>
Bluebird on the Mountain Concert Series

September 19, 2026

Doors open: 3 p.m.
Concert: 7 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

Tony Arata

Tony Arata

Tony Arata is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2012).

His songs have been recorded by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Delbert McClinton, Hal Ketchum, Don Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson, Charlie Worsham, Del McCoury, Mountain Heart, and many others. 

  • More about this artist

    Tony Arata is a member of the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame (2012).

    His songs have been recorded by Dolly Parton, Patty Loveless, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, Garth Brooks, Delbert McClinton, Hal Ketchum, Don Williams, Trisha Yearwood, Lainey Wilson, Charlie Worsham, Del McCoury, Mountain Heart, and many others.

    With four No. 1 songs to his credit, including Brooks’ The Dance, for which he received a Grammy nomination and won ACM Song of the Year in 1991, and Here I Am, by Loveless, Arata, who was born in Savannah, GA, has called Nashville home for nearly 40 years.

Jelly Roll Johnson

Jelly Roll Johnson

Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson's distinctive, soulful style of harmonica has earned him critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a place among Nashville's top session musicians.

A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jelly Roll's career has spanned 42 years. He began playing harmonica at age 19 in Cleveland, Tennessee. After touring with several rock, blues and country groups, he settled in Knoxville to work with the Tommy Cole Band. 

  • More about this artist

    Kirk "Jelly Roll" Johnson's distinctive, soulful style of harmonica has earned him critical acclaim, numerous awards, and a place among Nashville's top session musicians.

    A native of Lake Charles, Louisiana, Jelly Roll's career has spanned 42 years. He began playing harmonica at age 19 in Cleveland, Tennessee. After touring with several rock, blues and country groups, he settled in Knoxville to work with the Tommy Cole Band. From 1979 to 1989, Jelly Roll played concerts and club dates all across America with Warner Brothers recording artist Con Hunley. The group opened for acts such as Alabama, The Oak Ridge Boys, Loretta Lynn and Emmylou Harris.

    Since moving to Nashville in 1984, he has recorded with Trisha Yearwood, Kenny Rogers, Etta James, Guy Clark, Lee Ann Womack, Travis Tritt, Shania Twain, The Judds, Alan Jackson and many others. His unique sound has been heard on over 60 gold and platinum albums, including three Grammy winning albums by Randy Travis.

    Jelly Roll has made numerous television appearances with various artists, including Faith Hill on "Late Show with David Letterman," Alan Jackson and Jamie O'Neal on "Tonight Show with Jay Leno," Trisha Yearwood and the Judds on the "Country Music Association Awards Show," and Con Hunley on "Austin City Limits" and "Soundstage."

    In 1998, Jelly Roll won the Nashville Music Award for Best Wind Instrumentalist. After receiving nominations for 1998 and 2000, he won the best Specialty Instrument Award for 2003 and 2008 from the Academy of Country Music.

    Over the past several years Jelly Roll has released three instrumental albums of jazz and blues standards, Songs from the Record World, Come Rain or Come Shine, and The Land of Dreams.

    Jelly regularly performs at Nashville's world-famous Bluebird Cafe with hit songwriters Tony Arata, Ed Snodderly, and Thomm Jutz.

    Jelly Roll Johnson is an exclusive endorser of Hohner harmonicas. In 2017 Hohner awarded Jelly the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Thomm Jutz

Thomm Jutz

Thomm Jutz is a songwriter, producer, and guitar player who has lived in Nashville since 2003. His solo record “To Live in Two Worlds - Vol. 1” was nominated for a Grammy (R) in 2020.

His songs have been recorded by Billy Strings, Del McCoury, John Prine, The SteelDrivers, Nanci Griffith, Kim Richey, and many bluegrass artists. He has had ten number-one bluegrass hits and won the IBMA’s (International Bluegrass Music Association) “Songwriter of the Year” award in 2021.

  • More about this artist

    Thomm Jutz is a songwriter, producer, and guitar player who has lived in Nashville since 2003. His solo record “To Live in Two Worlds - Vol. 1” was nominated for a Grammy (R) in 2020.

    His songs have been recorded by Billy Strings, Del McCoury, John Prine, The SteelDrivers, Nanci Griffith, Kim Richey, and many bluegrass artists. He has had ten number-one bluegrass hits and won the IBMA’s (International Bluegrass Music Association) “Songwriter of the Year” award in 2021.

    In 2022, he was featured in the Country Music Hall of Fame’s “American Currents” exhibit.
    He has produced records for Bill Anderson, Nanci Griffith, Todd Snider, Otis Gibbs, and many other roots music artists.

    His work as a media music composer has resulted in over 300 TV and film placements worldwide (CNN, BBC, NBC, PBS, Al Jazeera, Disney, Discovery, and many more).

Image

Ed Snodderly

East Tennessee culture keeper and songwriter Ed Snodderly asks, “what’s it worth to sing this song.” He has always sounded like someone who doesn’t merely play roots music, but inhabits it.

The lyrics of his “Diamond Stream” are permanently inscribed on the walls of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He’s a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from SERFA (Southeastern Region of Folk Alliance), and the inaugural Hermitage Roots and Rhythms Legacy Award for his pioneering work and non-stop performance and proliferation of Appalachian music.

  • More about this artist

    East Tennessee culture keeper and songwriter Ed Snodderly asks, “what’s it worth to sing this song.” He has always sounded like someone who doesn’t merely play roots music, but inhabits it.

    The lyrics of his “Diamond Stream” are permanently inscribed on the walls of the Country Music Hall of Fame. He’s a recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award from SERFA (Southeastern Region of Folk Alliance), and the inaugural Hermitage Roots and Rhythms Legacy Award for his pioneering work and non-stop performance and proliferation of Appalachian music.

    His songs have been recorded by Jerry Douglas, Missy Raines, Sam Bush and others.

    Ed wears many hats. He’s a deacon in the church and a man about town, and owner of The Down Home, Johnson City’s world renowned music listening room, celebrating 50 years.

    He also teaches songwriting in East Tennessee State University’s flagship traditional music program.

    Snodderly resides in Johnson City, Tennessee with his many guitars.

    He’s currently promoting his 2026 release, “Baggage Flies Free.”

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

Sponsored By

Celero

We are an industry-leading payment processing partner offering high-tech high-touch experiences for our partners and merchants. Not only do we offer the latest in payment technology and solutions, we are fully committed to helping our clients grow their businesses.

Learn More
Tonight's Community Feature

CASA

Our mission is to train and support Court Appointed Volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children that have come to the attention of Davidson County Juvenile Court so that each child can be safe, have a permanent home and the opportunity to thrive.
 
Since 1984, the Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) program has served Nashville by speaking for abused and neglected children caught in the court system and helping them find safe and permanent homes. Too many children, who, through no fault of their own, face a crucial turning point in their lives without a voice. CASA’s trained volunteer advocates speak exclusively for each child and give them hope.
Learn More
Tonight's Featured Activity

Tasting with Diskin Cider

Cheers! Guests 21+ are invited to stop by the back patio tent for a tasting with Diskin Cider, fresh off Gold and Bronze Medal wins at the 2026 World Cider Awards. Meet the Diskin team and enjoy a taste of their award-winning cider before the music begins.

Learn More
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

Stay Connected With Dyer