THE festival about the “Man in Black” is back.
Stanthorpe will host the Johnny Cash Country Festival on November 2 – 3 this year.
It follows the success of last year’s inaugural event, confirming the organisers’ objective of it becoming an annual gathering.
The festival celebrates the fact that Johnny Cash and wife June Carter visited Stanthorpe regularly during the 1980s and 1990s.
They came to visit an American friend of Cash’s, who moved to Australia for family reasons related to his Australian wife.
It’s reported they came to love the country town, its people and the district.
Pre-concert activities will also take place including a movie night on the Friday night (November 2), featuring the Johnny Cash-themed films, Stagecoach and Johnny Cash Live in Denmark 1971. Tickets cost $25.
On the Saturday morning in Stanthorpe Piazza will be the Man in Black Competition along with other musical entertainment.
The competition includes prizes for the best interpretation of a Johnny Cash song, with a male and female category, and the best traditional version of a Johnny Cash song (male and female).
This year’s main event will again feature one of Australia’s top Johnny Cash tribute bands, supported by three well respected country and rockabilly groups celebrating music of the era.
There will also be a market, an American themed menu and full bar service.
Artists include Dale Hooper, Trevor Tolton, Elle Rudd, Paul Rye, Bruce McCumstie, The Sugarshakers, Heartworn Highway, Blue Violets and others.
- johnnycashcountry.com.au