The Northfield Historical Society Presents “Hops, Grapes & History,” a Benefit Event Featuring a Performance by “Guaranteed Cash,” a Tribute to the Songs and Sounds of Johnny Cash

The Northfield Historical Society presents “Hops, Grapes & History,” a benefit event on Saturday, March 2 at the Grand Event Center in Northfield.

The evening includes a beer and wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m., featuring a hand-selected variety of Minnesota craft beers and wines; hors d’oeuvres; and a silent auction with a chance to bid on numerous goods and services from local businesses. Then from 9 to 11:30 p.m., the event concludes with a not-to-be-missed performance of “Guaranteed Cash,” a tribute to the songs and sounds of Johnny Cash, performed by legendary guitarist Bob Wootten (lead guitarist for Johnny Cash’s band for over thirty years) and country rockers, Six Mile Grove.

Bob Wootton, known as “the man behind the man in black,” played lead guitar for Johnny Cash from 1968-1998. His first album recorded and released with Cash was live from San Quentin in 1969. Listen closely as one of the inmates yells, “Where’s Luther, Johnny?” Cash then explains that Luther Perkins had passed away a few months before, and that a new guitarist had joined the band. That man was Bob Wootten.

As part of the original “Tennessee Three,” Wootton has performed all over the world, from Folsom Prison to Madison Square Garden to the White House and to Buckingham Palace. With Cash’s band, Wootten has shared the stage with country legends Carl Perkins, The Statlers, and the Carter Family, and has appeared on PBS’ “Austin City Limits.” Few people know Johnny Cash and his music as closely as Wootton does.

Wootton returned to the stage in January 2004, headlining a sold-out, weekend-long Cash tribute at The Cabooze in Minneapolis. He has since been making regular appearances, sharing the stage with southern Minnesota’s own, Six Mile Grove, who back Wootton and serve as his opening act. Critically-acclaimed throughout the Midwest for over a decade, Six Mile Grove’s energetic style is the perfect compliment to Wootton’s laid-back stage presence. Along with Wootten, Six Mile Grove’s brand of ballads and story-driven songs pay tribute to the simplicity and genius of Johnny Cash.

Jack Sparks, of the Minneapolis City Pages comments: “[Wootton] own[s] the stage like a pro... authenticity rocks.” Learn more about Bob Wootten and Six Mile Grove at www.sixmilegrove.com.

Proceeds from the event will support the Northfield Historical Society. Admission to all scheduled activities (including the beer/wine tasting, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction, and “Guaranteed Cash”) is $40 per person or $70 per couple. NHS members will receive a $5 discount on their admission.

For those who choose to attend “Guaranteed Cash” only, doors will open at 8:30 p.m. and the music will begin at 9 p.m. Admission to the music-only portion of the evening is $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

This event is made possible with support from By All Means Graphics, College City Beverage, Firehouse Liquor, The Grand Event Center, The Hideaway, Hvistendahl Moersch Dorsey & Hahn, KYMN Radio, Northfield Lines, Northfield News, and the Sketchy Artist.

Advance tickets are available now in person and online at KYMN Radio, 200 Division Street (www.kymnradio.net); the Northfield Historical Society, 408 Division Street (www.northfieldhistory.org); The Grand Event Center, 316 Washington Street South (www.thegrandnorthfield.com); and the Sketchy Artist, 300 Division Street.

For more information, contact Jessica Paxton, KYMN Radio, (507) 645-5695, or Hayes Scriven, Northfield Historical Society, (507) 645-9268.