About Us

Hi there! We're Jump Start. We formed in 2021.

How it all began

Jump Start was founded by guitarists Dave Becker and 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 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 805-625-2634 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

Dave B - Guitar and Vocals

David Becker is first and foremost a music fan. Growing up in New Jersey, he became a huge Springsteen fan, which fueled his love for Rock ‘N Roll. In addition to The E Street Band, Dave fell in love with the music of Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers and the guitar playing of Mark Knopfler from Dire Straits fame.
Since childhood, playing the guitar is what Dave has wanted to do. When it became clear, however, his guitar skills were not going to rise to the level of a Mark Knopfler, he decided to go to law school and become a lawyer. In 2010, however, his wife sent him to Rock ‘N Roll Fantasy camp and Dave got to play with some of his musical heroes. That experience fueled his current musical journey.
Since 2010, Dave has played guitar with a number of bands in and around the Sarasota and Bradenton, Florida. He is looking forward to jumpstarting his newest musical project, The Jumpstart Band. Please say hello to Dave if you see him out and about.

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

— Steve —