The Johnny Cash Bash

Continental Club

Austin, TX. 2-27-2009
 
In this writers opinion a tradition has been
born. The life and legacy of Johnny Cash's contributions with his time
on earth will not be soon forgotten. Austin DJ Martin "Rowdy" Tijmes, of 91.7
KOOP's Rowdy Radio, has without a doubt created something special with
his annual Johnny Cash Bash. This year was the third annual celebration
and my first to attend. Its location at the Continental Club in Austin,
Texas, a place that holds a legacy of time honored musical history of
its own, was beyond suiting of the evening's events in store. Walking
up to the club the mood quickly turned from that of an ordinary night
out, to one of purpose. Before me were close to one hundred people
lined up waiting to get in, with nearly every single one of them
dressed in black, including myself. 
 
Stepping through the door
the crowd was already full of anticipation, and musicians were warming
up in the corners where they could find space. Everyone to perform
on stage shared the same enthusiasm of just being happy to be a part of
the experience. An immediate rush of tradition and images of our
country's musical history were brought to life. A scene that only
Austin, Texas can bring together. It was as if I could almost walk back
through the musical decades of the past. Thirteen bands were lined up
to perform the songs, with each band bringing their own unique style to
the music of the Man in Black. The sounds were an eclectic mix of
acoustic guitars, upbeat rockabilly, outlaw country, and fingers flying
on the fiddle. To all the bands, Bravo. They all created an energy
inside of the Continental Club, an energy not too often felt in this
day in age. Before I knew it, I was shaking hands and taking a picture
with song writer hall of famer Buzz Cason. It wouldn't have happened
anywhere else. Buzz took the stage and ended his set by singing the
hell out of his, 'Everlasting Love', only to add a little more to love
vibes that were certainly flowing around the place. The Bastard Sons of
Johnny Cash then took the stage and turned up the volume. The people in
black responded in dance and in unison when shouting the words to Ring
of Fire on cue. 
 
A high point of the evening came about when
the master of ceremonies, Rowdy Tijmes, led the singing of Happy
Birthday to Johnny Cash, which had us all knowing why we were there.
Then, in true tradition there was cake which I washed down with an ice
cold Lone Star beer. It just doesn't get much better than that. With
this writer having to retire early. I left the Continental Club with
Lucky Tubb and the Modern Day Troubadours taking the stage. With a last
glance, the party appeared to be in full swing. So, if you were to ask
me, I'd just have to say," You had to be there".
 
Reflecting and
recovering today I can only image what's in store for next year's
Johnny Cash Bash. All I know is that Rowdy Tijmes has brought together
people and musicians that gather in numbers for a purpose in which we
all shared the same passion in remembering the life of Johnny Cash.
Rowdy, you are doing good things Ol Buddy. Keep it up. I'll see yall
next year for some more rocking rowdy good times. God Bless Outlaw
Country Music and God Bless Johnny Cash.
 
 
Jason Hershey
For Outlaw Magazine 
See more at www.outlawmagazine.com