Vocalist
Sarah Hagar
Sarah is a homegrown Coachella Valley resident and lifelong member of St. John’s. She is a Classically trained vocalist, with an extensive background in Musical Theatre, and a self-taught guitarist. She spent 20 years of her life working for various theatre and cabaret companies before “retiring” to pursue new opportunities. Having grown up in the church, Sarah started young as guest vocalist, grew to worship leader and is now the Director of Music. She is thrilled to be an essential part of the planning and future of St. John’s and is truly blessed to be doing God’s work in the church she loves.
music@stjohnslutheran.church
Piano & Keys
Patrick Karst
Patrick started playing piano by ear at the age of 4, which is also when Patrick’s parents started taking him to lessons. While his teacher was teaching him Bach and Beethoven, his father (a C&W music fan), was teaching him Johnny Cash and other C&W artists’ songs.
Patrick graduated with a Bachelor of Music degree in Piano Performance from St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN. He then received further education and a KIP (Keyboard Instruction Program) degree from Dick Grove School of Music in Studio City, CA.
He spent a total of 15 years working with Princess Cruises onboard as Music Director and also in the corporate office in Century City, CA, as Entertainment Manager.
He plays both solo and within groups. Patrick is entertainer Charo’s Music Director and Keyboardist and began working with her in 2002, when he was living in Las Vegas.
He frequently travels with her to her jobs all over the country and internationally.
He currently lives in Manhattan Beach, CA. He has been working at St John’s as pianist and keyboardist since 2008.
Bass Guitar
Mikael Jacobson
Mikael has an extensive educational background with degrees in traditional music performance, composition, recording technology, and film scoring.
His experience as a film composer, sound engineer, and band & orchestra member allows for Mikael to coach his students, as individuals or in groups, with real world common sense and wisdom.
Drums & Percussion
Jim Watson
After graduation from Berklee College of Music in Boston, Jim moved to Los Angeles, spending many years playing and recording in the local music scene, writing music for television & advertising, and building 2 recording studios.
Jim has studied drums with Jeff Hamilton, Alan Dawson, Gary Chaffee, David Garibaldi, Richard Wilson, and performed at the Hollywood Bowl, Monterey Jazz Festival, and venues nationwide.