From his #1 hit “I Walk the Line” in 1956 to the iconic “Folsom Prison Blues,” many have known and loved ‪Johnny Cash over the years. No love, though, seems as great as the love that singer/songwriter ‪June Carter and ‪Johnny Cash shared during their many long years together. Despite both being married at the time of meeting, and battling years of addiction, the connection between them was undeniable. In the first 13 years of their relationship, Cash attempted to make Carter his wife multiple times, and each time she denied him. Eventually June had to admit to the attraction and is quoted as saying, “I think I’m falling in love with ‪Johnny Cash, and this is the most painful thing I’ve ever gone through in my life,” as reported by Groovy History. She described it as being “in a ring of fire,” which inspired the writing of “Ring of Fire,” a song that appeared on both of the artists’ albums. Finally in 1968, Cash and Carter were engaged and soon married. Through passion and tumult, and even in the wake of their passing, the love that burned between them will always be present in their heartfelt and truthful lyrics written and performed for one another. As one of the most beloved couples in music history, ‪Johnny Cashand ‪June Carter Cash’s love lives on through their iconic duos and many albums recorded with each other.

Like their predecessors ‪Johnny Cash and ‪June Carter, who were well known performers before meeting, Danny Evans (aka Danny Uzilevsky) and Essence (Essence Goldman) of ‘Johnny & June Forever’ were also seasoned artists in their own rights before meeting. Born in the same hospital just two days apart, they had been playing music in the same circles for years, knew all the same people, but never actually met. Danny and Essence finally crossed paths in the fall of 2018 at Danny’s Allegiant Studio while Essence was recording her soon-to-be released new record. They had an immediate recognition of how well their voices and musical directions compliment each other. Reminiscent of ‪Johnny Cash and ‪June Carter Cash and other great male /female duos, this pair is a powerful emerging voice on the Americana landscape. In addition to their original music they have decided to pay homage to their heroes and dig deep into their passion for roots music with a ‪Johnny Cash and ‪June Carter Cash Revue.

Danny Evans, veteran guitarist and singer/songwriter is one of the best kept secrets of the Northern California music scene. Son of Rusty Evans, who reigned supreme as a ‪Johnny Cash Tribute Artist under the name Ring of Fire, Danny played guitar in the family band for 20 years. Danny has been called “a canny stylist and musical chameleon.” He’s shared the stage with legends such as ‪Link Wray, ‪Dick Dale, Taj Mahal, Bill Kirtchen, ‪Leo Nocentelli + many more and was celebrated as a local hero fronting the band Chrome Johnson. Danny’s musical career spans several decades, and his A list talent and charisma on the stage is only rivaled by his studio skills at the mixing board, engineering and producing records.

Award winning singer-songwriter essence has been immersed in art and music since childhood. Her birth name really is ‘essence’ – she was raised by quintessential flower children, her parents being two free spirited bohemian artists from the Haight-Ashbury ‘Summer of Love.’  essence has released 6 CDs (with a 7th on the way!) on both independent and major labels, and toured nationally opening for ‪Jason Mraz, ‪Shawn Colvin, ‪Tom Petty, ‪Sarah McLachlan, ‪Natalie Merchant, ‪Chrissie Hynde, ‪Steve Miller, ‪Pat Benatar, and ‪Linda Perry. Her sound nods to songwriting legends like ‪Tom Petty and ‪Lucinda Williams, ‪Dolly Parton, and ‪Gillian Welch.  Essence has been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle and BBC and performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert. The story of her band Bernie and the Believers is currently being developed into a full length Hollywood feature film.

The show stars Ben and Dana Marney, who have been performing together literally around the world for over 35 years. Ben and Dana do not imitate these legendary artists, but rather emulate their appearance, capturing their legendary essence, magic and charisma. They go to great lengths (custom made costumes, special guitars, wigs, beards, etc.) to recreate the physical appearance of these stars, however Ben and Dana break the fourth wall, come out of character and talk to the audience as themselves. This allows them to tell the audience stories and some of the history behind these amazing performers. It also allows them to develop a personal rapport with the audience that is a key part of their show.

The production is simple by design, there are no special staging or set requirements.  The concept is to recreate the same look when Johnny Cash was touring with a similar show performing in small theaters around the country.  He was known for his simple, (almost barren) stage.  On the Cash and Friends stage, you see Ben or Dana, or both and their musicians.  The only exception is a patriotic video that is shown during Ben’s performance of “Ragged Old Flag.”

The true strength of this show comes from Ben and Dana’s powerful vocal performances, their authentic costumes, their special rapport with the audience and most importantly, the legendary music of these unforgettable artists.  When you add the quality of Ben and Dana’s performance with these amazing songs you have an unbeatable combination for a great show. 

This production was designed to be timing flexible; allowing this show to be performed in various venues.  The full theater Production has a running time (including a 15 minute intermission) of two hours.  For cruise ships and casinos, the show is trimmed down to a strong Forty-Five to Sixty minutes.

The response to this show has exceeded all expectations, performing to standing room only crowds, receiving thunderous standing ovations in the theaters and on the cruise ships.

Ben and Dana Marney have been performing together for over three decades and are still going strong….

They have performed their music literally around the world.  From the top showrooms in the United States, to as far away as South East Asia, India and Africa.  Most recently, Ben and Dana have completed a five year run performing for the Disney Cruise Line.

They have opened in concert for:

Rich Little
Hank Williams, Jr.
Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers
Moe Bandy
Johnny Paycheck
David Allen Coe
John Anderson
Bobby Bare
Doug Kershaw
Stella Parton
Mickey Gilley
Johnny Lee