Carl Winter, Multi-instrumentalist

Carl brings the spirit of classic rock and pop to life as a solo multi-instrumentalist. Armed with two state-of-the-art synthesizers, a guitar (played in his unique self-taught "horizontal" style), and a laptop, Carl produces an authentic full-band sound all on his own – no other players needed.

Carl’s performances are musical time machines that transport listeners back to the golden era of rock and pop. He faithfully covers legendary artists and crowd-favorite songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, ensuring there’s something for everyone. With lively vocals and skillful keyboard and guitar work, Carl gets audiences singing along and dancing to timeless classics.

Carl has been playing music most of his life. He started playing piano at age 5 under the tutelage of his mother, a piano teacher. He was encouraged to improvise and to play by ear. He discovered early on that he had perfect pitch, allowing him to easily play songs immediately after hearing them.

He played in numerous bands throughout high school, college, and during his adult life. Since 2019, he has provided keyboards, guitar, and vocals for the popular Northern California band Keep On Truckin', a tribute band playing the music of the Woodstock Generation.

Carl is an experienced solo performer. In addition to his current musical efforts, he combined his scientific training as Professor of Food Science at the University of California, Davis with music to develop humorous and educational parodies of popular songs to teach about his specialty area of food safety. As an award-winning educator known as the "Elvis of E. coli" and the "Sinatra of Salmonella," he presented nearly 300 live concerts in 37 states and distributed more than 30,000 of his self-produced CDs and DVDs.

Sample Song List:

Beatles – Yesterday
Beatles – Golden Slumbers
Doors – Love Her Madly
Smashmouth – All Star
Eric Clapton – Layla (unplugged)
Eric Clapton – Wonderful Tonight
The Cars – Let’s Go
Santana – El Farol
Elton John – Funeral for a Friend
Procol Harem – Whiter Shade of Pale
Romantics – What I Like About You
Steely Dan – Peg
Steely Dan – Deacon Blues
Jimmy Eat World – The Middle
Eagles – Desperado
Eagles – New Kid in Town
Billy Joel – My Life
Billy Joel – Just the Way You Are
Loggins & Messina – Your Mama Don’t Dance
Edgar Winter – Frankenstein
Atlanta Rhythm Section – Spooky
Bruce Springsteen – I’m on Fire
Bachman-Turner Overdrive – Takin’ Care of Business
Allman Brothers – Jessica
Queen – Bohemian Rhapsody
Champs – Tequila
Dire Straits – Walk of Life
John Lennon – Imagine
John Lennon – Watching the Wheels
Dobie Gray – Drift Away
Peter Frampton – Baby I Love Your Way
Booker T & the MGs – Green Onions
Harold Faltermeyer – Beverly Hills Cop Theme
ZZ Top – Cheap Sunglasses
Steve Miller Band - Swingtown