The Johnny Cash Special is coming to Noosa for one night only this November.
The tribute to Johnny Cash is a two-and-a-half hour, fully produced theatre show, guaranteed to barnstorm the Australian music circuit featuring Lincoln Howe as a young Johnny Cash, singer-songwriter Meg Ripps as June Carter and the Orange Blossom Specials, a four-piece professional touring band featuring the legendary Johnny Cash sound, right down to the signature trumpets in Ring of Fire.
The show is being described as ‘as close as you will get to seeing Johnny Cash again’.
Leading the outfit is 27-year-old Lincoln Howe who has dedicated the last 11 years cutting his teeth in the Queensland music scene, telling Australians it’s time for a new standard for tribute shows across the country.
“I’ve spent the last 11 years getting as close as I can to delivering a performance like the Man in Black,” Mr Howe said.
“In 2003, when Johnny Cash passed away, I was just eight years old, and on the day of his passing I remember hearing I Walk The Line on ABC radio like it was yesterday.
“The chance to get out there and sing these songs for people is a dream come true.”
Accompanied by professional touring musicians who have shared the stage with some of the biggest names in Australian music, the band tying the whole show together will deliver the original Johnny Cash sound, like no other group out there.
Playing the role of June Carter is 24-year-old singer-songwriter Meg Ripps.
Placing top five in the Australian Songwriter of the Year Competition at just 15 years old, Ms Ripps said she can’t wait to get out there and take people back on a truly authentic journey, telling the story of one of a true music legend, June Carter.
“A lot of people don’t know this, but while June Carter was growing up, she spent a lot of time sleeping in guitar cases on the road, performing with the first family of American Country Music, the Carter Family.
“She was a comedian, a multi-instrumentalist, an actor, dancer, and performer, so I’m incredibly keen to tell that story to as many people who will listen,” Ms Ripps said.
While playing Brisbane pubs and shows from just 16 years of age, audiences have always been surprised at Mr Howe’s both choice in music and ability to deliver Johnny’s trademark sound and story, so close to the way Johnny sang it many years ago.
Mr Howe says the focus has always been on authenticity and delivery.
“There’s no point doing this if you’re not going to get as close you can to the artist. Every night, I try and get as close as I can to Cash, while also telling his story and paying him the respect he deserves,” Mr Howe says.
The Johnny Cash Special will perform at The J Theatre in Noosa at 7.30pm on Friday 18 November.
To get tickets, visit thej.com.au
