Here Comes the Man in Black
"A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash" is returning to the Ventura County Fairgrounds in Ventura, CA for a fourth year. The popular event is put on by Roadshow Revival and pays homage to American legend Johnny Cash, aka, the "Man in Black" with a variety of performances, events, and other activities. Plus, it's on the beach. What's not to love?
Headlining the show is "Queen of Rock" Wanda Jackson, who will be joined onstage by Carlene Carter, the stepdaughter of Johnny Cash. Jackson was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2009, toured the US with Elvis Presley (quite a bit earlier than 2009), and put out a new album in 2011. She is a Rockabilly trailblazer and a fan favorite. Two other Rockabilly legends, Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) and Tim Polecat (The Polecats), will also be performing.
Need your Cash cover fix? The exciting all-girl Johnny Cash cover band from New Zealand, The Johnnys, plus Ventura's own Big River, and With a Bible and a Gun from L.A. will all provide some of Cash's classic hits for your sing-along enjoyment. There will not be a shortage of Johnny Cash tunes, that is for certain. In total there will be 11 acts playing on two stages.
In addition to great music there will be a Pin-Up Pageant where participants compete for cash prizes — meaning money, not Johnny Cash's personal stuff. However, Cindy Cash, the daughter of Johnny Cash, is a Ventura resident and will be on hand to share her Cindy Cash Memorabilia Tribute that showcases priceless items from her personal collection.
In fact, there will be more than 100 vendors featuring their music, crafts, and collectibles. This is where a "cash only" joke would play really well, but actual vendors may vary.
Hungry? Food, drinks, and beer will be available for purchase at the event. And that's not all! There will also be a car show featuring Hot Rods, Kustoms [sic], and a Motorcycle Gallery. It's Rockabilly Heaven!
Bottom line, the festival promises to be a great day of fun and sun for Johnny Cash lovers of all ages, and that is as good of a way to spend a Saturday on the shores of beautiful Ventura as anyone will ever need.
There are three (3) ticket levels to choose from ranging in cost from $20 to $175, and all provide access to both stages and all 11 artists performing at the festival. Best thing is all kids under 12 that are dressed in black get in free.
Please note that the Roadshow Revival's presentation of "A Tribute to the Music of Johnny Cash" is being held in collaboration with Food Share, Ventura County's Food Bank, and the Coalition to End Family Violence. A percentage of the proceeds will be donated to these organizations. Guests are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to the festival for donation.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
10:30 AM – 6:30 PM
DIRECTIONS
FROM L.A.
From the Ventura Freeway (Highway 101) North, take the Seaward Ave. exit or the California Street exit. Turn left towards the ocean to Harbor Blvd., turn right on Harbor and continue until you reach The Ventura County Fairgrounds at the corner of Harbor and Figueroa.
FROM SANTA BARBARA
From the Ventura Freeway (Highway 101) South, take the Seaward Ave. exit, make an immediate right on Harbor Blvd. and proceed to Ventura County Fair at Seaside Park.
Parking is $10.
Whit Honea has never fallen into a burning ring of fire, but he does look good in black. He walks the line on his blog Honea Express.
Photos: Roadshow Revival
