Elvis Tribute Artists Radio
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When I arrived mid-afternoon in the pouring rain, it hadn’t been decided if the evening’s legends show would go on as originally planned. While decisions were being made and organizers kept a close eye on the weather, I ventured over to the local East Side Mario’s restaurant (one of the Festival sponsors by the way).
There, I met up with two of the legends performers: musician Ray Anthony, who is known for his dynamite portrayal of Ritchie Valens, and whom I’ve known for many years; and ETA turned Johnny Cash Tribute Artist, Shawn Barker, whom I was meeting for the first time. We chatted, and caught up for about two hours; it was also a perfect opportunity to talk to Shawn at length about his Johnny Cash tribute that is taking North America by storm.
I found Shawn, who hails from Illinois, to be knowledgeable, personable, and humble, with a great sense of humour. Not only did he fill me in on his successful new career portraying Johnny Cash, he also told me that he knew how to “speak Canadian” and had already ordered a “large double double.” Good work, Shawn!
Shawn, 33, started his career as an ETA in 2000, and over the past few years has won many contests and awards as an Elvis tribute artist, including a LadyLuckMusic People’s Choice award at Nashville’s Gibson Showcase Theatre a few years ago.
However, growing up in a family of Cash fans, he had also always been familiar with Johnny Cash songs. At the urging of another tribute artist who recognized his vocal similarity to Johnny, Shawn decided to develop a Johnny Cash act.
Word of Shawn’s Johnny Cash tribute spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before his gift for doing Johnny Cash was recognized by, among others, producer Kurt Brown, and, as they say, the rest is history.
Shawn has decided to move from doing Elvis tributes (as there are so many in a crowded field doing this already) to concentrating on The Man in Black instead. Once you’ve seen his truly outstanding portrayal of Johnny Cash, you can understand why.
In the past year, Shawn has been touring throughout the USA with his “The Man in Black” show and has recently played in Texas to sold out audiences of up to 2500 people.
When I asked about the reaction he’s been getting, Shawn replied that one of the comments he’s heard most often is, “You should have done the movie” and that he’s heard nothing but positive remarks from the most ardent Johnny Cash fans.
It was interesting for me to hear about the background research Shawn has done on Johnny and June Cash, including visiting their grave sites and hometown. In turn, Shawn was interested to hear that it was in my hometown of London, Ontario (about 40 minutes away), that Johnny Cash proposed on stage to June Carter at the London Gardens arena in 1968. Johnny’s long-time manager, Saul Holliff, also lived in London and the real Johnny Cash still has a tremendous following in this neck of the woods, where he performed often.
As you can imagine, I was looking forward to the show, and to seeing Shawn’s performance. As the weather had finally cleared up, off I went to set up my lawn chair in the middle of a big field-like park – along with the growing crowd of enthusiastic fans who had also arrived to take in the evening’s entertainment.
And so the show began -- with Paco Danesi and the Casino Brothers band (aka the terrific Collingwood Festival band) taking the stage.
On the bill, in order of appearance, were:
Singing impressionist Mat Gauthier who, as always, wowed the crowd – this time with impressions of, among others, Patti Labelle, Sonny and Cher, Edith and Archie Bunker, Axl Rose, Phantom of the Opera, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond (with a funny “Receding Hair A Line” --aka “Sweet Caroline”) and his phenomenal “Radio” segment.
Don Thompson, the talent who put this show together, does a wicked Garth Brooks, and he soon had the fans roaring their approval as he jumped off the stage and ventured into the audience, generating lots of crowd participation with rousing versions of “Rodeo” and “Friends in Low Places.” Later in the show, looking and sounding remarkably like Alan Jackson, Don sang “Chattahoochie,” and “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” – and you would have sworn it was Alan Jackson up there on the stage!
Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens is always a crowd pleaser and this evening was definitely no exception. Demonstrating why he has been highly endorsed by Ritchie Valens’ family members and the real “Donna,” Ray soon had the crowd up on their feet singing and dancing to “Come On Let’s Go,” “Boney Maroney,” “Summertime Blues,” “Oh Donna,” and ” La Bamba.” Ray also performed an amazing guitar solo and once again, he awed the crowd with his phenomenal musicianship.
Krystal Blondin, one of the best Janis Joplin acts I’ve ever seen, was up next. Krystal, who is an incredible Joplin look and sound-alike, did a superb job of songs such as “Me and Bobby McGee” and “Mercedes Benz.”
Frank Rondell was a dead ringer for Ray Charles, as he sat at the piano and performed Ray Charles’ classics such as “Hit the Road Jack” and “Georgia on My Mind,” adding to the illusion by being escorted on and off the stage in dark glasses.
As always, Nancy Tromm’s “Cher” was breathtaking. Her look, singing, and talking voice were “Cher” to a T and, along with “Sonny” whom she picked out of the audience, she added some great Cher humour!
