Amber Rae Dunn

Amber Rae Dunn has been nominated for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year three years in a row by the Tennessee Music Awards. With her band, The Mulberries, she has an infectious way of captivating audiences. Since releasing Arkansas Line in 2017, recorded with Grammy-winning producers, she has shared the stage with Gary Allan, Jordan Davis, and Ronnie McDowell. Named “Best of Memphis” local singer in 2022 and 2024, she also co-hosts Meet Me in Memphis and Memphis Connection. Amber proudly claims her place in Memphis country music.

Adam Wakefield

Adam Wakefield blends Memphis soul, rock ’n’ roll, New Orleans funk, and classic country into a sound that defies genres but speaks from the heart. Originally from New Hampshire, he honed his skills in jazz and contemporary arts at New School in NYC before heading to Baltimore to form Old Man Brown, a band that toured the East Coast and UK. After moving to Nashville, he gained national attention as the runner-up on Season 10 of The Voice, topping the iTunes chart with Lonesome, Broken and Blue. He later performed with the SteelDrivers and released Gods and Ghosts, an album showcasing his raw, introspective songwriting.

Kick-off Rhythm on the Rails festival with an incredible lineup of musical talent. Opening night will feature Amber Rae Dunn, a three-time nominee for Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year by the Tennessee Music Awards, who has captivated audiences with her unique blend of pure country music. Since releasing her debut album Arkansas Line in 2017, she has opened for major country acts and earned recognition as the NASH Next Top Regional Artist for the Mid-South.

Also featured will be Adam Wakefield, who stands out with his eclectic mix of Memphis soul, rock ‘n’ roll, New Orleans funk, jazz, and classical influences, blending raw emotion with poetic lyricism. His debut album Gods and Ghosts reflects his refusal to follow genre rules, with tracks like “Breaking Strings” and “Cheap Whiskey & Bad Cocaine.”

Families are encouraged to bring their own blankets, chairs and  fishing gear. The gate near the Train Depot will open at 5:00 p.m., and music will begin at 7 p.m.

“Rhythm on the Rails” is funded in part by a grant contract with the state of Tennessee, Tennessee Arts Commission. The mission of the Tennessee Arts Commission is to stimulate and encourage the presentation of the visual, literary, musical and performing arts and to encourage public interest in the cultural heritage of Tennessee. The concert series is also sponsored by Blue Bank Resort, Discover Reelfoot, Excel Boats, Northwest Tennessee Tourism, and The Citizens Bank.