NASHVILLE, Tenn. ñ Nashville will get a new concert series with the
launch of Bluebird on the Mountain, an expansion of successful
collaborations between Vanderbilt University’s Dyer Observatory and the
Bluebird CafÈ.
Bluebird on the Mountain shows will be presented monthly from May
through October on the scenic observatory grounds on a hill overlooking
Nashville.
The series will be booked by Amy Kurland of the Bluebird CafÈ, who
twice brought talent from the Bluebird to the observatory for shows in
2004.
"The 2004 shows were examples of how magical outdoor concerts can be,
and we’re looking to continue and expand that festive feel next year,"
said Kurland, who founded the Bluebird CafÈ in 1982 and nurtured it
into Nashville’s premier songwriter’s venue.
The first show in the 2005 series is set for May 21, with performances
to follow one-per-month through October. Those who attend will also be
invited to stargaze using the observatory’s Seyfert telescope.
Performers will come from Kurland’s deep Bluebird rolodex. Performers
at last year’s Bluebird/Dyer Stellar Songwriters Evenings included Beth
Nielsen Chapman ("This Kiss"), Mike Reid ("I Can’t Make You Love Me")
and Don Henry ("Where’ve You Been").
"Our collaboration with Amy and the Bluebird has already resulted in
unforgettable performances at Dyer, and we’re pleased that there are
more to come," said Rick Chappell, director of Dyer Observatory. "Our
‘per-carload’ admission price for the shows has proven a big hit with
groups of friends and families."
The Bluebird has played a role in the careers of stars including Garth
Brooks and Kathy Mattea and is known as a room where songwriters can
expect rapt attention as they perform. The club was the setting for the
film The Thing Called Love starring Samantha Mathis and River Phoenix and currently broadcasts
"Live from the Bluebird CafÈ" on the Turner South cable network.
The price structure and performers for the 2005 Bluebird on the Mountain shows are not yet determined.
Media contact: Jim Patterson, (615) 322-NEWS
jim.patterson@vanderbilt.edu