We were also treated to performances by “Kelly Clarkson” and “Carrie Underwood” (“Carrie” was Don’s daughter Tiffany Thompson) which were especially appreciated by the younger crowd and those who had followed the Idol shows.
By this time fans were up either dancing under the stars or crowding the stage, and everyone was having a marvelous time, including me!!
Shawn Barker made his entrance at this point and he literally nearly stopped the show with just his look. Anyone who was still sitting, was instantly up and moving toward the stage. Striding on to the stage, dressed in black, guitar slung over his shoulder, and uttering Johnny’s well-known words, “Hello, I’m Johnny Cash” he then segued into an absolutely remarkable tribute to Johnny Cash, sounding, as one friend of the real Johnny has said, “more like John than John himself.” We heard Cash standards such as “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison,” “Ring of Fire,” and much more. Shawn, with one of the backup singers taking the role of June Carter Cash, also entertained the crowd with a lively version of “Jackson.”
After his segment was over, Shawn left the stage and was immediately beseiged by a crowd of fans who wanted autographs and pics! And deservedly so!
Shawn has deftly and subtly captured the mannerisms and persona of Johnny Cash, and his amazing sound-alike voice along with his remarkable look makes his tribute one that stands out from the rest. One reviewer has commented that it is as if Shawn actually “channels Johnny.”
Now managed by Kurt Brown, Shawn continues to travel the US with Brown Productions’ “The Man in Black” show which also features Paco Danesi and the Casino Brothers. In addition, Shawn will appear from time to time at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge. Future plans include expanded show dates throughout the US, a full tour of Texas, and tours to Australia and the Far East. Website details are listed below. Be sure to catch Shawn Barker in action if he’s playing in a city near you!
This was an A+ show featuring some top talents in the tribute artist world. Kudos to all involved for a truly wonderful evening of entertainment and fun, set in a big park in Woodstock, Ontario. Hope you’ll all be back again next year!
Shawn Barker Details:
www.brown-productions.com/brown_productions/themaninblack.html
www.shawnbarker.com
There, I met up with two of the legends performers: musician Ray Anthony, who is known for his dynamite portrayal of Ritchie Valens, and whom I’ve known for many years; and ETA turned Johnny Cash Tribute Artist, Shawn Barker, whom I was meeting for the first time. We chatted, and caught up for about two hours; it was also a perfect opportunity to talk to Shawn at length about his Johnny Cash tribute that is taking North America by storm.
I found Shawn, who hails from Illinois, to be knowledgeable, personable, and humble, with a great sense of humour. Not only did he fill me in on his successful new career portraying Johnny Cash, he also told me that he knew how to “speak Canadian” and had already ordered a “large double double.” Good work, Shawn!
Shawn, 33, started his career as an ETA in 2000, and over the past few years has won many contests and awards as an Elvis tribute artist, including a LadyLuckMusic People’s Choice award at Nashville’s Gibson Showcase Theatre a few years ago.
However, growing up in a family of Cash fans, he had also always been familiar with Johnny Cash songs. At the urging of another tribute artist who recognized his vocal similarity to Johnny, Shawn decided to develop a Johnny Cash act.
Word of Shawn’s Johnny Cash tribute spread quickly, and it wasn’t long before his gift for doing Johnny Cash was recognized by, among others, producer Kurt Brown, and, as they say, the rest is history.
Shawn has decided to move from doing Elvis tributes (as there are so many in a crowded field doing this already) to concentrating on The Man in Black instead. Once you’ve seen his truly outstanding portrayal of Johnny Cash, you can understand why.
In the past year, Shawn has been touring throughout the USA with his “The Man in Black” show and has recently played in Texas to sold out audiences of up to 2500 people.
When I asked about the reaction he’s been getting, Shawn replied that one of the comments he’s heard most often is, “You should have done the movie” and that he’s heard nothing but positive remarks from the most ardent Johnny Cash fans.
It was interesting for me to hear about the background research Shawn has done on Johnny and June Cash, including visiting their grave sites and hometown. In turn, Shawn was interested to hear that it was in my hometown of London, Ontario (about 40 minutes away), that Johnny Cash proposed on stage to June Carter at the London Gardens arena in 1968. Johnny’s long-
As you can imagine, I was looking forward to the show, and to seeing Shawn’s performance. As the weather had finally cleared up, off I went to set up my lawn chair in the middle of a big field-
And so the show began -
On the bill, in order of appearance, were:
Singing impressionist Mat Gauthier who, as always, wowed the crowd – this time with impressions of, among others, Patti Labelle, Sonny and Cher, Edith and Archie Bunker, Axl Rose, Phantom of the Opera, Elvis, Pink Floyd, Roy Orbison, Neil Diamond (with a funny “Receding Hair A Line” -
Don Thompson, the talent who put this show together, does a wicked Garth Brooks, and he soon had the fans roaring their approval as he jumped off the stage and ventured into the audience, generating lots of crowd participation with rousing versions of “Rodeo” and “Friends in Low Places.” Later in the show, looking and sounding remarkably like Alan Jackson, Don sang “Chattahoochie,” and “It’s 5 O’clock Somewhere” – and you would have sworn it was Alan Jackson up there on the stage!
