2024 Adjudicators

Eric is an American Guitarist hailing from the rural countryside in northern Wisconsin. Raised on classic and psychedelic rock, Eric cut his teeth sitting in with the cover bands of the area playing songs by CCR, Bob Segar, and Three Dog Night to name a few. He went on to receive a formal music education studying contemporary and jazz guitar, arranging, and composition. He spent his postsecondary years travelling on cruise ships, performing Vegas style production shows, backing guest entertainers, and playing in bands covering anything from Ballroom Dance to 80s Rock.

After time in the Toronto area as a writer/arranger for hire and playing with notable Toronto based groups such as Legends of Motown, SOULidified, and La República, Eric and his wife Amanda moved to Stratford where he now plays lead guitar with Downie Street Collective [Andy Allen (rhythm guitar), Mark Ballyk (drums), Scott Beaudin (lead vocals), Peter Dixon (bass)]. Not wanting to be a generic indie/alternative band, DSC's style is ever-changing. Chameleon-like. How, then do you describe the Downie Street Collective sound? Easy. Take Classic Rock from the 70's onwards, add a cup or two of alternative 80's and 90's, pour it in your music blender and set it on high!