Eric Dawson: A Visionary in Music & Community Arts

Born and raised in Kinston, NC, Eric Dawson’s journey in music began in the most organic way—at home, surrounded by his father’s guitar and the impromptu jam sessions of local musicians. By the age of 10, he was already composing on the keys, and at 11, inspired by Grover Washington Jr., he picked up the saxophone, setting the stage for a lifelong passion.

Though naturally talented, Eric initially kept his gift for playing under wraps, carving out his reputation as a composer and producer within the Hip Hop and R&B scene. His early work landed him production gigs with rising artists, showcasing a rare blend of creativity and versatility.

His collegiate years at Elizabeth City State University (ECSU) and later North Carolina Central University (NCCU) opened doors into the world of jazz. He performed alongside legendary musicians such as Branford Marsalis, John Faddis, and Fred Wesley—who once compared him to the great Earl Bostic. Bolstered by the encouragement of his jazz mentors, Eric took his talents to new heights.

Beyond his performance career, Eric has been a formidable force in North Carolina’s arts scene through leadership and collaboration in various organizations. In 2014, he joined forces with the Arts Council of Wayne County in Goldsboro, NC, to launch the Wayne County Jazz Showcase—a project that secured a $50,000 sponsorship from PNC Bank and boosted community participation by 500%. While managing and performing at the Showcase, he also briefly served on the board of directors for ARTS NC in 2015. In 2016, he stepped down to further expand the Showcase and was subsequently invited as an expert panelist on community engagement and diversity at the North Carolina Arts Council Executive Directors Retreat.

Shortly after the Wayne County Jazz Showcase concluded in 2017, Eric demonstrated his unwavering commitment to celebrating and preserving jazz heritage. In 2018, he collaborated with a constellation of esteemed partners—including Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, African American Music Trails, NC Arts Council, and Wilson Arts Center—to produce a two-day festival known as The Jazz Revival Project. This unique celebration featured the late, legendary jazz drummer Billy Kaye and was hosted by renowned jazz author and radio personality Larry "Reni" Thomas (notable for works like The Lady Who Shot Lee Morgan and his Netflix feature I Call Him Morgan).

Eric’s performance credentials continued to grow when, in September 2018, he captivated audiences at the National Folk Festival in Greensboro, NC. His expertise and natural charisma also earned him a spot on a panel alongside Grammy-nominated artist Dom Flemons, further solidifying his influence in the music community.

Over the years, Eric has been widely recognized in local magazines and newspapers across North Carolina for his dual roles as both an innovative performer and a dedicated arts advocate. Most recently, he served as the Performing Arts Coordinator for the Arts Council of Wayne County, reviving the Wayne County Jazz Showcase for the 2024-2025 season and curating music programs for art gallery openings. He is also a former member of the Goldsboro Arts District Program & Events Committee, part of the Downtown Goldsboro Development Corporation, where he continued to shape the region’s cultural landscape.

Whether captivating audiences on stage, orchestrating transformative festivals, or leading groundbreaking arts initiatives, Eric Dawson’s mission remains clear: to keep music vibrant and the arts thriving in North Carolina.