Brainstem Music helps turn a holiday album and concert film into an ongoing fundraiser
CARLSBAD — For fans of blues, outlaw country and roadhouse Americana, the holidays are arriving a little early this year, and with purpose.
Johnny Vernazza, one of the West Coast’s most respected blues guitarists and vocalists, has released a new holiday album, Home By Christmas, as part of an ongoing fundraising effort supporting his fight against cancer and benefiting the American Cancer Society. The project brings together music, storytelling and community support in a way that feels both festive and deeply personal.
Vernazza has been battling cancer for several years, a journey that has shaped both his life and his art. Rather than slowing down, he poured that experience into Home By Christmas, a blues soaked collection of holiday songs that balances grit, warmth and reflection without losing its edge.
“This record came from a real place,” Vernazza has said. “It’s about getting home, in every sense of the word.”
The album grew out of An Americana Christmas, a live concert event held earlier this season at Schulman Auditorium in Carlsbad. The multi artist show was professionally filmed and later released as a concert film, now available as part of the active fundraiser. Together, the album and concert film form the centerpiece of several donation packages currently offered through Brainstem Music.
The Carlsbad concert also served as a showcase for Brainstem Music’s ability to produce live and streamed fundraising events that extend well beyond a single night. The nonprofit organization focuses on artist development, music education and charitable impact through professionally produced performances and recordings.
“This is exactly why Brainstem exists,” said Jim Merrill, founder of Brainstem Music. “Johnny’s music is powerful on its own, but when you connect it to a cause and give fans a meaningful way to participate, it becomes something bigger. We’re supporting an artist, supporting education and helping fund the fight against cancer at the same time.”
The An Americana Christmas lineup reflected Brainstem’s genre spanning approach. Rising Americana artist Leeann Atherton opened the night with gospel and blues influenced performances. Atherton is currently working on her upcoming album Good God Gospel, scheduled for release by Brainstem Music by Christmas.
Rising Americana artist Elizabeth Bowersox followed with a soulful, roots-driven set that blended folk, country and blues influences. Her stripped-down delivery and emotionally resonant songwriting brought a quiet intensity to the evening, complementing the show’s reflective holiday tone.
Vernazza closed the night with selections from Home By Christmas, joined by guest artists featured on the album, including blues guitarist Anthony Cullins, singer Randy McDonald and acclaimed jazz vocalist Mercedes Moore, who delivered soulful takes on holiday classics such as Blue Christmas and Winter Wonderland.
The fundraiser remains active, with supporters able to choose from multiple donation packages that include digital downloads of Home By Christmas, the An Americana Christmas concert film, live celebration tickets and VIP experiences. Portions of each package benefit the American Cancer Society, while also supporting Vernazza’s ongoing recovery efforts.
Music lovers can participate by pre ordering Home By Christmas and selecting a fundraiser package at brainstemmusic.org, where every contribution helps turn holiday blues into real world hope.
Brainstem Music is a Carlsbad-based nonprofit that supports artist development, music education and charitable causes through professionally produced live performances and recordings. Learn more at brainstemmusic.org.
