In the midst of novel and unprecedented conditions for live music, performers from across the country came together last weekend with a virtual concert fundraiser to support The Ramkat, a downtown music venue shuttered by COVID.
Normally held live, CashBash brings bands together to celebrate the music of country legend Johnny Cash. The virtual show, on Facebook live, consisted of eight pre-recorded performances by artists who each played a 15-minute mixed set of Cash covers and a few original songs.
“I’m really proud of the work that everybody’s put into it,” said Richard Boyd, one of the long-time organizers of the event. “I’m glad that we were able to do it in some form this year, and I’m hoping we can do it live next year.” Boyd, who is currently recovering from COVID, performed Cash songs “Far Side Banks of Jordan,” “Worried Man,” and “Give My Love to Rose” on acoustic guitar.
During the performances, the donation information for both The Ramkat and the band was displayed on screen. Boyd says that they raised nearly $500 for the venue, with musicians receiving a decent share as well.
The show garnered a consistent viewership of about 100 people with active viewer banter and praise in the comments. Cheering comments from first time CashBash attendees and seasoned Cash fans were dispersed among emoticon applause and hearts.
During the show, fans lamented the isolation. Commenters jokingly suggested that they throw beer cans at their screens and cheer after songs. One audience member tagged multiple friends with an added, “Join the CashBash party.”
The Ramkat has been hosting the CashBash since the closure of the Garage, which held the CashBash since 2002, said Boyd. The virtual setting comes in the wake of the COVID crisis, which has closed down The Ramkat since March.
“We raised some funds to help with our back bills and to use to help us reopen,” said Richard Emmett, one of The Ramkat’s co-owners. “So we are grateful to Richard Boyd, Daniel Mebane and the CashBash organizers and all the musicians/bands for that. And we were able to co-host an event that always has a lot of local interest and even though it was virtual, folks still seemed to enjoy it.”
Daniel Mebane, bassist of the Straight 8’s, compiled the video footage and donation information for the event. He also hosted the event on his Facebook page for the public.
“Richard has been putting the show on for a long time and I didn’t want it to not happen because of COVID, so I volunteered to help out. Everyone involved has done an awesome job,” Mebane said. Mebane’s band, the Straight 8’s, performed several rockabilly originals and Cash tunes.
Lara Hope from Lara Hope and the Ark-tones, recorded her band’s set from up north. “We live up in New York state, but we have a long running relationship with Winston-Salem, because of Heavy Rebel,” which is a Ramkat-hosted summer concert series. “If venues can’t survive, we won’t have anywhere to play and see music. At the risk of sounding selfish, it’s in our best interest as musicians to help independent venues make it through this time, so that live music can continue to live on, post pandemic.”
Lara Hope and the Ark-tones, performed “Daddy Sang Bass,” “Jackson,” “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and an original called “Twelve Minutes of Hot Water” from their upcoming album.
Roy Wilson, another New York native, chose not to take the donations he received. “Clubs and restaurants that we’ve played have closed down, they’re gone,” he said. “I’m personally not going to take it. I want it going to the club.” Roy recorded his solo, acoustic performance in front of a Western-themed backdrop, garnering praise from the commenters.
After the performance, fans dropped their thanks and resounding gratitude for the show. Though it was a different format, a theme of community persisted between the performers and the audience.
“The Ramkat, they really care about the community,” Boyd said. “I’m glad that we can do something to give back.”
