2009 Festival Photos
The 2009 Johnny Cash Music Festival in Ventura, Ca was a great day of music, hot rods, pin-up girls and more!
Here are some photos from the Festival (by Matt Morrisset)
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Performance Schedule
Get Rhythm Stage |
Hey Porter Stage |
Bands
Robert Gordon
Robert Gordon, the first major rockabilly artist to emerge after the death of Elvis Presley became the hard-edged antidote to nostalgia-based oldies acts such as Flash Cadillac and the Continental Kids and Sha Na Na. Moreover, by reviving their songs Gordon created fresh interest in several 1950s cult rockers both at home and abroad. Less eccentric than the Cramps, far tougher than Chris Isaak, his work embraced 1960s garage rock, rockabilly noir, screaming R&B, and country heartache. Gordon has also shown a knack for building his recordings around some of the finest guitarists of his era, including Link Wray, Chris Spedding, Danny Gatton, and Eddie Angel.
Born on March 29, 1946, Gordon was thrilled when he first heard Elvis Presley's "Heartbreak Hotel." "It was like the first teen rebel movies. It just changed things, man," he told Country Standard Time. "When you look back on it, there wasn't anything threatening about it at all. But at the time, it was just amazing." He was born and raised just outside of Washington, D.C., in Montgomery County, where he was able to absorb many different musical cultures.
"Washington was more of a crossroads for everything," recalled Gordon. "It was right near Virginia and real close to New York. So, I was exposed to everything, man. Of course rhythm and blues was a big influence too. During the early '60s, I went to the Howard Theater down there, which was really like the Apollo in New York. ... At the same time, you could get a lot of radio stations in Washington that were primarily country."
Gordon recalled how, at age 15, he began to get ideas about performing. "I was at summer camp with my brother," he told Arjan Delan, who runs his European website, "and he wanted me to sing for his pals. So, I sang Jackie Wilson's 'Lonely Teardrops,' and they really liked it." The following year he began singing with local garage rock groups, including the Confidentials, who later transformed into the Newtons.
After a stint in the National Guard, Gordon married his childhood sweetheart, started a family and moved to New York, where he opened a clothing store. After his first marriage ended, Gordon's thoughts of a singing career resurfaced. His dark good looks and street-tough demeanor made him a perfect fit in the Big Apple's growing punk scene of the 1970s. With his persona already formed, Gordon began playing clubs with a contingent known as the Tuff Darts.
Mainstream Americans first became aware of Gordon via his 1977 album on Private Stock, titled Robert Gordon and Link Wray. Wray, who recorded such instrumental hits as "Rumble" (1958) and "Raw-Hide" (1959), provided the newcomer with genre credibility. In return, the album single-handedly revived Wray's nearly forgotten career of the 1950s and 1960s. Musically, Gordon mined a series of oldies and rockabilly cult favorites, such as Billy Lee Riley's "Red Hot," Eddie Cochran's "Twenty Flight Rock," Sanford Clark's "The Fool," and Gene Vincent's "Five Days, Five Days." Sounding rawer and wilder than any current act, Gordon's first album for Private Stock was a groundbreaker for the neo-rockabilly trend. "Then all of a sudden, a lot of cats started doing it again," Gordon recalled. "So, it did start a movement, I have to admit."
Gordon's versions of the old songs were also appreciated by many of the surviving original artists. One former Sun Records artist of the 1950's, Sonny Burgess, proclaimed that "Robert Gordon is one of the best singers I ever heard." However, Gordon was never comfortable being strictly typecast as a rockabilly performer. "It's not what I set out to do," he explained to Country Standard Time. "In fact, I always try to put a tougher edge on the songs than traditional rockabilly has." Part of that edge comes from traditional country music, which provided the stark, emotional underpinning for rockabilly and early rock 'n' roll. The singer added, "I have used [pedal] steel before. I've always done at least a couple of country things on my records. It's always been important to me."
Gordon's second LP for Private Stock, Fresh Fish Special, was named after the haircut foisted upon Elvis Presley's character in the 1957 film Jailhouse Rock. Songwise it was more of the same, with the exception of a song written especially for Gordon by rock icon Bruce Springsteen. "Fire," with its brooding sexuality and passionate hook, received pockets of airplay in the northeastern United States. Unfortunately for Gordon, the Pointer Sisters appropriated the tune and beat him to the hit.
