Gary Coco

Singer-guitarist-keyboardist Gary Coco is a familiar face on the local music scene, performing in neighborhood venues like Latitudes, Circles, JF Kicks, Woody’s River Roo, and Sunset Grill at Little Harbor.

“I would say I’m a career musician,” said Coco. “I’ve been playing in Florida for over 30 years.”

Coco’s solo act is an eclectic mix of classics by Eric Clapton, Pink Floyd, the Beatles, James Taylor, Cat Stevens, Matchbox 20, Tom Petty and the Eagles. He also includes a selection of Latin blues acoustic instrumentals by Santana, one of his favorite guitarists.

“I play the crowd-pleasers that everyone expects to hear, but I also include some songs I play just for myself,” Coco said, “guitar instrumentals that are more unusual and musically rewarding to me. It’s a double-win for everyone.”

At 54, Coco chooses to play just a few days a week at a select list of restaurant/bars that cater to a quieter, more mature audience.

“You don’t have to be loud to be good,” he said. “As an entertainer, I’m very aware of the comfort of the crowd. I want people to enjoy their dinner and conversation while they listen.”

Although he now considers himself a part-time performer, Coco remembers a time when he lived a much more hectic life — the life of a national touring musician chasing the glamour and gold of the U.S. music industry.