National touring act to feature songs and stories of Johnny Cash

– James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash will return to the Templeton Performing Arts Center on Aug. 24 at 3 p.m. The venue is located at 1200 S. Main St., Templeton.

The national touring show recreates the sound, stories and spirit of Johnny Cash with a focus on authenticity. Fans can expect to hear hits including “Ring of Fire,” “I Walk the Line,” “A Boy Named Sue” and “Folsom Prison Blues,” along with selections from Cash’s live albums At Folsom Prison and At San Quentin.

“We’re excited to bring the show back to Templeton,” said Garner. “Our first appearance in Templeton was last year, and we had an amazing sold-out crowd. We can’t wait to see everyone again.”

Since 2007, Garner and his band have performed more than 700 shows across the country, including appearances at Folsom State Prison in 2008 and San Quentin State Prison in 2010.

Gene Beley, one of two journalists who covered Johnny Cash’s 1968 Folsom Prison performance, has attended several of Garner’s shows.

“Garner and his band give concertgoers their money’s worth,” Beley said. “This act will not disappoint people who want to experience the voice and rhythm that made Johnny Cash a legend.”

Garner performs with the Boom-Chicka-Boom Band, featuring Reggie Gay on guitar, Chris Akin on bass and Nick Auriemmo on drums.

The show includes stories about Johnny Cash, his band the Tennessee Three and their cultural impact.

“Our performance is more than playing the hits,” said Garner. “It’s about sharing the history behind the music—who Cash was, what he stood for, and how his songs still resonate today.”

Garner’s appreciation for Cash’s music began in his hometown of Hanford, Calif.

“I first heard ‘Don’t Take Your Guns to Town’ while riding down Highway 198 with my mom. I was hooked,” he said. “A few years later, I saw Johnny Cash live in Fresno and even got to meet him backstage. Shaking his hand is something I’ll never forget.”

Garner has released three full-length albums, and his show has been featured on PBS multiple times.

Tickets start at $39 and are available at TempletonPerformingArtsCenter.com.