NEW BEDFORD -- Saxophonist Michael “Tunes” Antunes , best known for his long tenure with John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band , passed away on August 19.

"His legacy will be felt most by the countless musicians he influenced across the U.S. and beyond," said Mayor Jon Mitchell in a statement on Tuesday. "He was a prominent contributor to our region’s rich Cape Verdean musical tradition, which greatly influenced his own work. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his entire family."

Antunes was also know for portraying the band’s sax player in the films "Eddie and the Cruisers" and "Eddie and the Cruisers II: Eddie Lives."

His last performance was in Fall River

His last performance was at the Narrows Center for the Arts in Fall River 10 days earlier, right after Antunes’s 85th birt

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