News

Discovery Park of America has announced the 2025 lineup for the free, family friendly summer concert series, “Rhythm on the Rails.” Musical performances will take place on Friday evenings May 16–June 27, 2025 on the Total Tech Solutions Stage on the south side of the park. Each Friday night, the gate at the Train Depot entrance and the food and beverage tents will open at 5 p.m., with live music starting at 7 p.m.

Each evening will feature two musical acts. The first act on opening night for “Rhythm on the Rails” 2025 will be Amber Rae Dunn, followed by Adam Wakefield. Dunn was crowned “Best of Memphis” 2022 and 2024 in the category of Top Local Singer and her video for her song “My Ryan” was nominated in the Arkansas Country Music Awards in the category of Best Video. She was nominated for both Female Vocalist of the Year and Entertainer of the Year for three years in a row by the Tennessee Music Awards. Adam Wakefield was the runner-up on The Voice during its 10th season, as a member of Blake Shelton’s team.

“When scheduling the performers for “Rhythm on the Rails,” we aim to provide the widest assortment of genres possible to attract new visitors to Discovery Park and to introduce our regulars to new music,” said Karl Johnson who leads the team at the park in producing the festival. “This year is no exception. Festival attendees will experience rock, country, bluegrass, rhythm and soul, gospel and since we are in West Tennessee, some B.B. King, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis.”

Blues artist, Katrina Anderson, the lead female singer for the B.B. King All-Star Band at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Memphis, will perform on June 20. Elvis tribute artist, Riley Jenkins, is scheduled for Friday night, June 20 while Jacob Tolliver—an American singer, songwriter and pianist known for his energetic performances and genre-blending musical style, reminiscent of “the Killer”—will perform on May 23. Tolliver gained widespread recognition in Las Vegas’ “Million Dollar Quartet,” where his high-octane piano skills and dynamic stage presence made him a standout. Following this success, he had the rare opportunity to open on the road for Jerry Lee Lewis himself, further honing his craft and deepening his connection to the roots of rock ‘n’ roll.

In addition to “Rhythm on the Rails,” Emily McGill, a soulful country-inspired singer/songwriter, recently appeared on the current season of The Voice. McGill, from Jackson, Tennessee has a strong musical pedigree. She grew up singing in a family band and working in her father’s local music store, The Bandstand. With powerful vocals and natural songwriting abilities that are well beyond her 25 years, Emily likes to find ways to incorporate her West Tennessee roots into her music.

The youngest entertainer of the 2025 festival is 13-year-old blues guitar prodigy, John Clayton White. White, who has performed with legendary rhythm and blues musicians throughout the Deep South, will perform at Discovery Park on June 27.

“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.

Lauren Jones, Discovery Park’s senior director of event operations said, “Each year we’re seeing attendance at this event grow larger. Especially with the three hotels right next door, we’re welcoming many visitors from out of town who are coming to experience the live music, spend the night and then explore Discovery Park and the entire Reelfoot Lake region the rest of the weekend. It’s the perfect summer getaway for couples and families.”

While there is plenty of seating on The Depot’s deck and the benches around the fishing pier, guests may also bring their own blankets, chairs and fishing gear. Outside food and beverages are not permitted.

The gate at the Train Depot will open at 5 p.m., and live music begins at 7 p.m. Guests are encouraged to arrive early for an opportunity to win giveaways, purchase merchandise and meet the entertainers. Thanks to the support of Discovery Park’s partners, admission is free.