I hear the train a-comin'. It’s comin’ round the bend.
That "train," the Johnny and June Carter-Cash train, is coming to two towns in Alabama.
First, it stops in Foley on March 1. Foley is SOLD OUT.
Then, it stops in Talladega on March 8. Tickets available. Info here.
The March 1 Foley stop is at the OWA Theater at 7:30 p.m. SOLD OUT.
The March 8 stop is at the Historic Ritz Theater in downtown Talladega. It starts at 7 p.m. Tickets to the Talladega show here.
Both performances are done by the tribute band, CashBack. The six-piece group brings back the music and the memories of Johnny Cash and wife, June Carter-Cash. They sing together, and they sing solo.
The invitation for the show reads:
… an unforgettable live musical performance, “Cash Back — A Tribute to Johnny Cash & June Carter-Cash.” Immerse yourself in an evening of live music that pays homage to the iconic Johnny Cash and his beloved wife, June Carter-Cash. Let the timeless classics, vibrant energy, and heartfelt tributes transport you to the golden era of these music legends.
CashBack, the tribute band, skillfully captures the authentic sound, spirit, and soul of Johnny Cash and June Carter-Cash. Led by a talented ensemble of musicians, this tribute group flawlessly captures the unique blend of country, rockabilly, and Americana that defined the legendary Johnny Cash’s career. With their exceptional musical prowess and unwavering dedication to honoring the Cash legacy, “CashBack” delivers a performance that is as close to the real thing as you can get.
Talladega’s Ritz Theater is located at 115 Court Square North. If you couldn’t guess, it is located across from the old county courthouse.
CashBack has been called the best Johnny Cash tribute band around. The Birmingham-based group is led by deep-voiced Leif Bondarenko. They started performing their version of Cash classics in 2018.
The band of course backs up a male singer of the Johnny songs and a female singer of the June songs. They have a trumpet player, needed on such songs as “Ring of Fire.”
Lead singer Bondarenko said (in his LOW voice), “Everytime CashBack walks out on stage, we want to show our great respect for the legacy of Johnny Cash while giving the very best performance we can give. I have no desire to be a Johnny Cash impersonator. I just love the music of Johnny Cash and try to sing the songs in an honest and sincere manner. I love the vibe and the sounds that Cash and his band created on all those great recordings.”
Arkansas native Johnny Cash, then 71, and wife June Carter Cash, both died in 2003.
Jim Zeigler is a former Alabama Public Service Commissioner and State Auditor. You can reach him for comments at ZeiglerElderCare@yahoo.com.
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