By Jesse Bertel

Under the Elks Productions presents an upcoming event featuring America’s Best Johnny Cash Tribute, the Mighty Cash Cats, with an opening performance from the Linda Ronstadt Experience, at 7 p.m. Friday, March 8, in the Elks Crystal Hall, on the third floor of the Performing Arts Center, 117 E. Gurley St.

Renowned for his versatile music career spanning genres such as country, rock and roll, rockabilly, blues, folk and gospel, Johnny Cash remains one of the best-selling music artists worldwide, with over 90 million records sold. His widespread appeal led to induction into the Country Music, Rock ‘n’ Roll, and Gospel Music Halls of Fame.

Lead singer Michael Jay prides himself on providing an authentic interpretation of Johnny Cash’s music.

“There are some Johnny Cash artists out there that are a parody — just one guy with a baritone voice, three anonymous guys, no harmonies,” Jay said. “We have a rehearsed show. We just did the other night a four-hour rehearsal.”

With all of the competition from other Johnny Cash tributes, it’s important to Jay to keep his act tight.

“You got to keep it sharp, you know, because one or two bad shows and your reputation tanks,” Jay said. “I try to video all of the shows and then I study them.”

The Mighty Cash Cats show covers all six decades of Johnny Cash’s music, including Johnny and June duets. The band’s members are Jay on guitar, harmonica, bass and lead vocals; Leticia Blumette on bass, guitar and vocals; Olivia Winslow on guitar, keyboards and vocals; and Danny Thompson on drums.

Thompson is the most recent addition to the band.

“Our new drummer is kind of a famous guy at 12 years with The Alan Parsons Project, did work with the Moody Blues, worked with Stone Temple Pilots,” Jay said. “He was working with Alan Parsons and Alan’s semi-retired due to back problems.”

Before starting The Mighty Cash Cats, Jay was in a country rock band that performed Johnny Cash cover songs.

“I’ve always been a fan of his, and I had a band before this and I did a handful of his songs,” he said.

He took a break from music for about three years to take care of his mother. When she died, Jay decided to start The Mighty Cash Cats.

“When she passed away, I wanted to get back into doing music,” he said. “I didn’t want to do like a bar band or a cover band or whatever. And I thought, you know, ‘I really like Johnny Cash and I want to do a tribute.’”

For those seeking an enhanced experience, VIP tickets offer front-row seating and an exclusive meet-and-greet with the band post-show. Beer, Wine and other beverages are available for purchase at the performance. General admission seats will be chosen on a first come, first-served basis. The seating for this concert will be stadium-style.

To find out more about The Mighty Cash Cats, visit mightycashcats.com.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit prescottelkstheatre.org, or call 928-756-2844.

Jesse Bertel is a reporter/videographer for the Prescott News Network. Follow him on Twitter @ JesseBertel, email him at jbertel@prescottaz.com, or call 928-445-3333, ext. 2043.