Erik Rozite

Musician • Songwriter • Community Builder

Erik Rozite was a musician, songwriter, community organizer, and longtime resident of Boulder Creek, California, whose warmth, creativity, and generosity made him a beloved figure throughout the San Lorenzo Valley. Best known for his contributions to the local music scene, he brought people together through live performances, collaborations, festivals, and countless community gatherings.
Born on March 3, 1964, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Erik developed an early appreciation for music and storytelling. After making his home in the Santa Cruz Mountains, he became deeply woven into the fabric of the region's arts and music culture. He performed with bands including Acoustic Shadows, Driftwood Alley, and Dirt Rakers, blending elements of rock, folk, country, bluegrass, blues, and Americana into music that reflected the character, resilience, and spirit of the mountain community he loved.
Beyond performing, Erik was known as a connector and encourager. He championed fellow musicians, organized events, and created opportunities for artists to share their work. Friends often described him as someone who could make newcomers feel immediately welcome and who genuinely enjoyed helping others discover and develop their talents.
Outside of his music, Erik was perhaps equally known for his lifelong affection for Newfoundland dogs—gentle, bear-like water rescue dogs that he affectionately referred to as his "Drool Pigs." His beloved companions, including Seamus, Shadow, and Gumbo, became an important part of his identity and creative spirit. What began as a personal passion evolved into one of the area's most unique community traditions: the Drool Pigs Festival.
Hosted annually among the towering redwoods of the Santa Cruz Mountains, the Drool Pigs Festival grew into a beloved grassroots celebration of music, friendship, and mountain culture. Over the course of more than a decade, Erik welcomed local bands, neighbors, friends, and visitors to gather in the forest for a day of live music, storytelling, laughter, and community. The festival embodied everything he valued—authenticity, creativity, hospitality, and bringing people together.
Erik's interests extended beyond music and dogs to include hiking, travel, local community events, and cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers. He approached life with curiosity, humor, and an appreciation for meaningful friendships. Whether on stage, around a campfire, or sharing a beer with friends, he had a remarkable ability to make people feel connected and at home.
Erik Rozite passed away unexpectedly on April 28, 2025. He is remembered not only for the songs he wrote and performed, but also for the community he helped build, the friendships he nurtured, and the traditions he created. His legacy lives on in the music that continues to be played, in the annual gatherings inspired by his vision, and in the countless lives he touched throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains and beyond.
For those who knew him, Erik's greatest gift was simple: he brought people together. And in doing so, he left behind a community stronger, richer, and more connected than he found it.