Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties
JAY ERNEST, center, and HIT Idol winner Madison Stomberg sing the country duet "Jackson" Saturday at the Historic Ironwood Theatre during the Church of Cash's performance. Joining Ernest on stage as another member of the Johnny Cash tribute band was drummer George Marich.
By RICHARD JENKINS
Ironwood - The Historic Ironwood Theatre could have been mistaken as playing host to the Grand Ole Opry Saturday night as the Church of Cash had the crowd clapping and singing along to some of their favorite Johnny Cash tunes.
Singer and group-founder Jay Ernest channeled the spirit of the Man in Black to delight the audience with a mix of Cash classics and lesser-known pieces.
Ernest was accompanied by Albert Perez on guitar, Tony Wirth on upright bass and George Marich on drums.
For Ernest, the chance to play Cash's music is not only an opportunity to honor the icon, but also a good musical fit.
"Johnny Cash is one of the the coolest, most prolific singer-songwriters - and may I add storytellers - of America. But beyond that - I have a low voice, Johnny Cash has a low voice. My voice fits him like a champion," Ernest told the Daily Globe. "I can't sing Queen. I can sing Johnny Cash."
While he has been a lifelong musician, Ernest said he started the Church of Cash eight years ago while living in Hawaii.
While the group gives him the opportunity to be a front man, he said he formed the group as a response the reaction Cash songs would get from crowds.
"I played whatever I wanted, but every time I played Johnny Cash people put down their drinks and really looked and listened," Ernest said.
This is the second time the group performed in Ironwood, playing the theatre two years ago as well.
According to Ernest, he is thrilled to be back in town.
"I bugged this place over and over until they finally let me back in," Ernest said.
Prior to the band's performance, HIT Idol winner Madison Stomberg performed as an opening act. Ernest later invited Stomberg back on stage to perform the classic duet, "Jackson."
The theatre's managing director, Bruce Greenhill, was pleased to see the crowd's reaction to the band, adding it was great to have the Ernest return to the theatre.
"(We're) delighted to have him back ... and we're thrilled Jay, with the band, was gracious enough to invite Madison - a local kid - to perform," Greenhill said.
