Get Locked Up!
Johnny Cash and The Folsom Prison Experience is Coming to Milwaukee
Join Johnny, June and Friends for This Historical Show That’s So Good, It Should be Illegal!

WHAT: The Folsom Prison Experience at Pabst Theatre, Milwaukee January 19th!

On January 13th, 1968, Johnny Cash made history by recording an album live inside of Folsom State Prison in California. Never having served hard time, Cash had empathy for the downtrodden. He was also receiving letters from inmates at the jail asking him to play after the release of Folsom Prison Blues in 1955.

Cash and his band performed two shows at Folsom Prison on January 13th, 1968. During the live performances, when inmates were reluctant to be too noisy or rowdy for fear of reprisals from the guards, Cash said, “I just wanted to tell you that this show is being recorded for an album released on Columbia Records, so you can’t say ‘hell’ or ‘shit’ or anything like that.”

The experience at Pabst Theater, Milwaukee will feel exactly like that iconic performance back in 1968.

“The audience itself will serve the role of the inmates,” says Jay Ernest, who plays Johnny Cash. “Prison guards will be stationed throughout for what is more than a live concert, but also a theatrical performance and musical tribute drama.”

Guests are encouraged to dress like inmates for the show. Get your picture taken in the jail cell the moment you arrive at Folsom Prison Experience.
The custom set for Folsom Prison Experience was painted by renowned set designer Justin Hooper to look and feel like a prison setting that marked the most famous moment of Cash’s storied musical career. Guests are encouraged to come dressed as inmates! At the heart of this unforgettable experience is the cast/band of more than 16 members, a collection of talent that is the fuel of the Folsom Prison Experience, including:
Jay Ernest as Johnny Cash
Jay’s music career boasts more than 4000 shows in 10 countries and 32 states. He has recorded on more than 20 albums and is currently the lead singer of Church of Cash. Jay was recently awarded "Best Tribute Act" from the Midwest Country Music Organization and was also inducted to the Minnesota Music Hall of Fame. Additionally, he created his own record label, Jayder Records, in 2008 and has produced albums for a variety of artists.
Kat Perkins as June Carter
Kat appeared on The Voice Season 6 and advanced to the show’s finals.
Actor Dan Hopman as The Warden
Actor Ryan Maddux as Hugh Cherry
Actor Ryan Nelson as Edward as the Lead Guard
Members from the Hitchville band Matt Kneefe, Chris Stauffer, Mike Johnson as the Statler Brothers, Bronson Bergson in multiple roles, Poppa Bear Norton and more
A host of celebrity guest guards and inmates keep the show spontaneously unique.
Folsom Prison Experience was co-created by Jay Ernest (playing Johnny Cash) and Tom Pickard, a 40-year veteran of the music industry who has worked with many artists as a production manager/audio engineer and also headed his own production company, Revolution Arts.
WHEN: January 19th, 2024
7:30 pm

WHERE: Pabst Theatre
144 E Wells St. , Milwaukee 53202

TICKETS: https://folsomprisonexperience.com/shows