Johnnie Barker

 Johnnie Barker is a passionate musician born in Macon, GA, and raised in Sarasota, FL. He is known for his exceptional bass guitar skills. His bass playing features soulful, melodic, and experimental sounds, resonating with audiences of all ages. He began playing bass at 15, inspired by his church youth pastor and influenced by bassists such as Victor Wooten, Marcus Miller, Bootsy Collins, Andrew Gouche, Anthony Jackson, and many others. After developing his skills through his church services, high school marching, and high school jazz band, Johnnie was gifted the opportunity to audition for some of the best colleges specializing in music. He auditioned and got accepted to Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA. After College, Johnnie got asked to join the band Come Back Alice in 2011, gaining a growing fan base. He later formed his band, The Barker Project, performing at music festivals and hosting events around the West Coast of Florida. In 2020, he launched TBP Productions Multi-Media Company.

 Dr. Rande Sanderbeck has been a Professor of Percussion at East Tennessee State University since 1985. He retired in the spring of 2018. He received his B.M. and M.M. from West Virginia University and his DMA in Percussion Performance from the University of Kentucky. His unaccompanied drum set solo “Homage to Max” is published by Studio 4 Music, and “Stylistic Modulations for 3” is published by JW3 Music. Another piece titled “Blue Blues” is included in “The Blue Book, Volume 2” and “Blue Samba” in “The Blue Book, Volume 3”, which are both collections of solo pieces by UK alumni. Rande was also a contributing writer for “Jazz Player” magazine and has also released two masterclass CDs that have been included in “Jazz Player” and “Saxophone Journal” magazines. 

 I was born in New Orleans, La. and my family moved to Houma, La. when I was very young. It was there I began playing drums in the Baptist Church. I have played with some of the finest names in Louisiana and the music industry including: Dixie Cups (Chapel Of Love) George Porter of the Meters (Sissy Strut) Charmaine Neville of the Neville Brothers Family Jon Cleary and the Absolute Monster Gentlemen Wild Magnolia’s and the Mardi Gras Indians Tad Benoit – Swamp Blues Band Mem Shannon and the Membership Blues Band Dickey Betts (Allman Bros.) I have shared bookings with such music greats as Ted Nugent, Thin Lizzy (Tommy Aldrich), Santana, Peter Frampton, ZZ Topp, and BB King. With 19 tours out of the United States to South America and Europe, including Austria, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Poland, Brazil, Spain and France as well as Germany and Italy, I have been blessed to be on stage playing and living a life doing what I love to do. When I am not on the road I enjoy teaching others about my love of God and drums. I also spend my time pursing my love of jazz and funk with my own band The James Varnado Jazz Funk Band and also several local bands. Being blessed with this drive is something I am very thankful for. 

 Eric is a jazz-focused multi-instrumentalist from Spokane, Washington, primarily playing the vibraphone, but also skilled in percussion, piano, bass, guitar, and trumpet. He studied under masters like Dr. Miho Takekawa and Dr. Ben Thomas during college and participated in the 2020 and 2021 Steve Weiss Online Mallet Festivals, learning from renowned artists such as Tony Miceli and Stefon Harris.  A summa cum laude graduate from Pacific Lutheran University in 2020, Eric excelled as an orchestral percussionist, winning the Student Soloist competition and the PASIC Ludwig Industries Scholarship. He also studied jazz with Dr. Cassio Vianna, refining his skills in jazz harmony.  Since relocating to St. Petersburg, Florida, in 2021, Eric has performed with The Barker Project and participated in events like the Clearwater Jazz Holiday. He actively shares his music on YouTube and Instagram, playing various instruments and creating backing tracks.  In addition to performing, Eric has a strong background in music education. He offers in-person drum lessons, online guitar lessons, and teaches piano at Beretta Music Academy in Clearwater, FL. He has also served as a beginning band teacher and a substitute Percussion Teaching Artist. 

