MONROE - The man's name is Bill Cayley, and it must be an omen that someone born on the same birth date as Johnny Cash would someday be performing in what has been hailed as "one of the best tribute shows to Johnny Cash on the planet." Experience the closest thing to Johnny Cash himself, when the Monroe Arts Center presents the music, the sound, and the history of this country music icon in "The Legend in Black: Songs and Stories of John and June Carter Cash" at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 18 at the Monroe High School Performing Arts Center.
Endorsed by the Johnny Cash family, "The Legend in Black" tribute show has become "a cut above the rest." Performer and musician Bill Cayley captures the simple, straightforward homey touch that was so important to a Cash concert. He not only dresses the same as Johnny Cash but also plays guitar and sings those great Cash songs such as "Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Ring of Fire," in the simple and humble way that was the trademark of the 'Man in Black' himself.
Bill Cayley has been in the music industry for more than 40 years performing all across North America, but never did the tribute show until after Cash's death. Since Cash was a friend and Cayley liked his songs, as well as sharing some of the same physical characteristics, he decided to do the tribute show. "John and I have the same birthday and I look a bit like him. I also have the same vocal range," Cayley said. "When John passed, I thought about it, and people kept asking me to do this. The show is not meant to be an impersonation but a tribute." He added, "I knew John. I met him several times through the years, and he always treated me with a great deal of respect. I dress in black and I tell stories; funny little things that happened to John."
Another highlight of this show is the June Carter Cash character played by musician and vocalist, Kate Ashby-Craft. She has been playing the role of June Carter Cash since 2008. A native of Canada, Ashby-Craft has been seen and heard on various Canadian radio and TV shows such as City TV's "Breakfast Television," Global TV's "Entertainment Desk," and CBC Radio's "Ontario Morning," as well as numerous Canada Day celebrations throughout London.
The show also boasts a phenomenal three-piece backup band, specifically chosen because of their musicianship, their respect for the music, and because of their ability to give audiences that quiet country feel that the original Tennessee Three band produced over and over for Johhny Cash.
Johnny Cash may be gone, but Bill Cayley proves he's definitely not forgotten. Cash fans will immediately recognize this loving tribute to the Legend in Black is "just as good as it used to be."
Reserved seat tickets for The Legend in Black are $35, $25, $20, and $15, and may be purchased by calling the Monroe Arts Center box office at (608) 325-5700. Additional information regarding this performance and other Monroe Arts Center events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter The Swiss Colony, and Media Underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting provided by The Monroe Clinic; Artisan Design Build; Paul and Sue Barrett; Kittelsen, Barry, Wellington, Thompson, and Schluesche; Lee and Chris Knuteson; Lanz Furnace and Fireplace; and Precision Drive and Control.
Endorsed by the Johnny Cash family, "The Legend in Black" tribute show has become "a cut above the rest." Performer and musician Bill Cayley captures the simple, straightforward homey touch that was so important to a Cash concert. He not only dresses the same as Johnny Cash but also plays guitar and sings those great Cash songs such as "Walk the Line," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "Ring of Fire," in the simple and humble way that was the trademark of the 'Man in Black' himself.
Bill Cayley has been in the music industry for more than 40 years performing all across North America, but never did the tribute show until after Cash's death. Since Cash was a friend and Cayley liked his songs, as well as sharing some of the same physical characteristics, he decided to do the tribute show. "John and I have the same birthday and I look a bit like him. I also have the same vocal range," Cayley said. "When John passed, I thought about it, and people kept asking me to do this. The show is not meant to be an impersonation but a tribute." He added, "I knew John. I met him several times through the years, and he always treated me with a great deal of respect. I dress in black and I tell stories; funny little things that happened to John."
Another highlight of this show is the June Carter Cash character played by musician and vocalist, Kate Ashby-Craft. She has been playing the role of June Carter Cash since 2008. A native of Canada, Ashby-Craft has been seen and heard on various Canadian radio and TV shows such as City TV's "Breakfast Television," Global TV's "Entertainment Desk," and CBC Radio's "Ontario Morning," as well as numerous Canada Day celebrations throughout London.
The show also boasts a phenomenal three-piece backup band, specifically chosen because of their musicianship, their respect for the music, and because of their ability to give audiences that quiet country feel that the original Tennessee Three band produced over and over for Johhny Cash.
Johnny Cash may be gone, but Bill Cayley proves he's definitely not forgotten. Cash fans will immediately recognize this loving tribute to the Legend in Black is "just as good as it used to be."
Reserved seat tickets for The Legend in Black are $35, $25, $20, and $15, and may be purchased by calling the Monroe Arts Center box office at (608) 325-5700. Additional information regarding this performance and other Monroe Arts Center events can be found online at www.monroeartscenter.com.
This event has been underwritten by Corporate Underwriter The Swiss Colony, and Media Underwriters Monroe Publishing, LLC, and Big Radio. Additional underwriting provided by The Monroe Clinic; Artisan Design Build; Paul and Sue Barrett; Kittelsen, Barry, Wellington, Thompson, and Schluesche; Lee and Chris Knuteson; Lanz Furnace and Fireplace; and Precision Drive and Control.