Participant Biographies and Project Descriptions
Johnny "V" Vernazza
Johnny “V” began his popular and renowned musical career forty-five years ago. At 15, Johnny was fronting his first rock band in the San Francisco area winning “battle of the bands” contests and succeeding in the many musical opportunities that followed. Johnny’s skill and experience playing guitar and bass lead to numerous occasions to join up with popular bands of the booming 1960’s music scene — Quicksilver Messenger Service, War, and Big Brother and the Holding Company. He later gained notoriety as a member of the Elvin Bishop Band. With six albums, live performances, and the number three hit song in the country, “Fooled Around and Fell in Love,” Johnny and Elvin created the dual lead guitar style that continues to be part of the southern rock sound today. Most recently Johnny has put together his own quartet, “The Johnny Vernazza Band,” whose sound ranges from southern rock to more traditional blues. In addition to his successful playing and recording career, Johnny has dedicated his time to teach guitar to prisoners as part of the “California for the Arts behind Bars Project,” and also to students participating in the “Blues in the Schools Project” in Northern California. Johnny’s passion for playing guitar and his extensive background working within the music industry makes him an ideal person to teach guitar to adults and children.
Johnny “V” teaches free guitar lessons to active duty marines and their families living and working at Marine Corps Base, Camp Pendleton. Held at the Base Arts and Crafts Hobby Shop, Johnny instructs students, adults and children, who can greatly benefit from a positive outlet that fosters self-expression and inspiration. Studying the guitar provides the marines and their family members with an opportunity to learn new skills, to tap into their creativity, and to discover the inner-workings of the music industry. “When a person,” Johnny states, “Learns how to play a musical instrument, a strong sense of accomplishment helps to develop pride. This brings hope, builds confidence, increases self-esteem and aids in developing a positive self-identity.” Johnny hopes to complement his guitar lessons with regular “jam sessions” so interested participants can drop-in to play and practice together.
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