Review Centre: Johnny Cash Impersonators

"March 26, 2017 Last night (March 25, 2017) the legendary Presley & Cash Highway Road Show pulled into Windsor for a night of fun, frolics and fundraising through the experience and dedication of two skilled local tribute artists. Paying Cash – The Johnny Cash Show and a Elvis brought the music of Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley to the Olde Walkerville Theatre for a fundraising event for the Miracle League of Amherstburg. The show began with Harrow, Ontario tribute artist who brought the post-war Elvis to life in a vibrant and highly entertaining set. The music selection was unique, as was his leg-shaking performance. This was a true tribute and not really an over-the-top impersonation as we so often see. There were no jumpsuits, no giant belts and no overweight wig-wearing phonies – this was the cool suit-jacket wearing Elvis that the world loved in 1956 and 1957. He had enough looks and moves to pull it off and present a believable reproduction of the way Elvis moved, sang and even interacted at the peak of his musical return. The song selection resembled the King’s 1957 performance at the PNE in Vancouver with such non-traditional tracks like Blueberry Hill, That’s When Your Heartaches Begin and Peace in the Valley. In many ways the lead singer reminded me of an early Michael Buble, with just enough Elvis in the mix to make it plausible and entertaining, but also enough of himself to keep it fresh and lively. He nailed Elvis’ voice from the early years, as well as the swagger and personality we would expect in an early Elvis tribute. The Silvertones mastered the musical presentation and were the perfect band to backup the energetic Elvis show. After a lengthy set, I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of incredible music could bring to the table if he decided to record some original music. It took a leap of faith to bring Buble his first recording contract, let’s hope someone does the same for him. Headliners Paying Cash captured the essence of 1968 Johnny Cash in both attitude and skill, pairing perfectly with 57-58 Elvis – these were the “attitude” years for both superstars, and although a decade apart, they seemed musically aligned at these specific intervals. The lead singers 12-year old daughter joined him on stage for three June Carter duets, and later when he acoustically took on Cash’s death-bed hit Hurt with guitar and piano accompaniment. The singer looked exactly like Cash at various times when he was at the mic, but he was always perfect when it came to the movements and nuances that Cash had on stage. You could actually see the fire in his eyes during such attitude anthems as Cocaine Blues, Folsom Prison Blues and Cry, Cry, Cry. That fire and his voice were right on par with Joaquin Phoenix’s movie adaptation of Cash, The band itself was so close to the original backup band that they should change their name to The Windsor Three. The guitarist handled the lead guitar as if he invented those licks himself, bassist injected some humour when he wasn’t playing his stand-up bass and drummer provided a solid drum beat throughout. The only thing missing was that they weren’t dressed in full black suits like The Tennesee Three probably would have been.The superstar of the show was his daughter, who charmed the audience with her stunning voice and light-hearted personality – a combination that played out in a fun and charming take on June Carter Cash for three songs, including the infamous relationship-song Jackson. Her personality and voice matched well with her fathers and the duets were a standout moment, much as they were in the movie Walk The Line. Paying Cash is a well put together band that captures the young and rebellious Johnny Cash like none other. This was the era of Johnny Cash that fans love the most and rarely get to see on its own in a tribute show. Should The lead singer and Paying Cash ever decide to hit the studio, I wouldn’t be surprised if the results sounded much like early Blue Rodeo, mixed with some good old Johnny Cash.If these two bands do play together again, the Presley-Cash combination is a sure fire knock-out not to be missed."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had The Upbeats for our wedding over the weekend and we couldn't recommend them highly enough. They turned up in plenty of time and sounded awesome, they kept all of our guests on the dance floor for the night. Definitely book them! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Chuck and Cheri performed over at my home for a 50th birthday party. Not only did Chuck communicate really well, but was on time, courteous, and extremely professional. We had an absolute blast and the two of them make a great combination and we had a very fun evening. After searching quite a few different sites for finding local talent, these two stood out the most and we thoroughly enjoyed our evening with them performing for our 40 person group. Thanks Chuck and Cheri !"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Saw him yesterday at the Breakroom in Foud du lac. Highly recommend him as a great performer. Had the crowd going was a pleasure."

