Church of Cash plays tribute to music legend

IRONWOOD - The audience at the Historic Ironwood Theatre had their toes tapping and hands clapping Saturday night during the performance by the Church of Cash tribute band.

Formed in 2010 by lead singer Jay 'Jayder' Kalk, the Church of Cash plays tribute to Johnny Cash.

The band does not like to think of themselves as a country band. They just want to be known for honoring the legacy of Cash.

Kalk is often asked why they call themselves Church of Cash. He said a church is some where for people to come together and celebrate a common love.

He said it's the same for the Church of Cash, where people come together for one of their concerts to celebrate the music and message of the legendary musician.

Kalk told a story during the concert that he would sing covers and karaoke in bars and clubs with no lasting impression on the audience.

It was only when he sang Cash songs and he let his deep baritone voice shine that people took notice and would look up from their drinks.

Kalk has released more than 10 albums with various bands and shared the stage with acts like Dave Mathews and Jack Johnson, but when people responded so highly to his Cash covers, he knew forming a tribute band was his next journey.

Then living in Honolulu, Kalk started the Church of Cash and moved back to his birthplace of Minnesota, where the band calls home.

The other members of the band are George Marich on the drums and vocals, Kellie Nitz on double bass and vocals, and Johnny Becker on guitar and vocals.

Each member is highly seasoned in music performance and can be seen around the Twin Cities in multiple music scenes.

Their performance Saturday was energetic, focused on the legacy of Cash, but each band member's flare was heard.

The band performed for two hours. Kalk talked to the audience in the lobby during intermission. He also took requests for songs to perform during the second half and had the crowd "yee-hawing" until the end of the night.