Local performer returns home as part of Veterans Benefit Concert Series

Not every kid in town who falls in love with music will be successful or even advance to the level of being able to pursue it as a passion. One Saugus High School grad had that great fortune. John Antonopoulos, a 1970 SHS Graduate, who is more commonly referred to around the world as Johnny A., did and continues to do so, 50 years later! Over the course of his career, Johnny has performed as both a solo artist and a member of other bands. Some notable bands he has been a member of were the Peter Wolf Band (J. Geils frontman) and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band The Yardbirds.

The name “Johnny A.” might not be mainstream, but there’s no doubt it’s synonymous with guitar. Bitten at an early age by the desire to perform like his idols (Clapton, Beck and Page), he never relented. A devotee of the 1960s British Invasion, it gave him a goal. By the 1970s, he was performing throughout the New England area, drawing attention from established musicians, like Derek & The Dominos’ keyboardist Bobby Whitlock and Creedence Clearwater Revival’s Doug Clifford.

All this is to say that Johnny A. has the chops, and that’s not to mention his prolific solo career. Spanning three full-length albums, Johnny A. has earned a Grammy Award nomination, the honor of Boston Music Awards, “Blues Artist of the Year 2010,” and a spot in the revered Boston Music Hall of Fame.

With all this said, it will be like old-home week, as Johny A. takes the stage with special guest Myke Scavone, of The Yardbirds, joining.

This event is a benefit concert; 100% of profits from this series will go to Veterans organizations in the area dealing with Vets impacted by PTSD, addiction and homelessness-related issues.