ABOUT ERIC
Composer/Guitarist Eric McKenna combines a finger-style approach with creative zeal in forging a distinctive sound informed from some of the world's great musical traditions. Weaving together threads of Spanish flamenco, traditional Celtic, Classical, and Americana, Eric's original music is a contemporary tapestry of historic impressions. Sponsored by MacNichol Guitar & Mandolin, Eric’s demonstration videos of Breedlove, Rainsong, CA Guitars and Weber Mandolins has reached over 1,000,000 viewers since 2012. Eric performs solo acoustic instrumental guitar, is a member of the Celtic Jazz Ensemble SYNKOFA, plays electric lead guitar & mandolin for the rock band November Hotel, and performs in a duet with cellist Aisha Zuiter. He directs music at the Open Classroom charter school, teaches private instrument lessons, and hold a master's degree from the University of Utah in Fine Arts Teaching. He currently chairs the Music Committee of the Millcreek Arts Council
A player of brass instruments throughout childhood, Eric first entered the world of strings and frets when he picked up the guitar at the age of 15 in his Northern California home. He studied classical guitar at The Colorado College under guitarist Dale Miller. He performed for four years in the Colorado College Guitar Ensemble. Since arriving in Salt Lake City, Eric has performed as a solo musician and played lead guitar and mandolin for bands such as the Irish infused pub-rockers The Revelators, the progressive-folkies of Naked April, the alt-country/indie band Big Mirror, and jazz-infused rock band November Hotel. In 2003, Eric completed his first CD of original music, Seven Sails. The album is an evocative musical journey inspired by the northern California coastline and infused with a rite of passage concept. Highlighted by performances on guitar, cello, violin and piano, several pieces are often included in SYNKOFA’s set list since he joined the group in 2012. In 2021, he completed his second full length instrumental album, Dry Spell. Inspired by the red rock desert, Dry Spell is the high water mark of Eric's compositional creativity and includes exceptional performances from Jonni Lightfoot (bass), Aisha Zuiter (cello) and Theresa Ellis (violin). Eric’s musical repertoire also includes the mandolin, Celtic Bouzouki, 12-string and electric guitars. As a solo guitarist Eric was sponsored and endorsed in 2013 by guitar maker Jesse Stearn, and proudly plays a uniquely hand-made redwood OM model crafted by the exceptional luthier
Composer/Guitarist Eric McKenna combines a finger-style approach with creative zeal in forging a distinctive sound informed from some of the world's great musical traditions. Weaving together threads of Spanish flamenco, traditional Celtic, Classical, and Americana, Eric's original music is a contemporary tapestry of historic impressions. Sponsored by MacNichol Guitar & Mandolin, Eric’s demonstration videos of Breedlove, Rainsong, CA Guitars and Weber Mandolins has reached over 1,000,000 viewers since 2012. Eric performs solo acoustic instrumental guitar, is a member of the Celtic Jazz Ensemble SYNKOFA, plays electric lead guitar & mandolin for the rock band November Hotel, and performs in a duet with cellist Aisha Zuiter. He directs music at the Open Classroom charter school, teaches private instrument lessons, and hold a master's degree from the University of Utah in Fine Arts Teaching. He currently chairs the Music Committee of the Millcreek Arts Council
A player of brass instruments throughout childhood, Eric first entered the world of strings and frets when he picked up the guitar at the age of 15 in his Northern California home. He studied classical guitar at The Colorado College under guitarist Dale Miller. He performed for four years in the Colorado College Guitar Ensemble. Since arriving in Salt Lake City, Eric has performed as a solo musician and played lead guitar and mandolin for bands such as the Irish infused pub-rockers The Revelators, the progressive-folkies of Naked April, the alt-country/indie band Big Mirror, and jazz-infused rock band November Hotel. In 2003, Eric completed his first CD of original music, Seven Sails. The album is an evocative musical journey inspired by the northern California coastline and infused with a rite of passage concept. Highlighted by performances on guitar, cello, violin and piano, several pieces are often included in SYNKOFA’s set list since he joined the group in 2012. In 2021, he completed his second full length instrumental album, Dry Spell. Inspired by the red rock desert, Dry Spell is the high water mark of Eric's compositional creativity and includes exceptional performances from Jonni Lightfoot (bass), Aisha Zuiter (cello) and Theresa Ellis (violin). Eric’s musical repertoire also includes the mandolin, Celtic Bouzouki, 12-string and electric guitars. As a solo guitarist Eric was sponsored and endorsed in 2013 by guitar maker Jesse Stearn, and proudly plays a uniquely hand-made redwood OM model crafted by the exceptional luthier