Erick Costello

Eric took on the stage name Erick Costello for several reasons. Costello is Eric's family name on his mother's side. His mother, Karen Costello Matthews, first taught him how to sing, dance and act as a young boy and pushed him through his shyness to find comfort in performing in front of large audiences. The surname was also chosen as a tribute to his late cousin, Sean Costello, who tore through the Blues music scene as a prodigy on the guitar throughout his career. Besides touring with many of the great's including B.B. King, he was the band director, lead guitarist and vocalist for Susan Tedeshi's breakout album which was nominated for a Grammy in 2000 in the category of Best New Artist. Sean was solely responsible for Eric falling in love with edgy vocals and soulful, gritty blues. Watching him perform straight from the depths of his soul helped plant the seed to wonder if Eric too might have a voice worth sharing with the world. Eric also comes from a strong musical family on his father's side of the family, going generations back. His father, John Kurzenberger, exposed Eric to an eclectic array of musical genres from very early on, listening to the musical magick of Stevie Wonder while still in his mother's womb. Eric never would  have acquired such an immersive and eclectic musical education without his father's intense and undying appreciation for music and the thoughtful, tender care with which he passed on this passion, which influences Eric's musicality to this very day. 

Recently I attended a plant medicine ceremony where Eric was one of the guides for the retreat. I was, in fact, hoping for a divine experience but was to say the least, a bit skeptical. My skepticism in the potential impact of what I was about to embark on, may have originated from a plethora of factors; the foreign nature of the process coming from a military background, Christian faith-based religion, traditional values, conservative views and an older generation, being over 60. The ceremony took place in a beautiful location, that did in fact feel sacred, but I did remain at least, in part, skeptical even as it began. I don’t know how, but it appeared Eric sensed this in me. He came around the room to anoint each participant with oils and prayer to initiate the ceremony.  When he finally put his hands on me, I felt an immediate warmth throughout my body slowly descend down from where he had his hands on my shoulders all the way down to the tips of my toes. Once again I am uncertain how Eric intuited what I needed midway through the ceremony, but he was right there with a calm word, a gentle touch, or an appropriate question for me, checking in with how I was doing. Even with the fear of delving into the unknown and uncertain, as this was all new to me, I felt more confident in his presence than I have felt in many years and more comfortable amidst all the discomfort than I was able to be throughout a variety of other potentially and actual unnerving experiences throughout my life. I cannot explain how or why about any of this ... it simply just was and is true. The ceremony itself was a wonderful experience and included music that Eric also helped to produce. I was blessed to sit next to the musicians in the ceremony space which was a delight being a musician for the entirety of my life, from a young boy to now.  The music throughout the entire evening was exquisite, of the highest caliber and moved me deeply throughout the entire journey. After the ceremony had ended, everyone else had moved on into different rooms to allow me and one other participant to continue who were still journeying, everyone ... except Eric. Eric stayed with us and tended to us, to ease us through the remainder of our process whether it was with providing us with an extra blanket when the chills came on or grounding us.  I highly recommend getting to know Eric to enjoy his intuitive, spiritual, and peaceful nature.

"To start, it's difficult to put into words how important Eric was in our healing journey. He is a magical human being and we are grateful to have met him. We recently received guidance from him at a retreat in Idyllwild. Although there we were part of a group of 12, Eric provided individualized support to everyone. His therapy comes in many forms. He provided reiki when someone was struggling in the process, allowing them a shift in energy for deeper healing. He sings and plays music so beautifully, somehow always perfect for wherever you are and what you need at the moment. Above all, he creates a safe, sacred space for vulnerability, sharing, connection, and love. A shoulder to cry on, a therapist to provide emotional support and direction, a one-man band playing incredible symphonies. Eric is empathic and profoundly intuitive. There were times when we needed help and without saying a word he appeared to comfort us. If you have any hesitations about being safe in a psychedelic retreat, we highly recommend working with Eric. You will be in the best possible care. He radiates a profound love and responsibility for your journey that carries far beyond the retreat. Thank you, Eric, for sharing your gift with us."