Although artistically successful, the two LPs with Wray posed something of a dilemma for Gordon, who recalled, "He did some brilliant stuff in the studio, man. He can play a sensitive solo on a ballad that is so ferocious at the same time." But Gordon also felt that Wray "doesn't play live like he played on those records. I must say, he's a sweet guy, but it was difficult live." As a result, when Gordon decided to make the 1979 move to RCA, he dropped Wray.
More productive was the collaboration with British session ace Chris Spedding. "Chris was in London when we contacted him, and he was tired of doing session work for all the biggest names in the business," Gordon told Country Standard Time. "So, it was a perfect way to get him over here at the time. Rock Billy Boogie was our first album and we were together for ten years." Another great guitarist in his clique was Danny Gatton, who was so good that other musicians referred to him as "The Humbler." Gatton recorded and played live dates with Gordon sporadically until his death in 1994.
The RCA albums contained some of Gordon's finest work and took in shades of 1950s Nashville country as well as hyper-kinetic rockabilly. Boasting a far better promotional set-up and radio contacts, the label was able to get a few singles, notably the Marshall Crenshaw-penned "Someday, Someway," onto the charts.
The American rockabilly revival lasted only a little longer than the original movement. After his last album for RCA in 1982, Gordon began cutting sides for such European labels as New Rose and Bear Family. Live albums appeared on New Rose, King Biscuit, and others.
After three-plus decades in the business, can he still possibly get a kick out of all this? "Performing the music is just as joyful as it ever was," he stated. "But I think more so now, because I'm not as crazy as I once was and I finally know what the hell I'm doing."
Slim Jim Phantom Trio
Slim Jim Phantom has secured his place as a true rock n roll icon. As the legendary drummer for the Stray Cats Phantom, alongside band mates Brian Setzer and Lee Rocker, spearheaded the neo-rockabilly movement of the early 80s. With a love for 50s rock n roll the Stray Cats took inspiration from the bygone era and mixed with their youthful energy and aggression produced the updated hard-edged rockabilly sound that saw them conquer London, Europe and later the US, gaining fans among the likes of Keith Richards, Mick Jagger and Robert Plant along the way.
Born in the Brooklyn Borough of New York City, Jim grew up listening to his parents’ jazz records and by the age of ten took up the drums. “To be honest I think the drums chose me, I can’t remember ever wanting to do anything else,” remembers Phantom. Immersing himself in the art of drumming and the world of music, Jim took lessons with Mousie Alexander (who played with Benny Goodman) which included the study of jazz and working through books by Jim Chapin and Ted Reed.
By the late 70s Jim was playing in bands with school friend and bassist Lee Rocker and they soon joined forces with guitarist Brian Setzer. The rest as they say is history. During downtime from the Stray Cats Jim has worked with some of the world’s top artists and has played a part in many successful groups; notably “Phantom, Rocker and Slick” featuring guitarist Earl Slick which produced two popular albums, “The Swing Cats” featuring guitar ace Danny B Harvey and “Dead Men Walking” an all-star affair which boasted original members of The Sex Pistols, The Cult and Big Country among the line-up. Jim also enjoyed a stint playing with The Killer, rock n roll originator, Jerry Lee Lewis.
Over 25 years and millions of record sales later and Slim Jim Phantom continues to inspire and excite audiences worldwide. With a sound, style and image that remains as fresh today as it ever was Phantom has cemented his place among rock royalty. Considered by many as the coolest drummer in rock n roll, Phantom’s influence is still clearly felt on today’s music scene with countless rockabilly drummers imitating his pioneering stand-up style.
Between tours Jim can often be found jamming with friends at the world famous “Cat Club” on Hollywood’s Sunset Strip, a nightclub that he owns and runs.
Summer 2008 saw Jim and the Stray Cats return for an extensive tour of Europe. In February 2009 the band head to Australia and New Zealand for the first time in 18 years - a tour eagerly anticipated by Australasian fans.
Jim also divides his time between his own explosive self-named roots-rock trio and “The Head Cat” starring Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and Danny B Harvey. The latter is set to release a new record in 2009 and tours are likely for both bands.
