Bluebird on the Mountain is a special event. It is outdoors, the stage is in front of the dome of the telescope. The ticket admits up to 8 people in the same vehicle. The parking was a little problematic but it worked. There were more SUVs than a child's soccer tournament. Everyone brings chairs and the wine bottles and finger foods come out.
The artists were great. Rodney Crowell, Emmy Lou Harris's long time band leader and solo artist of note, was the draw. Beth Neilsen Chapman and Marcus Hummon held their own in the songwriter sing around. The format was the "songwriters in the round" style as used at the legendary Bluebird Cafe.
The performances were not polished (lines forgotten, singing off key) but the show accomplished its purpose, showcasing song writing talent. Beth had some lovely ballads and pop songs. Her no. 1 hit "This Kiss" was accompanied by an impromptu chorus of 3 children reluctantly drafted from stage side. Beth dedicated a song to her neurosurgeon for saving her life. He was in attendance and happened to be seated near me. He treated a brain tumor. The doctor wept through the song. Marcus Hummon had a remarkable voice and wit. His recent hit "The Broken Road" covered by Rascal Flatts was performed. Crowell did not focus on his trademark songs. He played lesser known songs for the most part. The crowd loved his country ballad, "It's hard to kiss the lips at night' (that chewed my ass out all day long" In Nashville, crowds are appreciative but they listen quietly to the songs while they are played. The lyrics are the focus. The performers are left wing politicos and that theme was carried forth. The real theme was love, as is true of most popular songs of any genre. Crowell seemed a little divaish controlling the rotation strangely. Don't know what that was about. The bottom line was an entertaining, creative event in a quiet outdoor venue. I did not tour the telescope after the music, but it was offered.