The Replay Lounge’s Johnny Cash Birthday Bash promises more than the hits

The Johnny Cash Birthday Bash being presented at the Replay Lounge is a nice change from the club’s usual mix of outre rock and roll and patio DJs. For one thing, the performers aren’t the standard lineup of singers and songwriters one sees playing most showcases around town.

Event organizer and performer Lance Fahy explains: “For the most part, we’re all just busy, whether with music or other obligations. This is a unique collection of talented musicians at a venue where some of them would not normally perform.”

Johnny Cash birthday shows aren’t an uncommon thing, of course. As a matter of fact, this is Fahy’s 10th.

“The first two were showcase-style, featuring several short sets by local musicians. The first one was a birthday show in 2002. The second was just after his passing, in 2003,” says the Lawrence singer-songwriter. “Over the next few years, I booked a few solo Johnny Cash tribute shows at smaller bars and restaurants, usually around Halloween, dressing in costume. The upcoming show is the first one I’ve done since summer 2012 and the first showcase-style one since 2003.”

The lineup of musicians includes Lawrence blues stalwart Billy Ebeling and Michael Paull, both of whom performed at Fahy’s first Cash show in 2002; James Rose; and Ardys Ramberg taking on the June Carter role. Also on the bill is Walt Babbit, who will bring a bit of history and context to the show. In performances with his band, the Roots of Country, Babbit incorporates stories from the lives of the musicians whose songs he performs.

“I’d been reading biographies of these artists, and I started incorporating stories into our shows. That’s why we’re called ‘The Roots of Country.’ I’ve listened to country music for 40 years, and playing for 30 years,” Babbitt says. “Johnny Cash is a big part of that.”

Babbit’s approach to the music of Johnny Cash is a little different and differs because of Cash’s distinctive baritone.

“I’m really a singer, so I look at Johnny Cash as a songwriter. Hank Williams or Merle Haggard I can sound like, but with Johnny Cash, the emphasis is on his tone and experience. I want to bring the same feel to his song: that raw emotion and life experience. He sings from his heart and his gut, like a lot of the old country singers.”

In addition to performances from all the individuals, Fahy and his band, the Argyle Sky, will headline the show with a mix of electric and acoustic numbers. Fahy also promises an encore where all the performers will get onstage to sing and jam along together.

While you’ll get your share of hits (Fahy will open the show playing “Ring of Fire” on accordion), the organizer promises a little more depth than you might otherwise find.

“We’re all music fans that like more than just the hits. I have talked with each performer about what songs will be played. Some obscure songs will include ‘Hit the Road and Go’ from the out-of-print Rambler album, as well as ‘The One on the Left Is on the Right’ and ‘See Ruby Fall,’ which Cash co-wrote with Roy Orbison. Additionally, a couple selections from the American Recordings (the first two volumes, in particular) will be played.”

The Johnny Cash Birthday Bash takes place at the Replay Lounge on Wednesday, February 26, at 6 p.m. Details here.