Music has a funny way of finding its way back to you.

I started playing back in high school at Mentor High, performing with a band at bowling alleys, graduation parties and local events. Then life happened. The guitar never completely went away, but for a lot of years, music was mostly something I played at home.

That changed after a night around a friend's bonfire. I picked up a guitar, played a few songs, and somewhere between the music and the reaction from friends, the spark came back. What started with a few basement recordings and YouTube videos soon turned into private parties, local bars and eventually the Northeast Ohio winery circuit we'd joked about playing someday.

These days, I'm a solo acoustic musician performing regularly throughout Northeast Ohio at wineries, restaurants, breweries, community events, private parties and corporate events. My shows are built around classic rock, country and acoustic favorites — familiar songs people know, songs they can sing along with, and a few unexpected ones along the way.

I've also had the opportunity to play with some great local musicians and bands, lead worship, and continue writing and recording my own original music. All of those experiences have shaped what I do as a solo performer.

For me, a good show isn't about being the loudest guy in the room. It's about good songs, a great atmosphere and connecting with the people who came out to spend an evening together.

It's been a pretty unexpected road from those high school gigs to playing shows all over Northeast Ohio.

And I'm still enjoying the ride.

— Eric Andrews