In 2006 Venom returned to Portland where he has become a bass player in high demand. Averaging nearly 200 gigs a year, he performs regularly with his own reggae group East Wave Radio which released their debut album “Soulful Noise” in April 2009. He also freelances for other Portland bands and is currently in the studio working on a new project as well as a follow-up for East Wave. In addition to electric bass, Venom plays guitar, upright bass, mandolin, piano and also sings.

Beyond Johnny Venom’s formal training, his busy performance schedule and experience as a full time working bass player and guitarist add an important focus to his teaching, giving his students the training and tools to excel not only in the classroom but in the real-world playing situations as well.