Gem City Style: Musician Erika Kuhn

Jessica Hunter

Jessica Hunter invited local musician Erika Kuhn to her downtown studio to discuss her story, her career in the local music scene and in children's music education, as well as her personal sense of style.

The first time I saw Erika perform I was captivated.

At 31, she's become a commanding voice – both literally and figuratively – within Erie's music scene. A dynamic vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, educator, and proud mother to a 6-year-old daughter, Erika balances it all with soul, poise, and purpose. In the midst of planning her wedding, she still finds time to light up local stages and mentor young artists at World of Music and St. George School.

"I don't like the idea of staying in one box," Erika says. "I want to be able to go where the feeling goes."

That fluidity defines her music. A blend of soul, jazz, gospel, and R&B pulses through her work, drawing from influences like Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston, Beyoncé, Tracy Chapman, and Yebba. But even with echoes of her idols, Erika's voice is unmistakably her own – rich, expressive, and emotionally honest. She laughs as she says she received the nickname "Erika Keys" when she was starting out.

Music found her early. Born and raised in Erie, she grew up in a household with gospel and classic soul on rotation. After attending Slippery Rock University to study music therapy, she returned home and got to work – performing and teaching.

Teaching, as it turns out, has been an unexpected love. "I just wanted a part-time job after college," she laughs, "but once I started teaching, it made me love music even more. You have to break it down, explain it in new ways – it made me think differently." At World of Music, she offers lessons in voice, piano, and guitar, while also directing a children's musical at the elementary school.

Erika's expressive flair doesn't stop with her music. Her fashion is as fluid and personal as her sound. "I'm always changing it up. One day I'm in streetwear, the next I'm in full glam," she says. "It's all about expressing where I am emotionally – and that's what my music does too." Big earrings, bold eyeliner, and boots with personality: "I like to wear something that makes me feel powerful and present. If I feel good, I sing better."

She sees Erie's creative community growing stronger. "There are so many amazing artists here – poets, musicians, dancers – and I think we really fully support each other," she notes. "I'd love to see more collaborative spaces and platforms that let us grow together."

When asked what keeps her rooted in Erie, her answer is simple: "This is home. And there's something beautiful about creating where you were raised. I want to be part of making our community even more vibrant."

In a city where creativity and community go hand-in-hand, Erika Kuhn stands out as both a captivating performer and a dedicated mentor. From the spotlight to the classroom, she's crafting a legacy rooted in connection, creativity, and soul.

Find out where to catch Erika live this summer on her Facebook at facebook.com/erikakuhnmusic

Gem City Style is a monthly column featuring an intimate Q&A with someone making a creative impact in Erie. If you or someone you know would make a good fit for a future Gem City Style, email jessica@eriereader.com