How it all began
Jump Start was founded by guitarist Steve Barbagallo formerly of The Klick Band.
Many months of auditions went into finding the current line up of great musicians, including Mike Strand on lead vocals, John Anderson on bass, Steve Knauf on guitar and Harry Franklin on drums.
Jump Start aims to bring classic “danceable” rock to the Sarasota/Bradenton and Venice area with an energetic, interactive performance of great songs from the ’60’s – 80’s. The breadth of tunes is attributed to each member’s musical influences and spans music from the Rolling Stones, Grand Funk, The Eagles, CCR, Tom Petty, ZZ Top and Billy Idol, just to name a few.
Jump Start will be performing at multiple venues throughout the area and are available for private bookings by contacting Steve 941-313-1645 or email saltair10@yahoo.com.
Please check back to our website for upcoming gigs and ask to be added to our email list for the most current updates.
Steve B - Lead, Rhythm and Slide Guitar / Lead and Backing Vocals
- Grew up in NYC and started playing piano at age 5, picked up the guitar at age 12
- Early influences were classical music, 50’s rock and roll, and then classic rock
- Studied music theory and love classical and flamenco music
- Started first rock band at 15 years old
- Rock influences: Deep Purple (Ritchie Blackmore had a huge effect on my style), Black Sabbath, Kiss, Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith, Van Halen
- Played in 80’s metal bands in the styles of Ozzy, Judas Priest, Iron Maiden, AC/DC, Malmsteen and Poison
- Performed in a reggae band, a jazz-fusion band, surf and classic rock band, and recorded many original songs in varied styles – where are those records, tapes and CD’s now??!!
- Taught guitar and music theory for about 10 years in private and group sessions
- Ran a recording / lesson studio in Los Angeles
John A - Bass
- Grew up in Chicago and studied piano as a child but hated the lessons. I still play and study piano, especially jazz.
- Fell in love listening to music on the radio. Addicted to classic rock. Just celebrated my 50th anniversary to Classic Rock Anonymous
- Influenced by: Paul McCartney, Duck Dunn, Bruce Thomas, John Deacon and James Jamerson
- Studied bass with Carol Kaye (LA session player) and Nick Schneider (Tonight Show and #1 Call in Chicago)
- I played in several classic rock bands in the Chicago area, jazz combos and at church
- I can read/write music and play by ear
- Dabbler in guitar
Steve K - Guitar and Vocals
- Grew up in Albany, New York
- I took piano lessons at 8 years old
- Moved on to trumpet in Junior High
- Then discovered rock music and guitar took over
- Early influences are Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and UFO
- I took private guitar lessons from many different instructors, including Buddy Bruce from “The Champs”
- Performed in various coverbands over the years, competed in Battle of the Bands, played at CompanyPicnics and Poker Runs
- These days, my musical tastes are all over the place, with a special love of the Blues.
- My goal is to have fun playing music that makes people feel good
Harry F - Drums, Percussion and Backing Vocals
- From Pennsylvania, played drums since 4th grade, first live performance, “Little Drummer Boy” for school play.
- Influences, John Bonham, Buddy Rich and all Steely Dan drummers.
- High school concert and marching band.
- Private drum lessons while in High School, and attended U of L, Jazz camp.
- Played in several bands, while living in Louisville, Ky., Blues, Rock and jazz.
- Highlights, Opened for “Ambrosia”, “RIck Estrin and the Nightcats”, and the late “Mike Ledbetter”.
Mike S - Lead/Backup Vocals
- Grew up in Minneapolis, started playing bass guitar at around 13, I also play rhythm guitar as well as my new love, drums. I have been a vocalist from the time I learned how to speak, I think. lol
- My first real band experience was at 13 and never looked back from there. I have always been very passionate about music and have worked very hard to hone my skills. I am self-taught and enjoy every mistake I make along the way.
- I was in an originals band for a while and this was my first real foray into song writing, I have also dabbled in a thing called the rock camp experience and this was a saving grace during this covid time.
- I also have a DJ business, and this has helped me expand my music tastes, karaoke is just another way to express myself and hone my skills vocally.
- My music influences are varied really depending on which mood I am in at the time. I can go from Brahms, Rachmaninoff, Tchaikovsky to Judas priest in a heartbeat. My kids used to hate riding with me because they said my music sucked and now, they love all the same artists as me well, to a point.
- I have a complete music studio in my home and can be found out there at all hours of the day just practicing and learning. What more can a man ask for??? 🙂
It's all about having fun