ERIC’S STORY

A person playing an acoustic guitar, wearing a checkered shirt, with a guitar slide on their finger.

Eric Zobel is a Santa Barbara–based singer whose music is easygoing, soulful, and full of heart. With more than 30 years of performing across the Central Coast and beyond, he brings a mellow charm and seasoned artistry to every show. His sets blend decades of timeless songs, drawing from folk, blues, country, rock, reggae, and the many influences that shaped him.

Eric Zobel seated with a guitar next to his dog, with the sun setting over the water in the background

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Eric spent part of his childhood in Hawaii, where he first connected with the rhythm of the ocean and a warmer way of life. That pull eventually brought him to California in 1982, and Santa Barbara has been home ever since. Influenced by his father’s rich record collection, Eric grew up steeped in the great music of the 60s as well as jazz, blues, and classical — sounds that continue to shape his heartfelt style and storytelling. 

Over the years, he has become a familiar presence at wineries, coastal venues, and community gatherings. For Eric, performing isn’t just playing songs; it’s about offering something meaningful. His warm, inviting style creates connection and turns familiar melodies into shared, memorable moments.

Outside of music, Eric is a graphic artist and illustrator who enjoys drawing, painting, cooking, surfing, hiking, and raising a growing young man. 

Eric Zobel seated with a guitar singing in a brewery with another musician playing harmonica

It’s been a Journey

From wine country to downtown, these venues have been part of the path.

5 ¼ Café

Adama Vegan

Alma Rosa Tasting Room

Alma Rosa Winery

American Heart Association

Arch Rock Café

Arrowsmiths Wine Bar

Artiste Winery

Buttonwood Farm & Vineyard

Café Luna

Captain Fatty's Brewery

Chalk & Music Festival

Cold Spring Tavern

Concerts on the Green

Corner Tap

Deep Sea Tasting Room

Dusk @ Drift Hotel

Earthling Bookstore

Fresco

Full Moon Roadhouse

Good Bar

Healing Arts Music Program

Heritage House

Hollister Brew Company

Institution Ale

Island Brewing Co.

Kaena at the Ranch

Kyle’s Kitchen

Maravilla

Nicoletti’s (UCSB)

Night Lizard

One Dharma Sangha

Oppi'z Bistro

Oreanna Winery

Pali Winery

Pali Winery

Purses & Pinot

Rideau Vineyard

Samsara Wine Co.

Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital

Santa Barbara Farmers Market

Santa Ynez Hospital

Sea Glass Festival

SOHO

Sojourner Café

Stephen Ross Winery

Summerland Winery

Sunburst Wine Bar

The Annex (UCSB)

The Corner Tap

The Good Life

The Villa Wine Bar

UCen Lawn

UCSB Amplified

V Lounge

Vega Vineyards

Villa Santa Barbara

Visionwalk

Yellow Belly

Zaca Mesa Winery