In addition 2009 will see the launch of Slim Jim’s newest musical project “The Forgotten Saints”, a band co-founded with old friends, and former “Dead Men Walking” bandmates, Captain Sensible (The Damned) and Mike Peters (The Alarm). A changing guest role for a fourth band member will complete and add an exciting dimension to an already prodigious line-up. An album of original material penned by the band will be released in 2009 and “The Forgotten Saints” look forward to hitting the road as and when their respective schedules permit.
W.S. "Fluke" Holland
W.S.'s musical career began in 1954 at Sun Records as drummer for Carl Perkins and his brothers, J.B. and Clayton. He played on all of Carl's Sun releases, including the original "Blue Suede Shoes".
He was also the drummer on the "Million Dollar Quartet" session with Elvis, Jerry Lee Lewis, Johnny Cash and Carl Perkins.
After the success of “Blue Suede Shoes” began to wane around 1959, W.S. planned to “retire” from the music business and get a job back in Jackson where he and his wife Joyce lived. Just before reporting to a new job working for a land surveyor in 1960, W.S. got a call from Johnny Cash. Cash had two important dates booked up north and wanted him to go along and play drums on this two week trip. What started as a two week gig turned into almost 40 years with The Man in Black.
During his career with Johnny Cash and the Tennessee Three, W.S. played on most of their records including the mega hits Folsom Prison Blues, Walk the Line, Ring of Fire, Boy Named Sue and others. He can be heard on live albums including At Folsom Prison, Live at San Quentin and the famous Dylan/Cash Sessions. Fluke was the first drummer to ever play a full set of drums on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry when it was still at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. Serving as road manager for the Cash organization was another capacity in which Fluke worked in his career and was the only drummer Johnny Cash ever had. He stayed with the Cash organization until 1997, when health problems caused Johnny to retire from the music business. Johnny Cash is credited with giving Fluke the name “The Father of the Drums” and would introduce him from the stage as such.
While his place in music history is documented in books and celebrated by his peers, many fans believe that Holland has received far less recognition than his other contemporaries, including Presley’s drummer, D.J. Fonatna, who in fact was not yet playing with Presley when Holland played on Blue Suede Shoes.
Not well-known also to the general public, is that W.S. had other important contributions to rock ‘n’ roll and country, including discovering Carl Mann and playing drums on Mann’s Mona Lisa, bringing the Statler Brothers to Cash’s attention, and, recording with luminaries from Johnny Horton to Marty Stuart.
Big River
A Tribute to Johnny Cash
Few musical performers can be called both outlaw and true American hero. Johnny Cash embodied both! His legacy lives on in Big River, a loving tribute to the music and life of one of our most treasured talents.
Big River is easily distinguished from other tribute acts by not only presenting a powerful visual experience in concert but more importantly, their commitment to “the sound” that defined Johnny Cash and his music. In the words of Cindy Cash (Johnny’s daughter) who visited Big River at a recent show, “that’s the best thing I’ve heard since my Daddy’s band”.
It is this commitment that drives Big River to continue to perform throughout Southern California for Johnny’s many long time fans and to introduce his music to a whole new generation!
Big River has earned the respect of these fans over the last several years through their performances at nightclubs, car shows, private parties, weddings, corporate events and were even chosen as favorites at the 2009 1st annual Johnny Cash Music Festival held in Ventura, CA where the band hails from.
Big River features the seasoned vocal talent of Bobby Dickson, the sparkling guitar work of Joe Baugh, the steady rhythm of bassist Eric Monteith and the powerful locomotion of drummer Tony Cicero
For more info, performance dates and song samples please visit www.myspace.com/bigriver1932
To book Big River for an event please contact Tony Cicero
805.223.5084 or
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With a Bible and a Gun
From atop a flatbed truck in California's Norco State Prison to the fabulous Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles and beyond, With a Bible and a Gun is a riveting, driving ensemble that plays the music of Johnny Cash like no other act!
The story of With a Bible and a Gun began as they played some of their first shows atop a 22-foot long flatbed truck in 103-degree heat in the yards of California’s Norco State Prison for some 800 inmates in April of 2008. Since then, this Los Angeles-based quartet has gone on to leave crowds at theatres and festivals shouting for encores of its up-tempo renditions of classic hits and other gems that Johnny Cash made popular during his award-winning career. The band includes bassist Mike Salazar, drummer Alex Carlisle, electric guitarist Jim Vitale and Corby Gallegos scratching at his acoustic guitar like a man possessed while singing with a voice that simply must be heard to be believed.
