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Bluebird on the Mountain Concert Series

August 15, 2026

Doors open: 4 p.m.
Concert: 8 p.m.

Front view of the Bluebird on the Mountain stage with artists. The Bluebird on the Mountain logo in the background projected onto the Observatory dome.

Tonight's Artists

Bryan Simpson

Uncle B

Modern American singer-songwriter Uncle B is an artist whose sound unnervingly explores an evocative amalgamation of southern folk, bluegrass, classic country and indie eclecticism, with the playful swagger, relatable storytelling, and thoughtful introspection of his heroes which include John Hartford, Tom T Hall, Jeff Tweedy, and of course Bob Dylan. 

  • More about this artist

    Modern American singer-songwriter Bryan Simpson (Uncle B) is an artist whose sound unnervingly explores an evocative amalgamation of southern folk, bluegrass, classic country and indie eclecticism, with the playful swagger, relatable storytelling, and thoughtful introspection of his heroes which include John Hartford, Tom T Hall, Jeff Tweedy, and of course Bob Dylan.

    Bryan’s songs have netted praise from all corners: The Huffington Post wrote “Bryan's original undertakings are reminiscent of the whimsical and whip-smart work by David Byrne and Jim James”.  While SeattlePi claims Simpson’s music echoes “Bowie, and Beck in the melodies, moods, and arrangements. The quest is entertaining and thought-provoking.” His genre-spanning career has included making records as a singer/songwriter with luminaries as diverse as The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach, bluegrass giant Ricky Skaggs and Mumford and Sons. Since leaving his hometown of Ft Worth Texas with only a fiddle, guitar, mandolin and a box fan to his name, Simpson has had many of his original songs recorded by stand outs like Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Joe Nichols, Kenny Chesney, George Strait, Stephen Wilson Jr.; with several of them ending up with a number 1 beside their name on the Billboard and Music Row charts . He has also been awarded NSAI’s prestigious award of “10 Songs I wish I’d Written”.  His songs have easily totaled over 500 million streams at this point. 

    In 2024 Simpson released his first record under his own name. “The Oldest”,  His follow up record ‘Life is Hard” should be out in 2026 with the lead single “Punk Rock Show” being recently released.  His personal records take his  kaleidoscope view of the world and surround it with poignant, provocative production. 

Nathan Chapman

Nathan Chapman

Three-time Grammy awarding winning producer and songwriter Nathan Chapman is a rarity in Music City; he was born and raised right in Nashville. Only son to two working musicians Nathan began playing drums and guitar at age three, sang on his first commercial album at age six, and was recording music by the time he turned fourteen. It is no surprise he wound up making music his living; what is surprising is that he would produce a multi-platinum selling album on a brand new artist, Taylor Swift, his first time at bat. 

  • More about this artist

    Three-time Grammy awarding winning producer and songwriter Nathan Chapman is a rarity in Music City; he was born and raised right in Nashville. Only son to two working musicians Nathan began playing drums and guitar at age three, sang on his first commercial album at age six, and was recording music by the time he turned fourteen. It is no surprise he wound up making music his living; what is surprising is that he would produce a multi-platinum selling album on a brand new artist, Taylor Swift, his first time at bat.

    All five of Taylor's albums (Taylor Swift, Fearless, Speak Now, Red, and 1989) have solidified Nathan's place among the great producer/artist combinations in music history and he hasn't stopped there. Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, Thompson Square, The Band Perry, Lionel Richie, Shania Twain, Colbie Caillat, Cassadee Pope, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, and Jewel are just some of the artists Nathan has worked with since Taylor's first single "Tim McGraw" hit the charts in 2007.

    Since then he's had 17 number ones as a producer. Nathan credits his love of songwriting and songwriters as the main ingredient which drives his production work. That fondness for the craft shows in his over 60 major label cuts as a songwriter.

    In the last eight years Nathan has written songs recorded by Kesha, Avicii, Mickey Guyton, Phillip Phillips, Kylie Minogue, Lady A, Robin Schulz, Michael Ray, Dan and Shay, Eric Paslay, Martina McBride, Colbie Caillat, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Rascal Flatts, O.A.R, Lea Michelle, Jake Owen, Tyler Farr, Tim McGraw and Faith Hill, Michael Bublé, and Darius Rucker to name a few.

    His first number one as a songwriter was "Homegrown Honey" by Darius Rucker and cowritten with Darius Rucker and Charles Kelley. Most recently Nathan co-wrote and co-produced “Flight Risk” with Karley Scott Collins and “Fell In Love With A Cowboy” by The Boykinz. He is currently in the studio with Grey Zeigler, Riley Clemmons, and Kat Luna working on new music. 

Stephanie Chapman

Stephanie Chapman

Stephanie Chapman is a singer and songwriter whose lyrics employ many of the scenes from her pastoral childhood in rural West Virginia to form a painterly landscape in story and song. Stephanie credits this fertile soil and her dad’s eclectic taste in music with shaping her song style.

In 2001 a fortuitous meeting in Normandy, France led to 22 years of marriage and musical collaboration with her husband Nathan Chapman. 

  • More about this artist
    Stephanie Chapman is a singer and songwriter whose lyrics employ many of the scenes from her pastoral childhood in rural West Virginia to form a painterly landscape in story and song. Stephanie credits this fertile soil and her dad’s eclectic taste in music with shaping her song style.
     
    In 2001 a fortuitous meeting in Normandy, France led to 22 years of marriage and musical collaboration with her husband Nathan Chapman. A Nashville-born son of Steve and Annie Chapman, revered and celebrated Christian singer songwriters, Nathan had decided to leave the music industry in his past until he met his wife and they formed a duo, got a record deal and started recording music together.
     
    Stephanie’s songs seem to keep finding homes with some of the best artists in music and now she has had songs recorded by Bonnie Raitt, Ricky Skaggs and Sharon White, Eric Church, Mickey Guyton, Martina McBride, and Lady A and more. After a long absence on music row to tend to her three children she released a full-length album called Under An August Sky on May 24th, 2024.

Event Site Map

Site map of Dyer Observatory for Bluebird on the Mountain.

Things to Know This Evening

  • Keep It Bluebird Quiet

    The Bluebird Cafe is known around the world for creating an intimate listening experience where every song and every story can be heard. Please extend that same courtesy to tonight's performers by keeping conversations to a minimum during the show and silencing electronic devices.

  • Visit the Welcome Tables

    Stop by the Bluebird and Dyer welcome tables at the rear of the main Observatory to enter prize drawings, shop Bluebird and Dyer merchandise, enjoy some fun activities and meet some of the faces behind the series.

  • Enjoy the Grounds Safely

    Dyer's hilltop is home to a variety of wildlife and natural terrain. Please stay within mowed areas and designated pathways, especially after dark.

    Insect repellent is highly recommended. If you didn't bring any, don't fret! Ask a neighbor.

    Daytime hours can be quite warm, please hydrate often to avoid overheating!

  • Weather Protocol

    Your safety is our highest priority. Dyer Observatory staff continuously monitor weather conditions throughout the event using professional weather monitoring tools. 

    If Lightning Is Detected 

    • If lightning is detected within 8 miles of Dyer Observatory, the concert will be paused or delayed.
    • Guests will be asked to return to their vehicles until conditions improve. 
    • For guests that are awaiting entrance onto the Observatory grounds, a temporary hold at the bottom of the road will be in place.
    • Please do not remain outdoors, under trees, on the Dyer patios or next to your vehicle during a lightning delay. If returning to your vehicle, get inside and avoid touching metal surfaces. 

    When Will the Event Resume? 

    For everyone's safety, activities will not resume until 30 minutes have passed without lightning detected within an 8-mile radius of Dyer Observatory. 

    Weather Updates 

    Weather updates and instructions will be provided from the stage and by event staff. Please follow all announcements and directions. 

    Please refer to the Bluebird on the Mountain Concert webpage for the most up-to-date information. 

    Thank you for your patience and cooperation as we work to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone at Bluebird on the Mountain. 

  • Need Assistance?

    Vanderbilt University Medical Center personnel are on-site throughout the evening and can assist with medical concerns or direct you to additional resources. Vanderbilt University Police representatives and Dyer staff are also available to help if needed. Just look for those Dyer t-shirts! 

  • Stay to Stargaze

    Weather permitting, telescope viewing will be available following the performance. Use the site map or find a Dyer representative to locate the entrance! 

  • Share Your Experience

    Photos and videos are highly encouraged! 

    Tag @dyerobservers and @bluebirdcafetn and use #BluebirdOnTheMountain

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Tonight's Community Feature

Jonathan's Path

Every child arrives in foster care from different backgrounds, with different problems, and having experienced different traumas and triggers; however, they all have one thing in common….fear.
 
Lack of consistency in placement means foster youth do not have time to create healthy attachments with foster parents and siblings; they miss out on the unconditional love and support that exists in families. Having been removed from their home and passed around the foster system, these youth learn that love comes at a cost. Love can be given, and love can be taken away.
 
Enter Jonathan’s Path!
 
Jonathan’s Path is a Tennessee-based nonprofit that bridges critical gaps in foster care by providing rapid, barrier-free access to comprehensive support through the Path Line and a readiness-based progressive housing model—ensuring teens in and young adults aging out of foster care receive the stability, practical resources, and consistent adult relationships they need to heal, grow, and truly thrive as we become the “people who stay” in their lives."
Expansive view of Dyer Observatory in the fall surrounded by acres of colorful trees.
One of Nashville's Most Unique Destinations

Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory

Perched atop one of Nashville's highest points, Vanderbilt Dyer Observatory has been a place for connection, reflection and inspiration since 1953.

Dyer welcomes thousands of Middle Tennessee students, families and visitors each year through educational programs, cultural events, community gatherings and opportunities to experience the world from a different perspective.

Home to the historic Seyfert Telescope and nine, expansive acres of scenic hilltop grounds, Dyer is a one-of-a-kind destination where science, culture and community come together, inviting visitors to slow down, look up and connect with one another.

Learn More

Front door of the Bluebird Cafe with patrons outside.
Where Music History Is Made

The Bluebird Cafe

Since opening in 1982, The Bluebird Cafe has become one of the world's most celebrated listening rooms and a cornerstone of Nashville's songwriting community.

Known for its intimate songwriter-in-the-round format, the Bluebird showcases the "heroes behind the hits" as they share the stories and songs that shape popular music.

Legendary artists including Garth Brooks, Taylor Swift, Faith Hill, Keith Urban and Vince Gill all performed at the Bluebird early in their careers.

Today, the venue welcomes more than 70,000 visitors each year and has been featured in Rolling Stone, The New York Times, National Geographic Traveler, the television series Nashville and numerous films and documentaries.

Learn More