It’s the part of a lifetime for Jennifer Mitchell who is set to star as June Carter in The World’s Most Authentic Johnny Cash Tribute Show, next month.
The show is led by international award-winning tribute artist Paul Anthony and his band bringing the Man in Black’s biggest hits to life including Folsom Prison Blues, I Walk the Line, and Ring of Fire.
Ready to join the show, Mitchell from Fergus, says she looks forward to working with professional musicians who share her passion for Cash and for country music.
“I’m really excited to work with this calibre of professional musicians. But also, I just love country music. Traditional country music is what I’ve grown up with, that’s what I’ve always performed. Being able to be a part of this show and to keep this music alive, that’s so important to me,” Mitchell said.
“And for Paul Anthony, the whole reason for doing this show is to keep the memory of Johnny Cash alive.”
The World's Most Authentic Johnny Cash Tribute Show offers a ‘complete Johnny Cash experience’ that can connect and resonate with everyone.
Anthony is the only Johnny Cash tribute artist to be invited by John Carter Cash to record an album at Cash Cabin, Johnny Cash’s private recording studio in Tennessee.
He continues to work closely with Johnny Cash’s youngest daughter, Tara Cash, to maintain the accuracy and authenticity of his tribute to her father.
“If people really want an authentic experience, this is the show to see because Paul has worked very hard to keep it 'a true to the Johnny Cash experience'. He is friends with the Cash family and the show is run through their approval to make sure that this really is something that Johnny would have wanted,” Mitchell said.
“That’s what I think sets this show above any other Johnny Cash tribute shows because Paul has this special relationship with the Cash family.”
It was a moment to remember when Mitchell received the big news of her new role as June Carter.
“It all happened very fast. A couple weeks ago, a friend of mine sent me a message saying that she passed my name along to Paul Anthony who is looking for someone to fill in for the part of June Carter for his upcoming show,” Mitchell said.
“He got back to me asking what dates I was available. I sent him a list, we got talking, and then he offered me the part, full-time.”
Mitchell’s first performance will be on May 6 in Gravenhurst followed by a number of dates that will take the show all across the province until December.
The 47-year-old, who grew up in Erin, has performed in a variety of musical productions and has been in a band for a number of years, singing at local dances and events.
“This is the first time I’m performing on this scale. Singing was always a passion, but I never thought that I could actually make a go of it, professionally. Other than just a hobby, I never really pursued singing,” Mitchell said.
“I always figured I would work in agriculture, which is what I do. That's what I studied at the University of Guelph. I work for the Ontario Bean Growers and the Ontario Canola Growers’ Associations.”
Mitchell says her first time playing with the tribute band will be at the sound check just before the show.
“But playing with professional musicians, everyone knows what must be done. Even if we haven’t worked together before, we will make it happen,” she said.
“It will be a learning curve for me. They will already know all the cues. So, I will really have to be on the ball, but Paul has total faith in me and that I can pull it off. I know I can do it too.”
From performing hit songs together such as ‘Jackson’, and ‘Cause I Love You’, John and June had of the most iconic country music romances of all time. The couple were married for 35 years before John passed away in 2003.
“It’s incredible to watch the two of them perform together. June was quite quirky and would often put Johnny in his place. She was no-nonsense. And they were both very faithful people. Their faith meant a lot to them,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell’s nine-year-old daughter is excited to see her mom on stage and has been invited to join her her on the road, whenever she can.
“This really is dream come true, because it’s just not something I ever thought would happen, apart from playing on a Saturday night in Alma, at the Legion or wherever we’ve played before,” Mitchell said.
“I'm so excited and I just can’t wait to get started.”
For more information about The World’s Most Authentic Johnny Cash Tribute Show, visit here.