Craig James Sterlace, or CJ Sterlace, is from Northport, FL. His great Uncle Gary Sterlace, a.k.a. Speedy Parker from Buffalo, NY, sparked his musical journey. At age 8, he picked up his dad's guitar, discovering that music was his true calling in life. Performing at open mics and local gigs, he built his presence and eventually met Johnnie Barker at his open jam. Their shared passion for music led to him being asked to join Johnnie's band, The Barker Project, where he gets to blend his styles with the bands and explore new sounds together. CJ is focused on learning, refining, and creating new musical ideas with The Barker Project as the band's guitarist. Capturing and expressing the band's wide range of musical styles. They perform at festivals and events, connecting with audiences all over the West Coast of Florida's music scene. Music is CJ's lifeblood, and he's thrilled to share the journey and help elevate The Barker Project's sound to reach fans everywhere. 

 Jayden Titus (co-bandleader of The Barker Project) is a trumpet player and composer based in Sarasota, Florida. He plays various genres, including jazz, fusion, R&B, soul, and contemporary free jazz. Jayden is currently studying at the USF School of Music. He studied and got his Associate in Arts degree at SCF, where he studied jazz with Dr. Pete Carney. Jayden can occasionally be seen playing in local areas in the Tampa Bay area, such as St. Petersburg, Sarasota, and Bradenton. Jayden has played at numerous venues in the Sarasota area, ranging from hotels like St. Regis to places like the Sarasota Art Museum. 

Tristan Titus is excited to be the new addition to The Barker Project! Originally from Fort Lauderdale, FL, they've been all about music since they can remember, jamming out on saxophone, baritone, and tuba. With a vibe influenced by jazz, hip-hop, lo-fi, and funk, they can't wait to add their twist to the band’s sound.

Having played at fantastic venues and festivals, Tristan knows how to get a crowd hyped. They’re all about teamwork and creativity, which fits with The Barker Project's mission to keep pushing the limits of music.

Tristan is looking forward to collaborating with the incredible members of the band, diving into songwriting, and crafting tunes that stick with listeners. When not on stage, he loves working out at the gym and online gaming, which keeps their creativity flowing.

Tristan is ready to jump in and create some unforgettable music together as The Barker Project gears up for a new season!

 John Habib has been playing the trumpet for the past 9 years. He is currently studying at USF, participating in jazz ensembles, and taking lessons with James Suggs and Jay Coble. He decided to delve more into jazz after being influenced by artists such as Chet Baker and Miles Davis. John has recently expanded his music tastes with other artists such as Robert Glasper and Roy Hargrove. This eventually led to him meeting Johnnie Barker through a jam session, which is how he was introduced to The Barker Project 

 Joseph Hicks is a Tampa native, playing saxophone for over a decade and recently expanding his musical fervor to guitar as well. His musical roots began in choir and the step-team growing up in church. Joseph joined The Barker Project after being introduced to the band by his longtime friend and current bandmate Sebastian Mujica.

 Sebastian Mujica is thrilled to share that he hails from beautiful Puerto Rico! His love for music came alive in sixth grade when he joined the school band and quickly fell in love with playing the trombone. Since then, He's been on an exciting journey to improve his skills. This past June, I had the fantastic opportunity to join the amazing band The Barker Project through Facebook. Thanks to their inspiring band leader. Every rehearsal is a chance for me to learn, grow, and become a better musician. Let's celebrate the magic of music together and embrace the endless journey of growth it offers! 

Petra Barrow is a classically trained vocalist from Brooklyn, New York, with family roots in Grenada. She moved to Sarasota, Florida, at age 10, where she began singing in her school choir and church. In high school, she won a local competition called Sarasota High School Idol. Petra graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor's in Music, focusing on Vocal Performance, and led the band Petra and the Priorities, opening for acts like Kids These Days and Gym Class Heroes. She also aspires to improve children's health in her community and completed a Post-Baccalaureate in Pre-Dental, Pre-Medical, and Pre-Health studies at the University of Florida. Now back in Sarasota, she is a vocalist for The Barker Project, a band that blends various musical styles, including Jazz, Blues, and Gospel, with a unique sound. Petra particularly enjoys delivering soulful tunes and ballads.

 Vocalist and Sarasota native Joycelyn S. Corbert has been involved in and giving the gift of music since the age of 6. She joined The Barker Project in October of 2022, and it was a match made in heaven. Joycelyn sings with The Barker Project and is on local live music calendars for Whitney’s Longboat Key, Floriday’s at Margaritaville- Manatee Ave, and Craftails Speakeasy in downtown Bradenton.