When Erik was invited to a contra dance in 1980, it was love right out of the starting block. The live traditional fiddle music, the way you danced with lots of people, and the joy of the dance community won his heart. At dance camps, Erik attended calling workshops, and learned to play the music. As his ability grew, he started calling at local dances. In 1986, San Luis Obispo was looking for a monthly caller, and they invited Erik. That same year, Erik started playing fiddle, and competed at the Santa Barbara Old-Time Fiddle Contest, where he won 3rd place in Adult Beginning Fiddle. A year later, he won 1st place in Adult Intermediate Fiddle. A year after that he won 3rd place in Advance Traditional Singing.
Over the years Erik has been sought out for calling and playing at various dance camps as well as touring throughout the U.S. and internationally, in England, Denmark, France, and Italy.