The life of Johnny Cash is legendary and the influence of his music can be counted by countless musical stars in many genres. The only person to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Country Music Hall of Fame and the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame, Cash remains a beloved international icon and phenomenon some six years since his death.
Jimmie Ray & Cyndi Cantrell
A Johnny Cash and June Carter Tribute
http://johnnycashtributes.com/
This is a show so full of life and great music that you can't help but hum the songs over and over well after you've left the concert! It is a story of Johnny Cash and June Carter, and the story of real-life husband and wife, Jimmie Ray and Cyndi Cantrell. Love, Loss, Faith and Perseverance have been their motivation and it shows, because there is no faking that. Johnny and June..." Experience it again, or for the first time. "
Jimmie Ray was born JR Cantrell, spending his early years in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina between Asheville and Hendersonville; then living in Arkansas, Tennessee, California, Oregon, Texas and now Nevada. He has been entertaining since the age of 16 as an actor, singer, songwriter, screenwriter, radio DJ, and motivationalist. He also spent time with Southern Pacific Railroad and as a corporate executive. Jimmie is also a published novelist.
Jimmie's diversified background shines through his writing, music and performing. The audience knows he has been there. He has lead several groups over the years in many musical genres from Folk, Rockabilly, Gospel, Bluegrass encompassing his biggest treasure; his American Roots wherever he goes and through his music. He spent five years in the 70's touring 25 states, with over 1,000 appearances. Jimmie can relate to Johnny Cash in many way. His Tribute to the Man in Black comes from his heart.
Cyndi Cantrell is a California girl with her family roots planted firmly in Louisiana. Cyndi is a PK (Preachers Kid) and was raised on oldstyle country and Gospel music. In their various shows Cyndi performs as, and pays tribute to June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Wanda Jackson, Patsy Montana, the humor of Minnie Pearl and more. She has worked with various groups over the years has grown into a seasoned entertainer. In addition to her song styling as the legendary women of country she plays a mean harmonica. Her joy though comes from her duets with Jimmie and their tribute to the love between Johnny and June as well as their original songs. Cyndi's sense of humor, banter on stage and ability to make people laugh keep the show spontaneous and fun. She loves life and loves to make people happy.
The Cash Prophets
The Cash Prophets was always a dream of mine, My sons and I have always been in Psychobilly/Rockabilly Bands throughout the years. We had some time on our hands, and I had always been told, I had a certain Cash quality, and that I kinda sounded like Johnny, and that we should do some Cash Songs. With my band at the time, The Deadbillys, we did as much. The JR Cash songs were a huge hit! and always a crowd favorite, and when The Billys finally self destructed at my own hands, My sons and I were itching for the road, the lights, and the stage...So One night we played an open mic night in Santa Barbara, Never Rehearsing, we just did it, and it took off like wildfire!
We are currently working on an album "With All Due Respect" It will be an all original album, done in the early Johnny Cash Style!
My sons Nate 24, and Bobby Jr 25, are very talented musicians, Milly, my girlfriend, does a mean June Carter and sometimes graces the stage with us... and I am in fact the proudest father in the world...and a very lucky man!
Shaun Kama & the Kings of the Wild Frontier
Drawn from the experience of countless miles of asphalt and dust behind them, Kings of the Wild Frontier are the soundtrack to a desert highway. Frontman Shaun Kama is the group's visionary and principal songwriter. The Kings music spans the genres of surf, western, rockabilly, punk, folk, and American rock-n-roll. Inspired by the likes of The Highway Men (Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson), The Traveling Wilburys, Tom Petty, Joe Strummer, Oingo Boingo, Nick Cave, and The Stones, Kings of the Wild Frontier have continued to reach beyond the boundaries of local and national music.This album will cross wild frontiers - never boring and always one step ahead, as Kings of the Wild Frontier have always been.
Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts
Steve Soto and the Twisted Hearts Steve Soto: Vocals/Guitar (The Adolescents, Agent Orange, 22 Jacks, Manic Hispanic,Punk Rock Karoke) James Achor: Guitar (Royal Crown Revue,22 Jacks) Veikko Lepisto: Bass (Royal Crown Revue, Mike Ness,Pallisades Symphony Orchestra) Mike Duffy: Drums (Ozomatli, Brave Combo) Mike Bolger:Accordion and Organ (The Electones,Los Super Elegantes,Ry Cooder). In the world of rock where miles logged and shows played are badges of honor, The Twisted Hearts have got medals in spades. Steve Soto, member of seminal Southern California punk groups The Adolescents and Agent Orange, found himself recording some solo material in the home studio of longtime friend and musician James Achor. James was one of the original members of Royal Crown Revue, the band that paved the way for the swing revival of the mid 90's. The recording process turned into a collaboration with Steve’s background of melody and power being colored with James’s soulful Nashville guitar chops and knack for arrangement. Not ones to overlook the rhythm section, Steve and James had to look no further than their past groups and good friends. Royal Crown Revue bass player Veikko Lepisto was called in to hold down the bottom and Mike Duffy who has toured with bands as diverse as Ozomatli, Brave Combo, Toni Price and Mexican mega star Joan Sebastian to name a few. These recording sessions began to turn into rehearsals, with the group finding a sound and unintentionally forming a band. The group took the punk rock roots of Soto mixed in the classically trained hood-rat chops of James and Veikko, and added the versatility of Mike Bolger and Mike Duffy, to create a sound somewhere between Paul Westerberg, The Texas Tornados and Tom Petty. What started as friends laying down tracks in a living room has turned into a band that transcends all the niches and genres that pollute the musical landscape. We can only hope that many more miles and many more shows are added to the resumes of The Twisted Hearts... American Rock Band.
Kacey Cubero
Kacey Cubero plays a unique brand of Americana, incorporating elements of roots, rock, and country, all with a soulful edginess. That edginess and the originality she brings to her music were evident early on. An only child, her guitar was her best friend and music her refuge. Growing up in a home where music was omnipresent, the Washington, DC-native’s musical baptism was as eclectic and authentic as the music she writes.
Haunting and thought-provoking, Kacey’s voice and songwriting have been likened to Shelby Lynne and Lucinda Williams. The range and versatility of her music is evidenced by her winning the MAVRIC Independent Music Award in 2009 for Folk Song of the Year for Feather in the Wind, and for being named 2006 Artist of the Year by the Santa Barbara Blues Society—the oldest blues society in the U.S.—and representing them in the International Blues Competition in Memphis.
From childhood, Kacey had always known music would be her life’s work. Pursuing her music was always the plan, but first she got a college degree in business and finance before she left D.C., her family and friends, and headed to California with her guitar and a suitcase. She spent years writing, performing, touring, and honing her distinctive and edgy blend of rock/alt-country. Perhaps it’s not surprising that the title of her second CD, Diamond in the Rough, conveys a mystique and honesty that has defined both her life and her music.
Big Tweed
Big Tweed is a Ventura, CA honky tonk band that plays an all-California blend of country-style music. Their songs provide a twang filled soundtrack for afternoon surf sessions, cross-county car chases, pawn shop love affairs, commercial airliners, smokey dim-lit bars, and women that can do no right... or wrong.
...for the past two years, Big Tweed has been steadily turning local dive bars into full-fledged honky tonks. Appearances at all the usual venues (like the Star Lounge, Billy O’s, the Red Cove and the Benchwarmer) along with slightly less bar-soaked-carpet venues (like Bernadette’s and Zoey’s) has enabled band members to hone their live show to an extremely polished level. With a debut CD under wraps, Introducing Big Tweed, the six-piece twangers have also written some impressive originals, such as “The Bat Masterson Swing,” a tribute to a friend who shares the same name as the famed Wild West lawman. Despite families and full-time jobs, this summer the band even managed to pull off a weekend jaunt to Montana, where their music was warmly received at a microbrew festival. They’re now gearing up to celebrate ... with a holiday-themed show at the Lodge in Ventura alongside one of the area’s more popular country/bluegrass outfits, Whiskey Chimp
Thirteen Stars
Formed a long time ago. Currently in hiding, but rumored to be playing again very soon. We have two CD's "This is Thirteen Stars" and the newer "Every Mile of Track". Both are available at Hepcat Records, Amazon.com, or Raucous Records in the UK.
We like to drink and play rockabilly. GOD BLESS AMERICA!!!
