Ford Motor Company presents country superstar and active pilot
EAA AVIATION CENTER, OSHKOSH, Wis. — (April 2, 2015) — Dierks Bentley, who has rocketed to the top tier of country music’s hitmakers, will get EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2015 week off to a great start when he headlines the fly-in’s popular opening night concert on Monday, July 20.
The concert, presented by Ford Motor Company with additional support from Cirrus Aircraft, is free to all AirVenture attendees that day and will be held on Boeing Plaza following the afternoon air show. The 63rd annual Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) fly-in is July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh.
“Dierks Bentley is a superb choice for our opening-night concert not only because he is one of music’s brightest stars, but also because he is an avid pilot who has been to Oshkosh before enjoying the sights and sounds as an aviation enthusiast,” said Rick Larsen, EAA’s vice president of communities and member programs. “Dierks brings the energy and enthusiasm that complements the full week of aviation excitement that will be featured at EAA AirVenture.”
Bentley, an ACM top male performer nominee, is seven albums into one of country music’s most respected and most unpredictable careers. His latest evolution comes in the form of his critically acclaimed and No. 1 selling album RISER, which has already spawned two consecutive No. 1 hits with “I Hold On” and “Drunk On A Plane.” His latest single “Say You Do” is now climbing the Top 10 charts. Bentley’s six previous studio albums have sold more than five million copies, notched 12 chart-topping singles and earned 12 GRAMMY nominations. Additionally, Bentley is the most nominated male artist for the upcoming ACM Awards with seven nominations including Single Record of the Year for “Drunk On A Plane,” Vocal Event of the Year for “The South,” Video of the Year for “Drunk On A Plane,” Song of the Year for “I Hold On,” Album of the Year for “RISER” and Male Vocalist of the Year. He recently announced his 2015 SOUNDS OF SUMMER TOUR kicking off June 5 and running through the summer. For more information and a full list of appearances, visit www.dierks.com.
“Ford is proud to be the exclusive automotive partner with EAA for 15 years and pleased to enhance the experience for everyone attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh,” said Edsel B. Ford II, member of the Ford Motor Company Board of Directors. “Since 2006 we’ve helped bring some of the biggest names in music history to the stage at Oshkosh to kick off aviation’s annual reunion, and we’re eager to have Dierks Bentley join that roster for the opening-night concert.”
The opening-night concert at EAA AirVenture is just one of a variety of family attractions and entertainment that are part of the week-long event. These added activities, ranging from night air shows to entertainment, are nearly all included with AirVenture admission. They are in addition to the hundreds of aviation forums and workshops, special presentations, and aviation exhibits available at Oshkosh.
About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is the “World’s Greatest Aviation Celebration” and EAA’s yearly membership convention. Additional EAA AirVenture information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available online at www.eaa.org/airventure. EAA members receive lowest prices on admission rates. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 1-800-JOIN-EAA (1-800-564-6322) or visit www.eaa.org. Immediate news is available at www.twitter.com/EAA.
