(NEWTON, NJ) -- On Friday, February 10, 2023, The Newton Theatre presents Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash featuring Shawn Barker. Born and raised in a working class suburb of St. Louis, Barker took a schoolboy love for singing in church with his family and turned it into a career, a one of a kind tribute to Johnny Cash, one of America’s greatest musical icons. Showtime is 8:00pm.

Widely considered the pre-eminent Johnny Cash tribute artist, Barker has an uncanny resemblance to Cash. His strikingly similar looks, voice and spot-on mannerisms revitalize the true character of Mr. Cash himself and have led Barker to an immensely successful career performing his tribute to the original “Man In Black”.  The energetic show features Barker in character throughout the entire evening, walking the audience through each era of Cash’s life and music, including hits like “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk The Line,” “A Boy Named Sue,” “Hurt” and “Ring of Fire,” complete with a full backing band.

Barker’s path to his current success wasn’t a straight line from gospel choir to Johnny Cash tribute act. After serving his country in the Army, Barker came home to Missouri, took a job as a carpenter, and spent all of his free time learning how to play the guitar. He developed strength and versatility in his voice by modeling his crooning on a cast of legends – Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison, Buddy Holly and Gene Vincent. His performances quickly turned from hobby to profession, but oddly enough, Barker’s first touring gigs were portraying Elvis, not Johnny Cash. Everything changed, however, when Barker was asked to audition for the part of Cash in a Hollywood production, as it became evident to the director and Barker himself that Johnny Cash was his true calling. From that point there was no turning back.  Shawn Barker’s first Man In Black show was held in 2004 at a casino in Niagara Falls and has since performed over 1,000 shows in 12 countries, selling more than half a million tickets over the course of his career. 

Tickets go on sale Friday, October 21 at 10:00am. A special online only presale takes place Thursday, October 20 from 10:00am – 10:00pm. Reserved seating $35, $40 and $45. Additional fees apply. Click here to purchase tickets.

The Newton Theatre is located at 234 Spring Street in Newton, New Jersey.