VERGENNES — Back in the late ’80s, George Richard actually met Johnny and June Cash in person when they performed at the Flynn Theater in Burlington. Ever since then he had the dream of one day forming his own Johnny Cash tribute  band.  With the help of some amazing local musicians (and some good fortune), Richard met the wonderful people that shared his vision. The Johnny Cash Tribute Show will perform at the Vergennes Opera House on Saturday, Nov. 17, from 7-9 p.m.
Richard takes the lead, as Johnny Cash, with his baritone voice that reminds us all of the “golden-throated” Cash. Marie Ragan, as June Carter Cash, accompanies Richard for duets, as well as performing a powerful rendition of Patsy Cline songs. The band’s musicians, Shawn Emery (as Luther Perkins), Marty Morrissey (as Cowboy Jack Clement), Wayne Wanser (as W.S. Holland) and Chris Martin (as Marshall Grant) bring that familiar, authentic Cash sound. 
The band has performed in various Vermont, New Hampshire and Massachusetts venues. And in honor of the Man in Black’s show’s at Folsom Prison and San Quentin State Prison, the Johnny Cash Tribute Show has wowed inmates, staff and volunteers at five Vermont prisons:  the Northeast State Correctional Facility, the Chittenden Regional Correctional Facility, the Southern State Correctional Facility, and the Maple Valley Regional Correctional Facility and the Northern State Correctional Facility.
Don’t miss this throwback concert in Vergennes on Saturday evening. Tickets are $15 in advance or at the door (cash only). Online tickets can be  purchased through the Vergennes Opera House website vergennesoperahouse.org.