Local Musician Spotlight: Eric Gunnison Candace LeGault Share Eric Gunnison is a happy man who has lived the dreams and aspirations of his youth. It shows in his playing, and in his serene personality. Before meeting Eric for this interview, I heard numerous people say “He’s a really, really nice guy.” And he is! Although primarily raised near Buffalo, New York, Eric lived for some time in Bangkok, Thailand. This gave him a desire to travel extensively and see the world. Growing up with musical parents gave him the dream of becoming a musician. Eric’s mother was a fine opera singer; his dad played drums as a sideline to his full-time work. Listening to big band music with his father inspired him. So young Eric began playing drums on his father’s set and with parental coaching became good enough to take paying gigs through his high school years.