Allegheny Elks Lodge #339
September 12
7 p.m.
Whether you consider him to be the original punk rocker, grew up listening to his songs on your grandparents’ car stereo or are known to belt out “I Walk the Line” as your go-to Karaoke song, you’re going to want to get yourself on down to the Allegheny Elks Lodge on the Northside for Johnny Cash Day.
And if you’re anything like us you, you are steeping in regret for not buying tickets when they went on sale August 12th (the event sold-out in a mere three days). But that won’t stop us from calling this one of the coolest events in Pittsburgh. Ever. And partially because it’s labor of love organizers keep it 100% cozy, spirited and authentic.
What’s in store for this year’s ring of fire? Four featured bands—The Beagle Brothers, Chester, Dan Getkin and the Masters of American Music and The Neighborhood—will perform impassioned versions of songs composed, inspired or performed by the country music icon. Expect plenty of bourbon, baritone ballads and Cash-themed surprises marking that dark day in 2003 when the inimitable singer-songwriter left this physical world behind.
For the 11th annual installment, Cash’s flock will also enjoy down-home food, door prizes, raffles and drink specials—sponsored by Makers Mark and PBR, natch—and can peruse and shop for stellar merchandise designed by Colin Miller.
The homespun tribute in Pittsburgh falls fresh on the heels of news that plans to erect a public art trail celebrating Cash’s landmark 1968 concerts at Folsom Prison has been approved in California.
Bradly Richards of The Humble Barber Company—who co-founded Johnny Cash Day in a coffee shop 11 years ago soon after the country music legend passed away—runs the homespun festivities with his wife Carrie and friends Shawn and Dana Melvin. And the group designs Johnny Cash Day as a bash with huge benefits, because all proceeds support the Allegheny Elks Lodge and the important work of its charities.
Read our article here to learn more about the history of Johnny Cash Day in Pittsburgh.
