Cash ‘Folsom’ tribute show coming to C.R. Paramount Theatre

It's been 56 years since Johnny Cash shocked the music world by performing two concerts at California’s Folsom Prison. Cash documented the captivating experience in front of ecstatic inmates with the concert album, “Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison.”

“It’s one of the all-time great live albums,” singer/songwriter Jay Ernest said while calling from his Minneapolis home. “It’s such a powerful album.”

The live album inspired Ernest to create “Folsom Prison Experience,” coming Friday to the Paramount Theatre in Cedar Rapids.

Ernest, who portrays Cash, isn’t just playing the tracks the Man in Black delivered.

“We go the extra yard with this show,” he said. “We try to create the Folsom experience. Those who come to the show are the ‘inmates.’ ‘Prison guards’ will be stationed throughout the venue. This isn’t just a concert, but also a theatrical experience and a musical tribute drama.”

The custom set for “Folsom Prison Experience” was painted by renowned set designer Justin Hooper to make it look and feel like a prison setting that marked the most famous moment of Cash’s storied musical career.

Performer Ernest was recently awarded “Best Tribute Act” from the Midwest Country Music Organization and also was inducted into the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. He has recorded on more than 20 albums; delivered more than 4,000 concerts; and is the lead singer of the Church of Cash.

“I’ve completely thrown myself into the music and this show,” Ernest said. “I’m a huge Johnny Cash fan and I aim to give his fans the best possible experience.”

Ernest and his band are joined by several actors. Kat Perkins, who appeared on Season 6 of “The Voice,” plays Cash’s wife, June Carter Cash. Dan Hopman portrays the warden and Ryan Nelson plays Edward the lead guard.

“Folsom Prison Experience” was co-created by Ernest and Tom Pickard, a 40-year veteran of the music industry who has worked with myriad artists as a production manager and audio engineer.

“It’s a team effort,” Ernest said. “I can’t present this kind of show by myself. I hope people look back at what Johnny did. It’s extraordinary and unusual.”

Folsom Prison connection

Cash became interested in Folsom State Prison while serving in the United States Air Force Security Service. In 1953, his unit watched Crane Wilbur’s 1951 film, “Inside the Walls of Folsom Prison.” The film inspired Cash to write a song that reflected his perception of prison life. The result was “Folsom Prison Blues,” his second single with Sun Records.

The song became popular among inmates, who would write to Cash, requesting him to perform at their prisons. His first prison performance was at Huntsville State Prison in Texas in 1957. Satisfied by the favorable reception, Cash performed at several other prisons in the years leading up to the Folsom performance in 1968.

The album is well worth revisiting. It’s a visceral shot from the stage and the audience members, who let Cash know how much they appreciated the event.

Cash opened both shows with his classic, “Folsom Prison Blues.” The larger-than-life entertainer followed by many songs about prison, including “The Wall,” “Green, Green Grass of Home” and the amusing song “25 Minutes to Go.” "The grim but catchy Merle Travis cover, “Dark as a Dungeon” and “Orange Blossom Special” are among the highlights.

“There really wasn’t any recording artist quite like Johnny Cash,” Ernest said. “It’s such a pleasure to play his music and experience the reaction of those who come out to see this show.”