Johnny Cash was one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
He is primarily remembered as a country music artist, but his songs and his sound spanned many other genres including rock and roll, folk and gospel. This crossover appeal lead to Cash being inducted in the Country Music Hall of Fame, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Gospel Music Hall of Fame.
The Sid Williams Theatre in Courtenay is conjuring up the spirit of Johnny Cash on stage with tribute artist, Harold Ford and the Cash Band (www.thejohnnycashband.com) featuring Laura Lucy as June Carter on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m.
Ford’s voice and physical resemblance to Cash are inexplicable, making him a natural! Ford’s stage presence and charisma akin to Cash, along with the deep Cash bass baritone voice, mournful eyes and Cash looks, are nothing short of eerie and ghostly.
“I’m not trying to sound like Johnny Cash. It’s just the kind of voice I have. I’m singing his songs, but they are coming out like I am his brother. You wouldn’t believe the comments I get on my appearance and my voice,“ he said.
Ford finally decided to give in to what just came naturally. His shows have become a tribute to the celebrated singer with performances of Cash signature songs like I Walk the Line, A Boy Named Sue, Folsom Prison Blues and many more.
The Cash Band, a team of highly trained professional musicians, recreate the authentic sound of The Three and Johnny’s later years, with a bit of The Highwaymen.
“We have some excellent talent in the band. We’ve really been getting an unbelievable response from people,” Ford said.
The singer has been surprised by the demographics of the audiences at his shows, which includes a mix of both people from Cash’s generation and music buffs in their 20s and 30s.
“Even the kids are coming around. The kids are some of the biggest fans," Ford said.
Laura Lucy embodies the spirit of June Carter Cash with her captivating presence and lighthearted nature. The endearing harmonies of both Johnny and June are recreated and come alive.
People are saying, “Watching Harold Ford, the Cash Band and Laura Lucy on stage is just like watching the Man In Black himself play.”
Harold Ford and The Cash Band will perform on Oct. 30 at 7:30 p.m. The Flying Canoe Club are the sponsors for the event.
Tickets are: regular $45, members $40 and students $25. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
For tickets, call 250-338-2430 or buy online at www.sidwilliamstheatre.com.
— Sid Williams Theatre