Helix Brewing Co.

Jerry Gombatto has performed professionally as a vocalist and instrumentalist for over 30 years – entertaining crowds by singing and playing piano, acoustic guitar and harmonica. His performances include well-known songs, unique covers and original music. He has extensive experience and is comfortable performing at all types of events and venues (cocktail receptions, corporate events, weddings, private parties, bars, clubs, lounges and restaurants). He has a strong track record of being professional, reliable and easy to work with. Jerry grew up singing and performing 50s doo-wop and old-school rock ’n’ roll. He later developed a passion for classical music and trained for several years to be an opera singer, earning a degree in music and vocal performance. His formal and informal training laid a solid foundation to support his love of songwriting and prepared him to be a creative artist, both as a soloist and as a member/leader of many bands over the years. Jerry’s broad and versatile musical style spans singer/songwriter ballads, rock ‘n’ roll, honkytonk, country, folk, soul and rhythm & blues. His performances are inspired and influenced by artists such as Bob Dylan, Neil Young, James Taylor, Jerry Garcia, Tom Petty, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, Paul McCartney, John Lennon, Ray Charles, Little Walter and many more!

Acoustic guitar, vocals, harmonica, live looping done on the spot with no pre-recorded tracks, and the occasional use of a drum machine when appropriate. I am available for your private events, as well as public spaces such as restaurants, wine tasting room, breweries, bars, and more. San Diego, CA born and raised, I am a local musician with a lifetime of musical experience, first learning the piano from his mother at a very young age. From there he went on to take drum lessons starting at the age of five, only to pick up a guitar four years later and it was love at first chord. I have been performing publicly for well over 20 years. At the age of 16 I played my first show with rock band, Rose of Sharon, opening for local punk band, Dogwood. I later went on to join another rock band, Pound Foolish, and tour up and down the coast of California. From there I expanded my musical horizons to join Irish fiddle rock band, Lexington Field, adding banjo, mandolin, guitar, harmonica and backing vocals to their lineup. Notable events included a sold out show at The Bellyup Tavern in Solana Beach on Saint Patrick’s Day. Also, while growing up playing music in church, I spent my 20’s as a fill-in worship leader for many churches, leading bands and congregations during their main weekend services, as well as leading youth group bands. With all these years of experience, I was ready for a new challenge, to perform as a one-man-show, with only my guitar, microphone, and harmonica to back me up. I have added a few tools along the way, such as live looping done on the spot without pre-recorded tracks, to help fill out my sound. I enjoy playing at places such at The Shores Restaurant and Hotel in La Jolla, Helix Brewing Company, La Mesa Wine Works, San Pasqual Wine Tasting Room and Art Gallery, Turtle Rock Ridge Winery, and Trevi Hills Vineyards, just to name a few. I am also available to hire for your private events as well. I provide all sound equipment and gear needed to perform, all I needs is an outlet to plug into. I span multiple different genres, from pop, rock, country, and alternative. Playing anything from Adele to Weezer, and everything in between. Hits from the 60’s, such as The Beatles, 90’s alternative, like Matchbox 20, and even more modern hits by the likes of Chris Stapleton. Always doing my best to read the room, and make sure everyone is having a great time. I pride myself on having a wide variety of music to choose from to fit into any environment.