JCCA: Church of Cash pays homage to the ‘Man in Black’

The deep and soulful sound of the late, great Johnny Cash is coming to Newton as part of the Jasper County Concert Association’s 40th season of shows. Church of Cash will take the stage at 7 p.m. Sept. 26 at the Center for Performance at Newton High School.

The Johnny Cash tribute band is true to the music of the Man in Black. Singer Jay Ernest’s deep baritone voice sings like a prairie breeze and stomps like a boot heel. But don’t be fooled, Church of Cash is not a country band. The tribute band’s purpose is to honor the indelible legacy of Johnny Cash.

Formed in 2010, the Church of Cash was a way for Ernest to spread the gospel, so to speak, of one of the world’s most important and enduring songwriters. Cash’s legacy lives on in memorable hit songs like “Ring of Fire,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Folsom Prison Blues,” and so many more.

Non-association members may attend the concert for $20 at the door the night of the concert. To become a member of the Jasper County Concert Association, call 641-521-7046 or visit www.jaspercountyconcertassociation.com for more information on the complete season of shows.

Three types of memberships are available: adult memberships for $50, student memberships for $15 and family memberships for $100. Memberships allow the member to attend five concerts in Newton, four concerts in Indianola and six concerts in Marshalltown.

Each year the Jasper County Concert Association’s board of directors selects professional groups or individuals to perform in Newton in the Center for Performance at the Newton High School. Many of the entertainers have performed on Broadway and to audiences around the world.

Here are the 40th season shows:

Yesterday Once More, a tribute to Karen Carpenter, will perform 7 p.m. Dec. 10. Singer-actress Joanne O’Brien celebrates the songs of the late singer who formed one half of the duo The Carpenters. O’Brien illuminates the musical diversity and pop culture of the times by paying homage to iconic classics.

Pop Rock Orchestra will perform 7 p.m. Feb. 22, 2024, and features musician Billy McGuigan on guitar, keys, vocals, percussion, sax — everything! The singer presents a high-energy concoction of rock ‘n’ roll mega hits in a unique, live concert experience harkening back to McGuigan’s ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s inspirations.

Abbacadabra will perform a night of ABBA hits at 2 p.m. April 14, 2024. Take a chance on the Reno-based group, which is the ultimate ABBA tribute and promises to continue the momentum by performing the band’s greatest hits in full ABBA fashion and flair. Mamma mia! That’s quite the guarantee!

Ending the 40th season is Here Comes the Sun at 7 p.m. May 7, 2024. The Beatles tribute show features a group of five musicians taking on the roles of John, Paul, George and Ringo. Here Comes the Sun brings a fresh, vibrant and musically authentic approach to their live rock ‘n’ roll performances.