After working in the heart of country music for several years, he finally got a record deal in 2003 and promptly released his debut single, "What Was I Thinkin'?"
Bentley's popularity increased with the release of Modern Day Drifter in 2005. The CD includes the singles "Lot of Leavin' Left to Do," "Come a Little Closer" and "Settle For a Slowdown."
Several months ago, Bentley released Long Trip Alone, including the hit song "Every Mile a Memory" and his newest release, "Long Trip Alone."
Punt said Bentley has come far over the years.
"A couple of years ago, he was the opening act of an opening act, and now he's headlining his own tour. It's great to see his progression," he said.
Punt said fans who have not seen Bentley live yet will be impressed.
"He's so used to performing live, so his live show has a lot of energy," he said.
Bentley's newer songs seem to be popular with fans.
"I really like the new one, "Long Trip Alone. I'll always listen to it when it comes on the radio." Tina Wilson (freshman-journalism) said.
Elyse Brody (sophomore-accounting) said her favorite Bentley song is "Every Mile a Memory."
Brody said she is a fan of Bentley and Aldean.
According to Aldean's official Web site, his self-titled debut album, which includes the hits "Why," "Amarillo Sky" and "Hicktown," recently went platinum.
"Amarillo Sky" scored nominations for Song of the Year and Video of the Year at the Academy of Country Music (ACM) awards show.
Aldean's sophomore album, Relentless, will be available May 29.
According to her official Web site, Lambert got her big break in the music business after winning third place on the television show Nashville Star.
Months after the show ended, she released her first CD, entitled Kerosene.
"I always say that Nashville Star saved me from five more years in the honky tonks..." she said on her Web site.
Kerosene recently went platinum, and Lambert was just nominated for New Female Vocalist of the Year and Top Female Vocalist of the Year for the ACMs.
Her new CD, entitled Crazy Ex-Girlfriend will be released May 1.
Punt said Aldean and Lambert might soon be following in Bentley's footsteps.
"They could be headlining in a couple of years too," he said.
Punt is expecting a range of generations to attend tonight's concert at the Bryce Jordan Center.
However, he added that Bentley usually draws a greater proportion of a certain crowd.
"There will probably be a lot of girls there, 'cause they think he's cute," Punt said.
