Live at the Plaza continues with concert by Johnny Cash tribute band

Ken Roberts, The Tuscaloosa News
·2 min read
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The city of Tuscaloosa's free outdoor summer concert series continues Friday night with a Johnny Cash tribute band and more.

Live at the Plaza will be held from 7-10 p.m. at Government Plaza, 2106 Sixth St. downtown. Admission is free. Because of heat advisories, the city has pushed the usual starting time back one hour.

The show will open with Cottonmouth Creek, a band with bluegrass roots influenced by Americana music, "real" country music, and even classic rock.

Music lovers gather at Government Plaza for Live at the Plaza Friday, June 23, 2023. Jooniper Smith, Cole Stevens, and his brother Grant Stevens (partially obscured) look up in wonder at a pair of balloons that are floating away.
Music lovers gather at Government Plaza for Live at the Plaza Friday, June 23, 2023. Jooniper Smith, Cole Stevens, and his brother Grant Stevens (partially obscured) look up in wonder at a pair of balloons that are floating away.

At 7 p.m., the CashBack Band will take the stage. The Birmingham-based band will play songs from throughout the 51-year career of the "Man in Black."

Band leader Leif Bondarenko says listeners can expect a performance that will reflect respect for Cash's legacy.

“I have no desire to be a Johnny Cash impersonator," Bondarenko said on the CashBack band's website. "I just love the music of Johnny Cash, and try to sing the songs in an honest and sincere manner. I love the vibe and the sounds that Cash and his band created on all those great recordings.”

Free parking is available in the parking deck abutting Government Plaza, on 23rd Avenue between Sixth and Seventh streets. Patrons can bring blankets, chairs and picnic baskets, though concessions will be sold. There will also be a kids' zone available for fun activities.

In addition to the concert, Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox has scheduled an informal town hall at Government Plaza, from 5:30-7 p.m.

Music lovers gather at Government Plaza for Live at the Plaza Friday, June 23, 2023.
Music lovers gather at Government Plaza for Live at the Plaza Friday, June 23, 2023.

At Tuesday's council meeting, Maddox said the town hall will be in a tent north of the stage on the municipal court side of the plaza. Lee Busby, the Tuscaloosa City Council representative for District 4, is expected to join the mayor for a portion of the informal meeting.

"Even if you don't have a concern or an idea to share, just come on by and say 'hello,' " Maddox said.

Live at the Plaza will continue through the end of July. Here's the rest of the scheduled musical acts:

  • July 7: The Locked Band; Tranquility

  • July 14: Stone Harbor; Mach Ten

  • July 21: Jackson Chase; Lock 9 Band

  • July 28: Hannaward Pass; Zach Guffrey Trio

For more information, go to www.tuscaloosa.com/latp.

Reach Ken Roberts at ken.roberts@tuscaloosanews.com.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Live at the Plaza continues with Johnny Cash tribute band