A man wearing sunglasses and a beanie, sitting and singing into a microphone while playing an acoustic guitar.

Electronic Press Kit

Bios

Short Bio

Eric Zobel is a Santa Barbara–based singer known for his easygoing, soulful style and warm, heartfelt performances. With over 30 years of experience across the Central Coast, he blends timeless songs from folk, blues, country, rock, and reggae into sets that feel both familiar and fresh. Originally from Buffalo and shaped partly by a childhood in Hawaii, Eric’s music is deeply influenced by his father’s record collection and the storytelling spirit of the 60s. A regular at wineries and coastal venues, he focuses on creating genuine connection through music. Offstage, he’s a graphic artist who enjoys surfing, hiking, and time with his son.

Eric Zobel seated with a guitar singing into a mic

Long Bio

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. 

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.

EXPERIENCE ERIC ZOBEL MUSIC LIVE

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)

Close-up of a microphone on a stand with a blurred dark background.

From wine country to downtown, these venues have been part of my musical journey.

Catch me live!

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

See What Others Are Saying

“He was amazing. Easy to work with and his music was beautiful. Would recommend anyone to hire him without any concerns”

Cindi K.

“Eric was super professional in every way, easy to work with, and played great music for our event in our winery where he had not been before. You get the whole deal in this one musician.”

Paula D.

“Eric has performed at my venue many many times since when we first opened the restaurant. His professionalism, reliability, punctuality and of course his performance are absolutely of the highest standards. Not only he’s an excellent artist, but he’s also an amazing person: he was always greatly appreciated by our patrons!”

Guido O.

“Eric is phenomenal. First, great musician and singer. Second, his set up was simple with superb sound quality even in the open backyard. Highly recommended to any event, large or small.”

Felipe P.

“Eric performed at a friend’s birthday party and was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone! His voice and guitar playing are truly amazing. He played a wide range of cover songs familiar to all of us and was both mellow and engaging. I would hire him again!”

Patty T.

“Eric is one of the most professional musicians we have worked with. He checks in to confirm his dates, he promotes his gigs through social media and his networks, he arrives on time and is ready to go as scheduled. Eric is great with our guests, entertaining, engaging, patient and professional. He's a great musician and his catalog is a perfect fit for our space.”

Lisa M.