Dierks Bentley to play The Joint on Saturday

In the short time that The Joint has been open, the shiny new facility at Catoosa's Hard Rock Hotel and Casino has played host to many big names. The Doobie Brothers, Bad Company and Kenny Rogers to name a few, have performed there. Next up is country music star Dierks Bentley who will play there this Saturday night.

Bentley, a native of Phoenix, Arizona, released his self-titled debut album in 2003. The album, which included hits like "What Was I Thinkin'" and "How Am I Doin", sold over one million copies and was certified platinum. Bentley followed that up with 2005's "Modern Day Drifter" charting two number-one songs with "Settle for a Slowdown" and "Come a Little Closer" while again hitting the platinum mark.

His 2006 album "Long Trip Alone" reached gold status, selling more than 500,000 copies. The album produced two more number-one hits in "Every Mile a Memory" and "Free and Easy (Down the Road I Go)". 

His fifth studio album "Up on the Ridge", released this past June, speaks to Bentley's versatility. The album, unlike his previous ones, is influenced by bluegrass while adding some country and Americana. "Up on the Ridge", which features collaborations with many artists including  Alison Krauss and Miranda Lambert, peaked at number two on Billboard's Country Albums chart and still holds down the top spot for Bluegrass Albums after 22 weeks on the charts.

Bentley, the Academy of Country Music's 2004 Top New Artist, has been nominated for three awards during the upcoming Country Music Association Awards. "Up on the Ridge" is nominated for Album of the Year, while "Bad Angel", featuring Lambert and Jamey Johnson, is nominated for the musical event of the year award. Bentley himself is vying for the male vocalist award. The CMA's will be shown live on ABC on November 10.

Doors for the show, designated for ages 21 and over, will open at 6:30 p.m. with Bentley taking the stage at 8 p.m. Tickets, priced at $40, $50 and $60, are still available. To purchase tickets call 918-384-ROCK or visit The Joint's website.