On the Circuit: Radnor in the Round

Radnor in the Round was back this year and more impactful than ever. On a chilly October night, guests arrived at Dyer Observatory for an evening supporting the good works of Friends of Radnor Lake with great music by some of Nashville’s finest songwriters.

Before diving into the concert, though, event co-founder Will Robinson remembered songwriter Brett James, who died earlier this year. A past supporter of the event, Brett was scheduled to take the stage again in 2025 before his untimely death in September.

As attendees snuggled up on blankets and in soccer chairs, sipping wine and munching on snacks, co-founder Phil Vassar kicked things off with a performance of two No. 1 hits he penned—“I’m Alright” and “Just Another Day in Paradise.” 

Kent Blazy took the stage next, starting with “Once Upon a Rhyme,” a song that the late great Kris Kristofferson inspired. Kent continued his time on stage by sharing how a friend’s random comment about a hot dog turned into Chris Young’s No. 1 hit, “Gettin' You Home (The Black Dress Song).”

It was stories like that, ones that typically only live in the mind of the songwriter, that made the night so memorable. 

Surprise guest Chuck Cannon continued the show by performing a medley of Toby Keith hits that he co-wrote. He was followed by Mike Reid, who got the crowd singing with his performance of Bonnie Raitt’s hit “I Can’t Make You Love Me,” which he penned.

When Jeff Trott took the stage, attendees got to hear all about his work with Sheryl Crow, before he played the Grammy-winning song “If It Makes You Happy” and her hit track “Soak Up the Sun,” both of which he co-wrote with the singer.

While Will Robinson hadn’t planned on taking the stage, he succumbed to good-natured pressure from the crowd and performed “You’ve Got the Touch” and “There’s No Way,” two Alabama songs he co-wrote.

After a jam session with many of the participating songwriters, the night ended how it began—with a tribute to Brett James. Will welcomed up Gordie Sampson, Brett’s frequent collaborator, to perform a moving rendition of “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” which the men co-wrote alongside Hillary Lindsey. 

As awed guests made their way out, Phil provided an apt soundtrack with a performance of Jo De Messina’s “Bye Bye.” Not only did attendees get to witness a night unlike any other, but they also made a difference. The event raised more than $92,700 to help protect and preserve Radnor Lake State Natural Area, becoming the most successful Radnor in the Round to date.