Country music was well represented in Los Angeles Saturday night, where Grammy nominee Dierks Bentley held his second annual foot stomping, guest-heavy pre-Grammy concert extravaganza at the legendary Troubadour. Bentley and his band anchored the stage while inviting such jam session guests as Lady Antebellum, Zac Brown, Paramore singer Hayley Williams, Del McCoury, Miranda Lambert, Blake Shelton and a clean-shaven Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys, who managed to play some mean bluegrass on the acoustic guitar. The sold-out house brought the likes of spectators Elvis Costello and Ray Lamontagne, numerous music industry heavyweights and plenty of cowboy hats, Wranglers and empty bottles of Miller Light.
Related
Explore
See latest videos, charts and news
See latest videos, charts and news
 The evening opened with Lady Antebellum charming the audience with its hit single “Need You Now,” inspiring a crowd sing-along during the final chorus. Next up was Zac Brown (pictured above), commanded the audience with the classic number “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” among others. Last year, Brown’s band walked away with the Best New Artist Grammy. Early in the set, Bentley also told the crowd he’s working on a new album. (Photo: Mitchell Peters) |
Click Here For .biz’s Complete Grammys Central 2011: Photos, News & More
 In the balcony of the club, Vector Management’s Ken Levitan (left) and EMI Music president of North America Colin Finkelstein watch the festivities below. (Photo: Mitchell Peters) |
 Ray Lamontagne (left), who’s up at this year’s Grammys for Record of the Year (“Beg Steal Or Borrow”), hides away in the corner of the Troubadour with “Tudors” actress Gabrielle Anwar and Daniel Herbst. Lamontagne didn’t join Bentley for any tunes Saturday night, but was visibly enjoying the night’s mix of entertainment. (Photo: Mitchell Peters) |
 Capitol Nashville president/CEO Mike Dungan (white shirt) arrives a bit late, but he has a good excuse – he was attending Clive Davis’ annual Grammy party. So how was the infamous music exec’s gathering, Mike? “It was the same as it always is,” he jokes. Greeting Dungan in the photo are EMI Music North America executive VP of music services Dominic Pandiscia and EMI Music North America senior VP of sales and commercial development Ashley Burns. (Photo: Mitchell Peters) |
 The Del McCoury Band joins Bentley onstage for some good ol’ fashioned bluegrass. And to the far left is the Black Keys singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach. Word has it, the blues-rock singer was tickled pink to have the opportunity to indulge in some bluegrass music. But we’re still not sure why he decided to shave that awesome beard. Perhaps he’s cleaning up his act for the Grammy Awards. (Photo: Mitchell Peters) |
Click here for next 2011 Grammy story