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"We LOVED every evening on our 11 night Wind Star cruise listening and dancing to these 2!! Amazing range!! "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Thoroughly loved Jonny cash done all the classics and more. The crowd were loving it and the atmosphere was fantastic. Nothing was too much trouble. Would book again! The Boat Inn"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Rachel and Peter were fantastic. So enthusiastic, punctual and sorted themselves out - great service all round. They got everyone up dancing and judged the song choices to perfection. I cannot recommend them highly enough."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"My family and I would love to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. You truly made my mom, Rose's 80th birthday party such a success. Elvis was and is her favorite musician. She was going to go to his last concert before he passed away but couldnt make it last minute and has regretted it ever since but you made her dreams come true at her party. For anyone wanting to hire Elvis, you are the real deal. You even got my kids and grandkids up and dancing. All the little kiddos who might not have even heard of Elvis got to know him at the party, thats how authentic the performance was. Everyone cant stop talking about how YOU made our party and that it was the best we've ever had because you were there. My friend Debbie with the poodle skirt who has always said Elvis was her dad because of her mom dating him back in the day just loved you too. Just loved that you let her sing with you and you even stopped to let my one year old grandbaby dance with you. Once again, thank you for making my moms birthday the best and most memorable. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

" Verified Review Gail S. • September 28, 2021 THE HIT OF OUR EVENING! Our 50th Wedding Anniversary was going quite well until there was an Entrance of Elvis Enzo then the party really started. Enzo had everyone on their feet singing, dance .and laughing. THE HIT OF OUR EVENING! GREAT personality, wonderful impersonator. As an event planner, he made me look good. Elvis finished our night in STYLE! Hope to see you again in the future. Would rate this performance 10+ out of ten"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"I booked John on Saturday 15th Feb 2020 for a Johnny Cash tribute night. The evening was planned to encourage customers to book a night out following the Friday Valentines evening. John did not disappoint …………….. Since taking over the Golden Boar, the evening was one of the best nights we've had so far. From when he arrived, set up through to a packed dance floor he was professional and a true entertainer. He will definitely be coming back Thanks John for a great night "

Rating: 9 / 10 Share this review:

"Rachel and Peter, WOW. They are both so talented with incredible voices! They played at our garden wedding from the first dance, and their version of our song did not disappoint! We keep watching videos of it on repeat and we are so happy with it! They were also accommodating of letting us use their PA systems for our cermony and speeches during dinner. It made it a lot easier than us having to find something temporary. Despite the rain for the most part of the evening, everyone had a great time and was on the dancefloor for most of it! All the guests have thoroughly enjoyed themselvess and feedback on them have been 100% positive. They are very professional but also very friendly. Would definitely recommend them. Thank you both for making our special day even more special!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Alberto was unbelievably good. Fantastic. Great song selection. Super voice."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"Amazing, Heartfelt Performer I’ve seen Dennis perform several times now, and each time I’m struck by how intimate and heartfelt his performance is. He truly connects with the people he performs for, and makes every event one to remember!"

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We hired the Upbeats Duo for my wifes 50th birthday party and they were genuinely fantastic. Communication throughout the booking process and run up to the party was first class. They arrived on time and were set-up and ready to go exactly to the timetable we had agreed. The performance itself was really good and they had added a couple of my wife's favourites into the set. We were a fairly small group of fifty but that did not dampen the Upbeats enthusiasm. If you booked them for an event I can't see how you would be disappointed. "

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review:

"We had The Upbeats Duo for a charity event last night with over two hundred people. It was held in a marquee. They filled the dance floors and we had people dancing in the aisles. They are fantastic and no need to hesitate if you want the best 5 star. Everybody thought they were great."

Rating: 10 / 10 Share this review: