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Bluebird on the Mountain Concert Series

July 18, 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

Brice Long

Brice Long

Brice Long has enjoyed a successful 25+ year music career.  As a songwriter he has had his songs cut by artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Gary Allan, Chris Young, Josh Turner, Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Randall King and many more.

  • More about this artist

    Brice has enjoyed a successful 25+ year music career.  As a songwriter he has had his songs cut by artists such as Garth Brooks, George Strait, Chris Stapleton, Hank Williams Jr, Randy Houser, Jon Pardi, Lainey Wilson, Gary Allan, Chris Young, Josh Turner, Cody Johnson, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Randall King and many more.

    Brice’s songwriting hits include the #1 singles “Heartache On The Dance Floor” by Jon Pardi and “Nothing On But The Radio” by Gary Allan.  Randy Houser’s “Like a Cowboy”, a song that also garnered Brice a CMA nomination for Song of the Year.  Other radio hits include Randy Houser’s debut single, “Anything Goes”, “Today” from Gary Allan, Casey James’ “Let’s Don’t Call It A Night” and Jon Pardi’s, “What I Can’t Put Down”.

    In 2026 Brice Long turns the spotlight on himself with the release of a full-length album of his own.  All I Ever Wanted To Be, marks a defining moment in his career as the storyteller steps forward to showcase his voice in an introspective project that captures the heart, grit, and storytelling of a true country craftsman.

    Brice is signed to Sony Music Publishing.  He is a native of Hopkinsville, KY.

    His music is available wherever digital music is streamed and sold.

    For more info: bricelongmusic.com | Facebook | X | Instagram | TikTok | YouTube | Spotify

    Listen to All I Ever Wanted To Be

Erik Dylan

Erik Dylan

Erik Dylan is a Kansas-born singer-songwriter and producer known for authentic, story-driven country music rooted in small-town Midwestern life.

As a songwriter, Dylan has earned numerous cuts and chart successes, including co-writing Riley Green’s hit singles “There Was This Girl”, “Change My Mind”, “Damn Good Day To Leave” & “Think As You Drunk”.  

  • More about this artist

    Erik Dylan is a Kansas-born singer-songwriter and producer known for authentic, story-driven country music rooted in small-town Midwestern life.

    As a songwriter, Dylan has earned numerous cuts and chart successes, including co-writing Riley Green’s hit singles “There Was This Girl”,“Change My Mind”, “Damn Good Day To Leave” & “Think As You Drunk”.  His credits also include songs recorded by Luke Combs, Parker McCollum, Brantley Gilbert, Warren Zeiders, Kip Moore, Eric Paslay, Trisha Yearwood, Cody Johnson, and many others.

    Blending traditional country storytelling with a modern sound, Dylan continues to create music that honors his Kansas roots while making an impact in Nashville and beyond.

Aaron Raitiere

Aaron Raitiere

Aaron Raitiere (Ray-Tee-Air) is a lyricist, performer, and visual artist from Central Kentucky. He is highly sought after in the Nashville songwriting community for his unique ability to coax coherent and focused creative output from his co-writers.
 
Raitiere is a 2023 Grammy Nominee (Lindeville, Ashley McBryde) and 2019 Grammy winner for his song “I’ll Never Love Again” performed by Lady Gaga in the movie “A Star Is Born.”
  • More about this artist
    Aaron Raitiere (Ray-Tee-Air) is a lyricist, performer, and visual artist from Central Kentucky. He is highly sought after in the Nashville songwriting community for his unique ability to coax coherent and focused creative output from his co-writers.
     
    Raitiere is a 2023 Grammy Nominee (Lindeville, Ashley McBryde) and 2019 Grammy winner for his song “I’ll Never Love Again” performed by Lady Gaga in the movie “A Star Is Born.” He has also successfully collaborated with artists such as Lainey Wilson (“4x4xU), Ella Langley (“you look like you love me” feat. Riley Green and “Country Boy’s Dream Girl”), Bob Weir from The Grateful Dead, Paul Cauthen, Anderson East, Colby Acuff, Wyatt Flores, Luke Grimes, Maggie Antone, The Steel Woods, Randy Rogers, Wade Bowen, Red Shahan, The Oak Ridge Boys, Robert Randolph, Whiskey Myers, Midland, Montgomery Gentry, Miranda Lambert, Travis Tritt, Brent Cobb, Ashley Monroe, Randy Rogers, Lori McKenna, Shooter Jennings, Natalie Hemby, Ed Sheeran, Avicii, and many others.
     
    Paintings and sketches done by Aaron are currently hanging in businesses and homes all over the country.

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.

    Our community feature, Project K-9 Hero will also be on the back patio with Sgt. Bo for a meet and greet. 

  • 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. 
    • 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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Community Feature

Project K-9 Hero

Project K-9 Hero logo
  • Mission

    To serve those who protected our families, our communities, and our America.

  • Vision

    At Project K-9 Hero, our vision is to honor the unwavering dedication of retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs by creating a global environment that celebrates their heroic service. We strive to reshape perceptions, ensuring these valiant animals are revered and respected for their loyalty. Through our efforts, we aim to provide these remarkable companions with the dignified post-service life they rightfully deserve, offering access to comprehensive healthcare and advocating for a quality way of life in recognition of their selfless contributions.

  • Purpose

    To ensure the best quality of life for our nation’s retired Police K-9s and Military Working Dogs by providing assistance with medical costs, prescription food, rehabilitation, rehoming, and end-of-duty services.

    To educate the public, government agencies, and elected officials on the costs and responsibilities of owning a retired K-9 Hero.

    To provide a safe haven at our 177-acre Rehabilitation & Rehoming Facility for retired K-9 Heroes to live when they no longer have a home or an owner that can meet their specialized needs.

Meet Sgt. Bo

Meet Sgt. Bo

Sergeant "Bo" is a highly decorated Therapy Dog who served the Metro Nashville Police Department when citizens needed him most. Over two and a half years, he deployed more than 600 times, bringing comfort to students, teachers, and staff across the greater Nashville school system. He responded to major incidents, including the Covenant School shooting in March 2023, and continued visiting the school weekly in the months after to support the healing process for everyone affected.

  • More about Sgt. Bo

    Sergeant "Bo" is a highly decorated Therapy Dog who served the Metro Nashville Police Department when citizens needed him most. Over two and a half years, he deployed more than 600 times, bringing comfort to students, teachers, and staff across the greater Nashville school system. He responded to major incidents, including the Covenant School shooting in March 2023, and continued visiting the school weekly in the months after to support the healing process for everyone affected.

    Bo's story is remarkable from the start. He began as a stray on the streets of Cocoa Beach, FL, and became a ray of light for the Covenant School community on one of its darkest days. His journey has since been featured in The New York Times, and he holds six American Kennel Club Therapy Dog titles along with the First Responder Paws Therapy Award. In addition, In 2025, Bo was named the Therapy Dog of the Year and the Overall Hero Dog of the Year by the American Humane Society.

    Bo recently underwent TPLO surgery (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy), a common procedure to stabilize the knee joint after a cranial cruciate ligament injury. A setback during recovery forced him into early medical retirement, though his desire to keep serving never wavered.

    Now retired, Bo is a Program Member of Project K-9 Hero, a nonprofit that covers 100% of his lifetime veterinary care, including office visits, medication, and prescription food, so he can enjoy his retirement after everything he's given to the Nashville community.

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.

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