Johnny Cash tribute a hit at Ford Theater

James Garner brought his "Tribute to Johnny Cash" show to the Shafter Ford Theater for three shows last weekend that packed the house for each performance. Garner performed in Shafter for one show last year, also a sellout.

The show features Garner as the Man in Black, complete with the clothes, demeanor and the unmistakable voice of the Country Music Hall of Famer.

Garner and his band played Cash's most popular songs, such as "Ring of Fire," A Boy Named Sue" and "Walk the Line." He also performed some of Cash's lesser-known songs, some favorites that true fans of the music icon would recognize.

Garner also regaled the crowd with some amusing and sometimes touching stories about Cash, as well as a couple of tales from his own past.

Garner told the crowd that he was first introduced to Cash's music when he was a young kid. "I grew up in Hanford. My mom took me to see Johnny Cash in Fresno, and we snuck back around the back to Cash's tour bus, and I got to meet him and shake his hand. That was a huge moment for me."

Garner has been performing his tribute for over two decades, traveling across the country to entertain fans of Cash and his music. Garner played the guitar, and also played a mean harmonica during their rendition of the classic "Orange Blossom Special."

Joining Garner onstage was his band, which included Reggie Gay, Chris Akin and Nick Auriemmo. Garner said that he was excited to be back in Shafter. "We came here last year and sold out. We were excited to come back here and add more shows this time. The crowds are great here."

The crowd was a mix of old and young, all who seemed to know Cash's music and appreciated the talents of Garner and his crew.

"I saw Johnny Cash in Las Vegas in the '70s, and this guy was just amazing. It was really like watching the Man in Black himself," said Donald Monger, who was there with his wife. "This was a great show. I'm going to have to come back for his show tomorrow."