This article first appeared in the St. Louis Beacon, Aug. 15, 2012 - PettyCash Junction. For those who remember 1960s era TV sitcoms, this band name immediately conjures up memories of the popular “Petticoat Junction” show that ran from 1963 to 1970. But in addition to the sly pop-culture reference, the name keys the musical combination that defines the band’s song list -- the music of Tom Petty and Johnny Cash.
That combination may seem puzzling at first – blending the songs of a classic country legend like Cash with the rock anthems of Tom Petty and his band, the Heartbreakers. But hearing the band play removes any doubt that this musical mix makes perfect sense to the ears.
The band’s success in performing the music of Cash and Petty is due to the musical talent in the group – as well as the group members’ deep appreciation of what both Petty and Cash created.
Jimmy Griffin is not only the vocalist but one of the most respected rock guitarists in the area. He has played with groups like Kingofthehill and Nadine, as well as leading his own band, the Incurables. Dave Kalz, who also plays guitar and sings, works with the group Impala Deluxe and has a lengthy resume with other bands as well. Vocalist/guitarist Robynn Ragland’s original music has been featured on TV series such as “Dawson’s Creek” and the film, “Wish You Were Dead.” She has opened concerts for the likes of Fleetwood Mac, James Taylor and, yes, Tom Petty.
Together with fellow band members, Greg Hulub, John Gore and Jerry Moon, they create music that pays tribute to the talents of Cash and Petty – and stands on its own.
You can hear PettyCash Junction this Thursday, Aug. 16 at Union Station from 5:30-8 p.m. Check out the group’s Facebook page. Here’s some additional background on the band, supplied by Kalz.
HOME: St. Louis
AGE: The PCJ concept was started in November 2010, and Jimmy Griffin came aboard in February 2011. Jerry Moon, who's been a touring country drummer his entire adult life, rounded out the group in August 2011. Of course, the goal of this band has always been to bring the vibe and sounds of Tom Petty and Johnny Cash to the stage. We don't do the full costumes or full on impersonations, but close your eyes, and we think you'll feel it.
INSTRUMENTS: Guitars - lots of guitars! Electric guitars, acoustic guitars, little tiny guitars, 12 string guitars, bass guitars .... and keyboards, drums, plus three lead vocalists! The lineup is: Jimmy Griffin: guitars, vocals; David G. Kalz: guitars, vocals; Robynn Ragland: acoustic guitar, vocals; Greg Hulub: bass guitar; John Gore, keyboards and harmonica; Jerry Moon, drums.
HOBBIES: Hmmm.... I'm into vintage guitars and cars. Jimmy likes the old quirky guitars. We all have our own original projects where we write and record. Jimmy has The Incurables; Greg and I have Impala Deluxe, Robynn has had great success with her solo efforts - although lately, outside of PCJ, she has focused primarily on her law work and being a mom. John Gore, our keyboardist, also has his own Elton John tribute debuting at Off Broadway later this month, and Greg just recorded an album with Steve Scorfina (Pavlov's Dog) at Michael McDonald's (Doobie Brothers) studio in Nashville.
LAST CONCERT ATTENDED: For me, it was Brian Setzer. Several of us saw Tom Petty when he was last in town.
LATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT: The band recently played to nearly 10,000 people at Alton River Amphitheater for 4th of July. There were fireworks and it was very, very hot, but it was also Jimmy's birthday, so we had a lot of fun in spite of the triple digit heat!
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO: We've all been fans of Tom Petty and Johnny Cash for a long time. I believe I acquired my first Johnny Cash record - "A Boy Named Sue" 45 rpm - at the age of 9 or 10. "San Quentin" was the "B" side of that record! Jimmy's been listening to Tom Petty for years and years. The great thing about PCJ is not only do we all love paying homage to this music, but everyone in this band TRULY gets along fabulously. There's never any drama, bickering, etc. We just have a good time, all of the time!
QUOTE: When Jimmy's original band, The Incurables first came out, someone asked what it sounded like. His response? "Kind of like Tom Petty!" This band has been a natural thing for all of us. That's why it's so much fun! KSHE's Favazz said to me not too long ago, "Of all of the bands you play in, I think my favorite right now is PettyCash Junction."
Union Station Concert Series
Every April through September, Union Station in downtown St. Louis hosts a free monthly concert at the Lake Stage on the south side of the Station complex. The concerts begin at 5:30 pm and go until 8 pm. There is seating on the tiered steps around the Lake Stage, but lawn chairs are also an alternative. You can also arrive early and try to grab an outside table at restaurants that have views of the lake area. The final performance in this year’s series is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 20 and will feature Guitars On Fire.