Jim and Pam Yorfido, as Johnny Cash and Tammy Wynette/June Carter Cash, provided a wonderful evening of entertainment last night at Elements/Flamboro (formerly Flamboro Downs). Jim’s vocals as JC are unmatched, and when he is joined on stage by his talented wife, Pam, magic happens. There is an undeniable chemistry between the performers that is reminiscent of Johnny and June. Jim used a copy of the Flamborough community newspaper to tell some amusing jokes in between songs, and Pam talked a little about the background of Tammy and June’s songs which added to the enjoyment of the evening.
Pam Yorfido aka June Carter Cash/Tammy Wynette. Photo Credit: C.M.
Off stage, Jim and Pam are warm and friendly, and spend their time between sets chatting with people and getting to know those who come to see their shows. With the casino audience wandering in and out during the show, Jim and Pam were asked often to repeat songs during the evening and they good-naturedly honoured requests to hear “Ring of Fire”, “Folsom Prison Blues”, and my personal favourite, “Jackson”, for a second or third time.
Jim "Johnny Cash" Yorfido. Photo Credit: C.M.
I am always amazed at how much Jim’s natural speaking voice sounds like Johnny Cash, which is perhaps why his vocals during JC’s songs are so authentic. If you were unable to see Jim and Pam last night, they have a few bookings in Ontario (including Elements/Mohawk [formerly Mohawk Raceway] next Friday night, May 25th, 2018 from 9 to 1 pm) before Jim flies to Germany on June 17th to reprise his role as Johnny Cash in a show that stars Grahame Patrick Doyle, Ireland’s renowned ETA, as Elvis. I found the following video of Elvis – The Musical that shows Patrick, Jim, and other artists in the finale of the Berlin revue:
Those of us who remained for the final set last night, Jim surprised us by singing three Eagles songs. It was the first time I had heard Jim sing as Glen Fry, and he was terrific. Jim, in addition to performing as Johnny Cash, has sung for many years with the Eagles Tribute Band, New Kid in Town. The following two videos show Jim singing with the band:
Pam Yorifido, Dot Farr, Carolyn MacArthur, Jim Yorifido. Photo Credit: C.M.