20th annual Johnny Cash Fest fundraiser set for Feb. 1 at Irish-American Heritage Center 

by BRIAN NADIG

The 20th annual “Cash for Kids” fundraiser — touted as Chicago’s only Johnny Cash festival — will be held Saturday evening, Feb. 1, at the Irish-American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave., featuring original music and tributes from an array of bands.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the nonprofit Pat Mac’s Pack, which supports pediatric brian tumor research and families dealing with the disease.

The doors will open at 5 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door.

The organization honors the memory of Patrick McNamara, who at 26 months old was diagnosed with a tumor and endured 15 brain surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy until he passed away at the age of 13.

The idea for the festival started about 20 years ago when area resident Steve Davern and Father Chris Doering, who at the time was pastor of the Our Lady of Victory Parish (now closed) in Jefferson Park, would play Johnny Cash songs and other classic country at a local bar. In 2005 the first festival was held, raising funds for the Gompers Park Athletic Association.

Last year’s festival had a record crowd of 1,000 attendees and raised about $34,000.

There will be three stages.

Scheduled performers include Chicken Wire Empire, Iron Horse with a special guest star, Hoodie Snitch, Union Avenue, Reverie Stone, State Of The City, The Rock Islander’s and Barrett Tasky.

For ticket information, visit  https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/wyiVEA?vid=1h2pas

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