| South Florida and other stuff |
| Wed, Nov. 14 2007 |
| "Home" and "Steps in the Sand" have done it again. The South Florida Folk Festival has chosen me as one of the 12 national finalists for their emerging artist showcase. What a thrill! In January, I will head to Ft. Lauderdale to perform both songs.
One of my friends I've met on the road this year, Jud Caswell, from Brunswick Maine is also a finalist. I look forward to seeing him in Florida. Over the past few months Jud has influenced me in many positive ways. Firstly, his songs simply speak for themselves. He is such a crafty word-smith and composer. He also has become a friend....taking time to talk with me about what his happening out there and sharing his experiences with me. And finally, he and another friend Randall Williams introduced me some guitar tunings that are transforming the way I play the guitar and write songs. The fruits of that collaboration will find root in the next crop of songs on which I am currently writing. You will notice a sharp difference in the acoustic sounds. This is very exciting for me because I have been in search of a certain sound over the years that I haven't been able to put my finger on exactly. What I am doing now is a big step on that learning curve.
Thanks for listening!
Peace- Derek |
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| Falcon Ridge Folk Festival- NY |
| Tue, Jul. 3 2007 |
| The two songs that won me entry into Kerrville New Folk and Wildflower songwriter showcases, were also just recently selected for The Falcon Ridge Folk Festival showcase. "Steps in the Sand" and "Home" have unexpectedly gathered some interest in the songwriting world this year. When I completed the recording of the new CD, I had not planned for these two songs to have such legs. I guess you just never know!
I will head to Hillsdale, NY (South of Albany) on July 26 and will perform on the main stage on July 27th! I am thrilled and honored to have been selected from 450 entrants and over 1000 songs.
While in New England, I will visit my hometown of Marlboro, MA and am trying to line up a show in that vicinity.
Hope to see you there!
Derek |
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| Wildflower and Kerrville Music Festivals |
| Thu, May. 31 2007 |
| Just when I thought maybe my best days as a creative person and songwriter were behind me, two of the biggest music festivals in the country let me know in no uncertain terms that at least two of my recent original songs are among the best they have heard this year. And...that they want me to perform them on a beautiful stage in front of a big, appreciative crowd. Well, that changes everything! I feel like maybe my best stuff is still ahead of me. These festivals attract music addicts, and lots of them. They come from miles around to hear mainly new music. Between the impeccable sound, lighting, and truly captive audiences, I felt like...maybe this is what it feels like to be a rock star. It was pretty intense though...it was so quiet during the songs that you would have heard my heart break had I missed any notes or clunked any strings on the guitar. Meeting the other players from around the country was humbling to say the least. I came back from both festivals feeling like I should head back to the tool shed and start something new...something better. Despite the empty, hollow feeling this type of realization brings forth, it is a necessary part of the growing process as a songwriter.
16 hours behind the windshield and rolling over 1000 miles of Texas pavement, gave me ample time to reflect on how lucky I am to have been selected by these two festivals at all, let alone in the same year. I am grateful and feel that the universe is sending me a message of some kind. At very least, I will continue to write. With some luck, maybe create demand for live shows. Its nice to be back in Houston. |
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| Opener for Albert & Gage |
| Sun, May. 6 2007 |
| If you have never heard Albert & Gage perform (www.albertandgage.com,) you need to! These guys can do it all. This past Saturday, I had the good fortune of opening their show at The Harmony Oaks Concert Series. What a beautiful venue. The stage is an outdoor raised deck covered by the largest, oldest Southern Oak I have ever seen. Chris and Christine were so easy to open for...with their outgoing and warm personalities, they made me feel welcome and at ease. After the show, some folks from the audience, our Hosts Saylor and Sheryl White, Melissa Sambrooks, Mark Beets, Kenyon White, Chris Gage, Christine Albert, and I sat around and played some songs before they had to head back to Austin. Chris and Christine hit the road, we played some more! What a great time we had swapping songs and jamming into the wee hours of the morning. I have been practicing hard and getting ready for The Wildflower Music Festival which is in just two weeks! Kerrville follows. |
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| Informal news and notes from Derek |
| Tue, Apr. 24 2007 |
| Thanks to all who attended the CD release concert in Houston last month. What a turnout. 130 of you and not a seat left in the house! I appreciate the tranquil environment you created and how tuned in to the music you were for the entire evening.
Since then, I have received some great news to share with you. I was selected to play in the Kerrville New Folk Concert Series and The Wildflower Emerging Songwriter Series. These two festivals are like the Holy Grails of songwriting and I am honored to have been selected this year.
I have been playing in some open mics around the city until some of these more formal engagements come due.
I hope you can make it out to one of the events in May or June....check the calendar page for details.
Thanks again!
Derek |
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