Johnny Cash Experience to perform Nov. 21 benefit at CAC
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Fact Box
IF YOU GO:
WHAT: Johnny Cash Experience benefit for the Lycoming United Way
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21
WHERE: Community Arts Center
INFO: Call 326-2424 or visit www.caclive.com. Tickets for all seats are $20.
The words, delivered from his deep, distinctive bass-baritone voice gave a self-description of his beliefs and views, "I wear the black for the poor and beaten down, livin' in the hopeless, hungry side of town."
The haunting message contained in his 1971 hit record "The Man in Black" gave the world the explanation as to why the man, commonly referred to by the same reference, choose that distinctive style of on-stage costuming. While changing the style of country music, Johnny Cash raised the country's collective consciousness about the social issues of his day.
Among the millions reached by Cash's songs and the 1969 ABC television show aptly titled "The Johnny Cash Show", was a young boy who spent his summers with his family in Eagles Mere. That early inspiration planted the seeds that today have blossomed into an opportunity for a whole new generation to enjoy the musical magic that lifted Cash into the super-stardom of both county and pop music.
That unique combination of forces will be on full display Nov. 21 when David Stone and The Johnny Cash Experience come to Williamsport for a concert performance benefiting Lycoming County United Way.
"For many years as a boy my family would spend the summer months in Eagles Mere. I've always enjoyed this part of Pennsylvania and always found the people friendly, compassionate and willing to lend a helping hand to their friends and neighbors whenever a need arose," explained Stone, who three years ago transformed his appreciation for Cash's music into a show that is now enjoyed by enthusiastic crowds.
"After seeing that Cash TV show I learned to play the guitar and began singing his songs. Three years ago we formed a group of talented musicians who also shared a love for the Cash sound. As a result, The Johnny Cash Experience show was born. This summer, we went back to Eagles Mere to play a concert and played before the biggest crowd they've ever had at the DeWire Civic Center," Stone said.
"I later learned that among the attendees that evening was Scott Lowery, the executive director of Lycoming County United Way. Scott contacted me, asking if I would be interested in coming to Williamsport to do a benefit performance for United Way. With the help of the Community Arts Center and WILQ we were able to work out a plan.
"We are really looking forward to it. Lycoming County and surrounding areas have shown a great appreciation for country artists. We are an accurate, note-for-note, authentic representation of 'The Johnny Cash Show' without cheap impersonation. Our show offers segments from the early Cash days, the Johnny Cash & June Carter performances and the Folsom Prison Concert era.
"To me, being able to help out United Way is especially meaningful. They do wonderful work with the human service network in Lycoming County. It is a lot like my boyhood summers back there, watching people pitch in to help each other out. Ninety-seven percent of the funds raised by United Way stay in Lycoming County to help local people. We are going to do everything we can to put on a great performance that the folks will enjoy. A Friday evening of Johnny Cash music, with appreciative fans, raising money for a great cause; it will be a lot of fun," Stone added.
Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. Nov. 21 performance may be purchased at the Community Arts Center box office at 326-2424, or online at www.caclive.com. Tickets for all seats are $20.
"We are thrilled that David is bringing this show to Williamsport. It is a polished, authentic show. His sounds of Johnny Cash are as close to the real thing as I've ever heard. You can close your eyes and think you are listening to Cash himself," Lowery said. "Everyone who comes out for this show will enjoy themselves. But the real winners will be those who will be helped by the services that are provided by United Way's financial support of the human service providers operating under the United Way umbrella."
