Sterling Spell
Vocals, Guitars

From Annapolis, Maryland, Sterling started performing with bands at the age of 13 in nightclubs and studios in the Washington Metropolitan area. He played in the 60s, 70s, and 80s. Retiring from music in 1985, with his last stop being a member of the John Hall Band (formerly known as Orleans, ie Still the One, Dance With Me)

He found God in 1979 through 12 Step Recovery Groups dealing with chemical dependence and has been clean and sober ever since. He developed a personal relationship with Jesus Christ in the winter of 1999 through his involvement at Cedar Ridge Community Church in Spencerville, Maryland. He was led there after reading the book "The Sermon on the Mount".

With the encouragement of his wife, Janie, others at Cedar Ridge and in his recovery programs, he decided to let the music flow. His journey through music from nightclubs to the gutter, to the Father, to the Son, can shine some light and provide some hope for others in their search for God's peace and love, unconditionally. Sterling says, "If it's dawnin' on me, it's never too late, it can dawn on you!"





Phil Lazo
Vocals, Guitar

Phil is from Rockville, Maryland where he grew up in a Christian home and chose to trust in Christ as his savior at an early age. At 19 years old, not only did he rededicate his life to Christ but also began playing guitar at McLean Bible Church. There he led worship services for youth groups and performed at special events. For the past 12 years his leadership and musical gifts have been put to use with the music team at Cedar Ridge Community Church.

His musical influences include: Phil Keaggy, Boston, Van Halen, Petra, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Lincoln Brewster, Chris Tomlin, Heart, Journey, as well as the whole era of 70's and 80's rock.

Phil has been happily married to Karen since 1991. They have two boys Zack and Brett as well as a daughter, Lindsay-Grace in heaven.
(See the "Trust" section of this website).    Email Phil at phil@northbound-rocks.com.



Tom Blackburn
Vocals, Acoustic Guitar

Tom grew up in Hampton, Virginia. As a teenager he became involved heavily in drugs and alcohol and had numerous scrapes with the law. At 18 he first met the Lord and was asked by the Department of Defense to travel to Bangkok and share his story of drug addiction and deliverance through the power of God. In 1992 committed himself again and surrendered to the power of God and began a new journey of recovery.

Sterling asked to Tom to join the band after discovering a similar history and admiration for music. Being a part of Northbound has deepened my walk with Jesus and has given me the opportunity to minister once again, says Tom. His prayer is that Northbound's music and testimony to the life changing power of Jesus Christ will touch hearts and show that God is still on the throne. The same, yesterday, today and forever!



Dede Corkran
Vocals, Percussion Toys

Dede continues the family link to Northbound.  She is Phil's sister and Steve's wife.  She is gifted at piano, flute, and most importantly for us...vocals.  Since joining the band at the end of 2006, she adds such nice harmonies and really fills our vocal range.

Doug Flather
Keyboards

Doug became interested in music as a young teenager growing up in Silver Spring, Maryland. He started by playing the instructional standards and performed in lounge acts. While working in a music store he bagan to broaden his musical awareness and experience by working with many different musicians and styles.

During this time, he encountered a much different "awareness broadening" life event; he came face to face with Jesus Christ, who literally turned his world right side up.

While his circle of friends has changed, his passion for musical expression did not. He fully participated in the advent of Contemporary Christian music, and actively sought ways to bring it into church life. This led to a series of church staff positions where he always seems to find a way to carry the contemporary musical torch.

He has always believed that the arts help people connect with life at a deeper level. "As an art form, music can help people connect with higher things in a deeper way, which is a big part of the reason I am part of Northbound," adds Doug. "The band plays music that's intended to introduce and reinforce some of the most important issues in life."



TJ Collins
Bass


TJ has been a bassist for over 20 years. He has played nearly all types of music styles, from new wave sounds to heavy metal. Taking his act from his home in Silver Spring, Maryland to the west coast in the 90s where he played with Mockingbird at the Monteray Pop Festival.

His west coast trip allowed him to open up for acts such as Lover Boy, Warrant, Eric Burdon and the Animals and Rick Derringer. During this time he met Christian music artist Leon Patillo and was asked to play with The Church You've Been Looking For. TJ moved back to the DC area where he met Sterling and joined Northbound and the music ministry. 




Steven Corkran
Drums 

Growing up in Wheaton, Maryland, Steve says he always wanted to be a rocker. Playing in road bands and show bands from the time he was 14. He never got anywhere except seeing the things of that culture that were a mess. So at 23 years old he got out of it and quit anything associated with it - including drums.

The Lord then led him to a woman, Dede, blessed with the gift of music & ministry. As he began to become closer to God, his gift of music was brought back to life. It was through her encouragement that he joined a praise and worship team. Then came Northbound; God has put him in touch with a group of guys with similar pasts and exact futures. Playing Christian rock, says Steve, I pray my old friends will come see me. What a feeling to use a gift from God for His praise. He and Dede are married and have been blessed with 3 wonderful children.   Email the drummer at steve@northbound-rocks.com

 
Rob Parry and George Trageser
Sound guys extraordinarie

Rob and George have been the sound behind the sound. They borrow equipment we need, help us set up the sound system, help us lug our gear to and from the car, and yell at us to turn down the amps (all good sound technicians do this). They also encourage us and sing along from the back of the room. We so appreciate their help and comradery!