Bringing Folks Together Through Music! Meet Nicest Person Nominee Eric Goldstein

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Bringing Folks Together Through Music! Meet Nicest Person Nominee Eric Goldstein

July 27, 2026

- contributed by: Glenn Shuck

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Introduction and nominator: Casey Elise Zagaria … Eric is more than a musician, music promoter or an open mic organizer; he is the heartbeat of the First Coast music scene. His mission transcends the simple act of putting performers on a stage. He works tirelessly to bridge the gap between neighborhoods and genres, creating a unified “First Coast” sound that stretches from Fernandina down to St. Augustine.

In an industry that can often feel isolating or competitive, Eric has built a culture of collaboration. He provides a platform for emerging artists who might otherwise go unheard, ensuring the local community gets to experience the immense talent in its own backyard.

Beyond the notes on the page, he gives musicians a reason to keep playing. For many, these opportunities provide a vital sense of belonging and professional validation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Eric’s work is his inclusivity regarding age. In his world, music has no expiration date. He provides a safe space for young artists to find their voice, and honors the experience of older musicians, proving that passion and skill are lifelong pursuits. By bringing these different generations together, he ensures that musical traditions are passed down and that no one is “aged out” of their passion.

The result of his tireless effort is a more vibrant, connected, and soulful First Coast. He has turned “places to play” into “places to belong.” Because of his dedication, our community is richer, our local culture is stronger, and hundreds of individuals have found renewed life and purpose through the power of performance.

Bringing Folks Together Through Music!
Eric G Music / Lady & the Tramp

Two weeks ago, Eric Goldstein was running sound on two stages at once. It was “Legion-Palooza,” an all-day music fundraiser for Palm Valley American Legion Post 233, and by the time the last note played, the event was a full-blown success… one more proof point in a career built on exactly this kind of quiet, tireless work.

Eric and his wife have called Ponte Vedra home since 2018, and in his own words, what he loves most about the First Coast is simple: “the people and the vibrant music scene… oh, and the weather is pretty nice too.” He came to organizing almost by accident. As a new musician in the area, he started showing up to local open mics just to meet people and find places to play. What he found instead was a community. “The local musicians here on the First Coast are some of the nicest folks I’ve ever met,” he says, and that discovery became the whole mission: music is meant to be shared, so why not build more places to share it?

That mission has paid off in ways he never expected. Some of his favorite memories aren’t from the stage he built, but the friendships it handed him… meeting Casey Zagaria, now his bandmate in Lady & the Tramp, and Mark Hewitt, whom he plays alongside in PV Blues Project. He lights up talking about the jams too, the nights when a room full of musicians who’d never played together suddenly found the groove at the same time. “There is something magical,” he says, “about a group of musicians coming together on stage.”

That’s the throughline in everything Eric does. In an industry that can feel isolating and competitive, he built something different: a culture of collaboration where emerging artists get a real platform and older musicians never age out of the room. Young or old, new to town or a First Coast lifer, everyone gets a seat at the table.

The result is a First Coast that’s more vibrant, more connected, more soulful than it would be without him. He’s turned “places to play” into places to belong, and hundreds of local musicians have found renewed purpose because of it. This spotlight is our small way of saying: we noticed.

Connect with Eric:
📧 egoldstein65@gmail.com
📱 609-226-5440
📘 Facebook

How long have you lived here?
My wife and I have lived in Ponte Vedra since 2018.

What’s the best thing for you about living on the First Coast?
Without a doubt the people and the vibrant music scene. Oh, and the weather is pretty nice too!

What first drew you to organizing open mics and building the local music scene?
Music is meant to be shared, and putting together open mics and music showcases is a great way to share music and spread joy. As a new musician in the area, I began attending local open mics to meet other musicians and find places to play. The local musicians here on the First Coast are some of the nicest folks I’ve ever met.

Any favorite memories from your years of music promotion here?
Wow, where do I start? Well, first off, I was very fortunate to meet Casey Zagaria, who I now play with in Lady & Tramp and also Mark Hewitt, who I play with in PV Blues Project. Another great set of memories are some fantastic jams that happened at various events. There is something magical about a group of musicians coming together on stage and finding that groove!

Upcoming events/shows 2026:
Mon, 8/3, The Monday Music Showcase at Island Wings, Bartram Market
Fri, 8/14, Lady & the Tramp at Fionn MacCool’s in Ponte Vedra
Sat, 8/15, PV Blues Project at the Jacksonville Beach Moose
Mon, 8/17, The Monday Music Showcase at Island Wings, Bartram Market
Thurs, 8/20, Lady & the Tramp all original music show at the Green Turtle Kava Bar, St Augustine
Fri, 8/21, PV Blues Project at Hilary’s Chicago Pizza, St Augustine

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About the Author
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Glenn Shuck

Glenn is the founder and publisher of First Coast Life. He is also a wonderful storyteller. Born on the 4th of July, he spends his spare time taking his camera and exploring everything beautiful this region offers with his rescue dog Callie by his side. He loves meeting new people and capturing the many beautiful moments and amazing local stories that showcase the true spirit of the area.

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