Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash June 16 in Ventura

Any concert celebrating Johnny Cash wouldn’t be complete without the world’s first, and only, all-female Johnny Cash tribute band based in New Zealand…wait…There’s an all-female Johnny Cash tribute band based in New Zealand? Of course there is! “The Johnnys” are a three-woman group that lay down sensitive but bold Cash songs with harmonious influences stemming from their Pacific roots. If the Johnnys weren’t excited enough to play in the US for loyal fans of Johnny, this endorsement is sure to excite them: “One thing I know Dad would say, ‘An all-girl band singing my songs, I want to hear this!’ Oh, how he did love the girls!” says Cindy Cash, daughter of the Man in Black himself. Cindy is so thrilled to welcome “The Johnnys” to California, and can’t wait to meet the group.



Audiences are sure to be entertained throughout the show as “The Johnnys’” front-woman, Suzi Fray, injects comical and interesting Johnny Cash trivia between songs. This is an absolute must-see for any fan of Johnny Cash, or for that matter, any fan of great live entertainment.



If a band from New Zealand weren’t exotic enough, one from France certainly will be. Hailing from the port city of Marseille, crooner J.R. Black will take the stage this June with his emulation of Johnny Cash tunes, injected with a French influence and Gallic flair. J.R. has been a huge fan of country ever since he was a kid, and notes Merle Haggard, Hank Williams and of course, Johnny Cash as early influences. “People in France have always had a special fascination with, and love of American culture,” says Black, who translated many of Cash’s songs into French when he was first performing.



Drumming icon Slim Jim Phantom and rockabilly icon Tim Polecat also join the already rockin’ lineup at “A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash.” Phantom and Polecat previously rocked the stage together as members of the group, “13 Cats.”



Drumming his way into such acts as “Phantom, Rocker and Slick” and pairing up with rock ‘n’ roll originator, Jerry Lee Lewis, Slim Jim Phantom solidified his position with rockabilly royalty. Not only has he been at the center of the rockabilly scene for the last 25 years, he’s sold millions of records and has a deep and loyal following of rockabilly fans. Considered by many as the “coolest drummer in rock ‘n’ roll,” Slim Jim Phantom has been one of the biggest influences on rockabilly music in the last 20 years.



Since the 1980s, Tim Polecat has been regarded as “one of the best, live, front-men on tour in the rockabilly community.” Lead singer of “The Polecats,” Tim Polecat has created a rockabilly sound that resonates with today’s modern audience, making him a rock ‘n’ roll icon. In addition to his live acts, Tim is an accomplished feature film composer, having written and recorded songs for several features, including this year’s, “Isle of Dogs.”



Slim Jim Phantom and Tim Polecat are currently touring internationally, playing a selection of their songs from the “Stray Cats,” “The Polecats,” “13 Cats,” and of course, paying homage to Johnny Cash. This June in Ventura, they’re sure to bring a heavy dosage of rock to the Ventura County Fairgrounds as they pay tribute to, and celebrate Cash’s 80th Birthday.



Of course, these acts complement the headline act, the ‘Queen of Rock’ herself, Wanda Jackson. Nearly 50 years after the first time she toured the US (with none other than Elvis Presley), it’s an exciting time in Wanda Jackson’s career. In 2009, she was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and in 2011, Jackson released her latest album, “The Party Ain’t Over,” featuring covers of Bob Dylan’s “Thunder on the Mountain,” and Amy Winehouse’s “You Know I’m No Good.”



“My Dad adored her and our festival is a ‘can’t miss’ with Wanda coming to town. She’s the coolest of the cool ones!” says Cindy Cash, who is so excited to welcome Jackson to Ventura this June to pay tribute to her Father.



The “Queen of Rock” earned her title for pioneering the Rockabilly scene and blazing the trail for other female artists. Jackson is sure to be a crowd favorite at the festival with covers of Johnny Cash along with her famous original Rockabilly work.



Tickets to “A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash” are available online now, and this year, there are three ticket levels available. General admission tickets are available online for $20 or at the gate for $25, and grant access to the festival’s 11 artists on two different stages.



The “Get Rhythm Ticket” provides entry to all musical performances, access to the “Get Rhythm Main Stage Area,” a preferred viewing section fenced off in front of the main stage, 20% off Roadshow Revival merchandise, upgraded restrooms, and early entrance (10:15 am) for $45 online, or $55 at the gate.



Additionally, there will be “VIP Tent Tickets” available for $150 in advance or $175 at the gate. The VIP ticket provides access to the VIP Tent, a preferred viewing section, catered food and beer, a Roadshow Revival Festival Shirt, upgraded restrooms, and early entrance (10:15 am).



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A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash takes place on Saturday, June 16th at the Ventura County Fairgrounds, 10 West Harbor Blvd. Ventura, CA 93001. Tickets are available online; all performances and activities included. Kids under 12 dressed in black get in free. For more information, please visit www.roadshowrevival.com