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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Normally held live, CashBash<\/a> 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI\u2019m really proud of the work that everybody\u2019s put into it,\u201d said Richard Boyd, one of the long-time organizers of the event. \u201cI\u2019m glad that we were able to do it in some form this year, and I\u2019m hoping we can do it live next year.\u201d Boyd, who is currently recovering from COVID, performed Cash songs \u201cFar Side Banks of Jordan,\u201d \u201cWorried Man,\u201d and \u201cGive My Love to Rose\u201d on acoustic guitar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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, \u201cJoin the CashBash party.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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. <\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWe raised some funds to help with our back bills and to use to help us reopen,\u201d said Richard Emmett, one of The Ramkat\u2019s co-owners. \u201cSo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Daniel Mebane, bassist of the Straight 8\u2019s<\/a>, compiled the video footage and donation information for the event. He also hosted the event on his Facebook page for the public.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRichard 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,\u201d Mebane said. Mebane\u2019s band, the Straight 8\u2019s, performed several rockabilly originals and Cash tunes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n