Ramona Concert Association to host bluegrass band, Johnny Cash tribute

A bluegrass band and Johnny Cash tribute are part of the remaining Ramona Concert Association lineup in February and April.

John Reischman and the Jaybirds, who are well known in the bluegrass and folk music community, will perform at 7 p.m. Friday, Feb. 6.

“They are from Canada, and they have great harmony, masterful playing and really enjoy playing together,” said Sandy Burney, vice president of membership for the organization, which has been putting on concerts in Ramona for 40 years.

All concerts are held at Mountain View Community Church 1191 Meadowlark Lane.

Reischman has often been described as “one of the world’s undisputed masters” of the mandolin. Many of his original instrumentals have become covers in their own right, such as the jam standard “Saltspring.” 

“The band’s style of bluegrass blends original songs and instrumentals with Appalachian old-time music for a unique sound,” Burney said. “They have been together for 20 years, and have recorded seven albums.” 

Reischman has three solo albums and has recorded on numerous others, including the Grammy-winning “True Life Blues: The Songs of Bill Monroe.” He also plays Latin-based jazz and choro music with acoustic guitarist/composer John Miller. The duo has released three albums. 

The remaining band members include guitarist Patrick Sauber, lead vocalist Trisha Gagnon, five-string banjo player Nick Hornbuckle and fiddler Greg Spatz.

For more information, visit: http://thejaybirds.com/.

James Garner’s Johnny Cash, a country tribute, will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, April 17.

“Garner and his band have been recreating Cash’s biggest hits for the past 18 years, and have produced three full-length albums,” Burney said.

All of Cash’s biggest hits will be performed in a fun trip down memory lane honoring Cash’s life and music, she said.

For more information visit: www.cashtribute.net.

“We have a vibrant music community in Ramona and people here love folk, bluegrass and country music of all sorts. We think these concerts will be a great mix for the  community,” Burney said.

Tickets for both shows are $20 at the door for adults; children and students up to 12th grade attend free or tickets can be purchased by mailing Ramona Concert Association, P.O.Box 1273.

For more information, visit: www.ramonaconcerts.com or call 760-420-8441 or 858-774-2941.