The Man In Black: A Tribute To Johnny Cash - Winnipeg, MB

March 13, 2025 — Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada

On a chilly March evening, the legendary Burton Cummings Theatre warmed up with the unmistakable sound of Johnny Cash — as performed by one of the world’s most respected tribute artists, Shawn Barker. Making his long-awaited Winnipeg debut, Barker’s The Man in Black: A Tribute to Johnny Cash was nothing short of a masterclass in musical storytelling and authenticity.

Before even strumming his first chord, Barker had the crowd in the palm of his hand, his rich baritone voice and vintage stage presence immediately conjuring the spirit of Cash. Starting with "The Wreck of The Old '97," the show’s first half delivered hit after hit with classics like "Big River," "Folsom Prison Blues," and "I Walk the Line," each met with roaring applause and foot-stomping energy. Barker’s band played tight and true, and the chemistry between them added to the transportive magic of the night.

Barker’s conversational banter between songs made the night feel intimate. He spoke warmly about bringing this show across North America and his excitement about playing Winnipeg for the first time — even promising to return next year. Judging by the audience's reaction, that return can’t come soon enough.

Photos by Samuel Stevens Photography.

After a well-deserved twenty-minute intermission, the second half took some creative and unexpected turns. It opened with a rousing "Riders in the Sky" before diving into the playful "One Piece at a Time" and the iconic "Man in Black." But what truly set Barker’s performance apart was his willingness to lean into the later years of Cash’s career. His cover of "Rusty Cage" (originally by Soundgarden) mixed with a surprise mashup of Alice In Chains’ "Man In The Box" was a bold, thrilling highlight. And he didn’t stop there — Cash’s famed interpretations of "Personal Jesus" and "Hurt" were performed with raw emotion, showcasing Barker’s deep understanding of Cash’s gravitas and vulnerability.

In a heartfelt moment, Barker’s rendition of "Sunday Mornin’ Coming Down" paid beautiful homage to Kris Kristofferson, followed by an unexpected but crowd-pleasing cover of Elton John’s "Tiny Dancer." The show continued its spiritual crescendo with "Will the Circle Be Unbroken?" and the whirlwind energy of "I’ve Been Everywhere."

Of course, no tribute would be complete without "Ring of Fire," which had the entire theatre singing along. And just when the crowd thought the night was over, Barker returned for an encore with "Cocaine Blues" — a fiery finale that left the room buzzing long after the last note rang out.

For his first time in Winnipeg, Shawn Barker delivered not just a tribute, but a full-bodied celebration of Johnny Cash’s timeless legacy. From the early Sun Records hits to the darker, introspective American Recordings era, Barker honoured every chapter with heart and authenticity as pure as he could. If his promise to return next year holds true, Winnipeg will surely welcome him back with open arms.