Johnny Cash and June Carter Tribute Gets N. Merrick Library Rockin'

Did you know that Johnny Cash was known as the "Man in Black?" or that June Carter used to do comedy that can actually be found on YouTube from the Grand Ole Opry?

Well, tidbits just like these were given out by Rob and Patty Walsh at the Johnny & June tribute concert on Wednesday evening at the North Merrick Library.

With almost every seat filled with adults and even few kids, the concert kicked off with Johnny Cash's "Going to Jackson," followed by hits such as "Juke Box Blues," "Ghost Riders in the Sky," "Keep on the Sunnyside," "Ring of Fire" and "Boy Named Sue."

Held inside due to the rain, the Walshs were still able to incorporate some Lindy-Hop to their performance, along with costume changes and props for ultimate entertainment.

Rob and Patty Walsh met each other on Patty's birthday in July 2003 while swing dancing and both shared a passion for singing and dancing.

It wasn't long before the couple started doing Buddy Holly and Shania Twain tributes, but they got the idea to perform Johnny & June from Rob's son.

"We saw the movie [Walk the Line] after he suggested it and we said, 'Oh, this is perfect,"' Patty Walsh said. "We loved it; we love the music, we love their whole relationship and everything and that was it."

Audience member Arthur Hoffman came out because he "loves Johnny Cash" and he said he enjoyed the concert, along with many others.

Rob Walsh's parents, Bob and Margie Walsh, and aunt Ethel Lesko were in the front row and were proud of Rob and his wife's performance.

"I think it's amazing…I never liked Johnny Cash and when I went to their first show I was like, 'Oh wow, this music is really interesting,"' Margie Walsh said. "Each time I come to the show it's like I'm developing a real taste for their music."

Aunt Lesko said, "Not only do they make a good couple in a marriage, but they make a wonderful working relationship happen together."

The Walshs perform at car shows, public libraries and private parties.

"The great thing is that we started doing this for fun—we were just showing up places and doing it for kicks—and people started saying, 'Can we hire you?' and I was like, 'OK! Twist my arm,'" Rob Walsh said.

As the audience clapped their hands and bopped their heads to the beat, the Walshs went out dancing to a backing track of Johnny Cash's "Get Rhythm."

If you'd like to see one of Rob and Patty Walsh's performances, visit their website www.LindyHolly.com for more information. 

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