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Experience the legendary sound of Johnny Cash like never before as “The Man in Black – A Tribute to Johnny Cash” comes to the Niswonger! Renowned performer Shawn Barker is bringing his electrifying tribute to the iconic Man in Black to the Niswonger Performing Arts Center on Friday, May 2, at 7:30 p.m.

With his strikingly similar looks, baritone voice and spot-on mannerisms, Shawn Barker’s uncanny resemblance to the original “Man in Black” revitalizes the true character and spirit of Mr. Cash himself, one of America’s greatest musical icons, for a truly one-of-a-kind show. 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.

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. Born and raised in a working-class suburb of St. Louis, Barker took a schoolboy’s love for singing in church with his family and turned it into a career. The 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 returned 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.

Limited tickets remain and start at only $30, so don’t miss your chance to experience this striking tribute to the Man in Black. To secure your tickets, please visit www.NPACgreeneville.com, in person at the NPAC box office or by phone at 423-638-1679. Special thanks to Walters State Community College for their unwavering support of the arts.