Following recent treatments for cancer, legendary guitarist Johnny Vernazza could use our help. On August 21, a fundraiser to help with his medical bills will be held at Humphrey’s Backstage Live, featuring Vernazza as well as The Chris Fast Band and Chicken Bone Slim & The Biscuits. For those who would like to help but can’t make the show, a Go Fund Me page has been set up, link below.
An integral part of San Diego’s music community since he moved to North County from the Bay Area in 2001, Vernazza is perhaps best known for his guitar work with the Elvin Bishop Group, including the classic single, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love” (#3/1976). It’s been an amazing career that’s seen him perform in concert with the likes of Jerry Garcia, on television with Van Morrison, and in the studio with the Marshall Tucker Band. In recent years, Vernazza has led his own group, and teamed up for shows with fellow guitar hotshot, Anthony Cullins. He’s also performed with numerous bands along the way, such as Len Rainey & The Midnight Players, and recorded with many artists, including Mickey Thomas, Norton Buffalo, Michele Lundeen, and True Stories.
While Vernazza moved to San Diego in 2001, his history with the city goes much further back. Throughout his career, he’s played in the area. Most notably, on May 14, 1976, Elvin Bishop’s tour stopped in at downtown’s Civic Theatre. Two songs recorded that night, “Fooled Around and Fell In Love,” and “Struttin’ My Stuff,” were included on a live album released the following year, Raisin’ Hell (#38/1977).
www.gofundme.com/f/help-johnny-vernazza-rebuild-after-cancer
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