Musicians come together for Cash tribute concert

BY MICHAEL ACKER
Staff Writer

Jeffrey Gaines ‘The man in black” has not been forgotten.Far from it, as evidenced by the 50-plus musicians who will gather Sunday to perform the music of Johnny Cash at a Route 35 club in South Amboy.

New Jersey-based country/roots performer Michael Patrick is organizing “Johnny Cash Remembered — A Tribute to the Man in Black” as a benefit concert and musical celebration to honor the late country music legend.

The event will be held at 6 p.m. at the Centro Nightclub.

Patrick was inspired by the buzz about the upcoming release of the film “Walk the Line,” starring Joaquin Phoenix and Reese Witherspoon. Patrick decided to hold the concert after receiving requests from the media for quotes about the “Cash influence.”

He joined up with Bob Makin, a fellow Cash fan and founder of the Jersey Jams, Jersey Cares charity organization so that the proceeds could be used for an appropriate cause. Jersey Jams, Jersey Cares offers music mentorship and scholarship programs for New Jersey children in need.

Patrick, whose own band, The Suburban Hillbillies, will perform at the show, is hoping to preserve the legacy of Johnny Cash in New Jersey with this event.

“Johnny encompasses all of my musical influences,” said Patrick, “from country to rockabilly to folk, gospel and beyond. What I appreciate most [about Cash’s music} is the simplicity and sincerity of the songs. I can listen to a Cash tune, know what it’s about and feel the song through Cash’s strong delivery. He had a way of bringing you in and holding you there.”

The show format will present mostly Cash covers spanning the entire career of “the Man in Black” and will also include original material by Artemis recording artist and well-known singer-songwriter Jeffrey Gaines.

Gaines has toured with Tori Amos, Stevie Nicks and Sting. Patrick said Gaines’ passion for the music of Johnny Cash prompted him to call as soon as he heard about the tribute concert. Gaines’ song “I Want You to Want Me” earned him an Emmy nomination last year and was featured in AT&T’s 2003 “Let’s Talk” campaign. He has sold more than 250,000 albums, the most recent being 2003’s “Toward the Sun.”

The concert will feature New Jersey-based bands including Matt Angus Thing, Pat Guadagno & The Candle Brothers, Jon Caspi Band, Bob Polding Band, Rob Dye Band, Kevin McGowan, BBQ Bob, Tony Pileggi, Arlan Feiles and others.

In addition to the Jersey Jams, Jersey Cares fund, the show will also benefit the Red Cross hurricane relief effort.

The Colts Neck Custom Shop, New Jersey Country Music Association and Upstage Magazine are sponsoring the concert.

While Patrick was unable to confirm any names, he expects some special guests to make an appearance in support of the event.

Tickets for the show are $10 in advance, or $15 the day of show. Advance tickets and additional information are available on the Web at www.michael-patrick.net/johnny.html.