Ray Anthony as Ritchie Valens is always a crowd pleaser and this evening was definitely no exception. Demonstrating why he has been highly endorsed by Ritchie Valens’ family members and the real “Donna,” Ray soon had the crowd up on their feet singing and dancing to “Come On Let’s Go,” “Boney Maroney,” “Summertime Blues,” “Oh Donna,” and ” La Bamba.” Ray also performed an amazing guitar solo and once again, he awed the crowd with his phenomenal musicianship.
Krystal Blondin, one of the best Janis Joplin acts I’ve ever seen, was up next. Krystal, who is an incredible Joplin look and sound-
Frank Rondell was a dead ringer for Ray Charles, as he sat at the piano and performed Ray Charles’ classics such as “Hit the Road Jack” and “Georgia on My Mind,” adding to the illusion by being escorted on and off the stage in dark glasses.
As always, Nancy Tromm’s “Cher” was breathtaking. Her look, singing, and talking voice were “Cher” to a T and, along with “Sonny” whom she picked out of the audience, she added some great Cher humour!
We were also treated to performances by “Kelly Clarkson” and “Carrie Underwood” (“Carrie” was Don’s daughter Tiffany Thompson) which were especially appreciated by the younger crowd and those who had followed the Idol shows.
By this time fans were up either dancing under the stars or crowding the stage, and everyone was having a marvelous time, including me!!
Shawn Barker made his entrance at this point and he literally nearly stopped the show with just his look. Anyone who was still sitting, was instantly up and moving toward the stage. Striding on to the stage, dressed in black, guitar slung over his shoulder, and uttering Johnny’s well-
After his segment was over, Shawn left the stage and was immediately beseiged by a crowd of fans who wanted autographs and pics! And deservedly so!
Shawn has deftly and subtly captured the mannerisms and persona of Johnny Cash, and his amazing sound-
Now managed by Kurt Brown, Shawn continues to travel the US with Brown Productions’ “The Man in Black” show which also features Paco Danesi and the Casino Brothers. In addition, Shawn will appear from time to time at Memories Theatre in Pigeon Forge. Future plans include expanded show dates throughout the US, a full tour of Texas, and tours to Australia and the Far East. Website details are listed below. Be sure to catch Shawn Barker in action if he’s playing in a city near you!
This was an A+ show featuring some top talents in the tribute artist world. Kudos to all involved for a truly wonderful evening of entertainment and fun, set in a big park in Woodstock, Ontario. Hope you’ll all be back again next year!
Shawn Barker Details:
www.brown-
www.shawnbarker.com
It was a dark and stormy night – no, not really, but it WAS an overcast and rainy afternoon when I arrived in Woodstock, Ontario, for the 5th annual Cowapalooza Festival and the outdoor legends show scheduled for later in the evening. Miraculously, however, the weather cleared up about an hour before show time, and the audience was treated to a truly fantastic evening, with lots of fun and a stellar line-up of talented tribute artists from Toronto, Las Vegas, and beyond – including ETA Shawn Barker as Johnny Cash. Read on!
Shawn Barker as Johnny Cash
Shawn was besieged by fans wanting autographs
Shawn as Johnny with "June" - singing a great version of "Jackson"
Shawn Barker working his magic as Johnny Cash
Don Thompson as Garth
LLM’s Carol Hunter catching up with Shawn Barker (Johnny Cash) and Ray Anthony (Ritchie Valens) at East Side Mario’s (one of the festival sponsors)
Talented musician & Ritchie Valens Tribute Artist Ray Anthony had the crowd in the palm of his hands ......................and before long.................
The crowd really got into the action
....................he had that enthusiastic crowd up on their feet!
Singing along to Ritchie Valens' "Oh Donna"
Frank Rondell wowed the crowd with his portrayal of Ray
Don Thompson’s awesome portrayal of Alan Jackson
Amazing look and sound-a-like Krystal Blondin as Janis Joplin
"Kelly Clarkson" songs went over well with the Idol fans in the audience
Nancy Tromm as Cher wowed the crowd
Nancy Tromm as Cher with audience member “Sonny”
Don Thompson's daughter, Tiffany, sang crowd-pleasing "Carrie Underwood" songs
Mat Gauthier's impression of Roy Orbison
Impressionist Mat Gauthier as "himself"
