Dunn wins ‘NASH Next’ competition

Dunn wins ‘NASH Next’ competition

Local singer/ songwriter takes home top honors in music showcase

ralphhardin@gmail.com West Memphis’s own Amber Rae Dunn’s dreams of country music stardom got one big step closer to becoming a reality over the weekend.

Dunn won the regional competition for the NASH Next competition this past Saturday at Sam’s Town. The big show was the culmination of a competition among regional singers and songwriters sponsored by KIX 106, one of 60 stations around the nationl participating in NASH Next qualifying rounds. The original field was whittled down through online voting and social media to a final group of 10 finalists who performed Saturday at the Tunica, Mississippi, casino and entertainment center.

“Out of 10 participants — 8 of which were guys and one of which was a duo — I played last,” said Dunn. “Me and my guitar player Andrew Cabigao started off with an emotional song, Sugarland's ‘Stay,’ and then I sang my original, ‘Mountain High.’” Another local artist, Jerry Patton of Marion, was also among the hopefuls.

“After they announced the winner, they asked me to do an encore which I did my original, ‘I Can't Do a Damn Thing Right,’ which was the song people voted on when I was in the paper (during the voting round of the NASH Next competition). It was amazing!” The big win was not only a feather in Dunn’s cap, it also

landed her a sweet gig just a few days later. Dunn was the opening act for country star Gary Allen this past Thursday at his sold out show at The Bluff in Memphis.

“I'm so happy and thankful to everyone who supported me to get me this far!” Dunn said. “I just want everyone to know how much I still appreciate the continued support!”

By Ralph Hardin