Our Musical Entertainment

The Barber National Institute is pleased to welcome back - by popular demand - TENNESSEE BACKPORCH as the entertainment for the 2009 Christmas Ball. As Erie's premier variety band, Tennessee Backporch entertains audiences with expertly performed music that ranges from classical, big band, fifties/sixties, country, Motown, classic rock, right into the hits of today. This five-piece group has been entertaining Erie, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas since 1980, and draws rave reviews for its appeal to all ages and tastes. All five members take turns singing lead vocals which keeps the sound versatile, and tight five-part harmonies are often added for a very full sound.

The members of Tennessee Backporch include Christopher Moore - Keyboards, Guitar, Vocals; Julianne Groucutt Moore - Violin, Mandolin, Percussion, Vocals; John Caruso - Percussion, Vocals; Tom O'Camb - Lead Guitar, Synthesized Guitar, Vocals and Calvin Bowers - Bass. Julie Moore is also a teacher at the Barber National Institute in a classroom for elementary-age students with multiple handicaps. She also directs the children's chorus with includes "typically" developing preschool students and youngsters with a variety of disabilities. The chorus performs at many events at the Barber National Institute and in the community throughout the year.