
At Red Rooster, we met Paris Delane, a Nashville Songwriter who wrote the #1, "Lover, Lover". A big, soulful man, Paris sounded like he was straight out of Blues Heaven. His amazing combination of vocal range and heartfelt lyrics made for a memorable experience. Then, he hung around for our show...and after we were done, Paris asked to come up and jam with us for a bit as well.
All in all, Wednesday was a pretty fantastic Birthday. Then, on Thursday night, we got onstage at Silver Dollar and brought the house down! People were cheering after every song, and many came up to ask us about the band afterwards. It's such a blessing to be able to play my own music on Broadway. When you walk up and down the strip, you hear amazingly talented singers singing the hits from the radio. You hear Garth's music, and Tim McGraw, and Alan Jackson and Johnny Cash. But, at The Silver Dollar, we were able to sing Ben Dukes Music....and that was something I will never forget.
We spent four days in Nashville, played three shows, and left with countless great memories (and at least 6 pairs of new boots). Can't wait to see what the final week of tour holds in store!
YEAHCOMEON!
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