About Me
I find the greatest joy in the personal interpretation of song. It allows us to connect with the emotional experience, be it soulful and somber or upbeat and raucous, and when we make that connection between the performer, the audience and the song, it is magic!
My introduction to music began in the desert of the Southwest, where I was born and raised. I grew up listening to a wide variety of music early on in my childhood. My mother wanted me to be a violinist, considering that to be more sophisticated, but I was always drawn to the guitar. I took violin lessons at an early age and my mother made me practice every day. It was only after practicing the violin that I would be allowed to pick up the guitar. Once I was finally able to get my hands on the guitar, I would play for hours on end and sing the songs of the day. I loved to sing and play the guitar and found a great connection to the world and its people through music. In later years I have come back to the violin and I only wish my mother were still around so I could thank her for getting me started on this beautiful instrument.
My parents took me to see Carlos Montoya, a flamenco guitarist performing at the local Jr. College. I was mesmerized by his performance and completely drawn to classical guitar and finger style guitar playing. Singing songs and playing technical finger style guitar became my passion. I was hooked!
My greatest musical influences have been Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, Richie Havens, James Taylor and, of course, the rock and roll of the 60’s and 70’s.
Upcoming Shows & Performances
09/12/08
Venue: Scruffy Murphy's Irish Pub
Address: 2030 Larimer St., Denver
Time: 8:30 p.m. 'til Close
10/10/08
Venue: Scruffy Murphy's Irish Pub
Address: 2030 Larimer St., Denver
Time: 8:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.
10/17/08
Venue: Bucksnort Saloon
Address: Bucksnort Saloon Sphinx Park, CO
Time: 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
11/08/08
Venue: La Dolce Vita
Address: 5756 Olde Wadsworth Blvd., Arvada
Time: 7:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.
11/28/08
Venue: Bucksnort Saloon
Address: Sphynx Park, CO
Time: 8:00 p.m. til Midnight
11/29/08
Venue: Bucksnort Saloon
Address: Sphynx Park, CO
Time: 8:00 p.m. til Midnight
Friends
- Hold Fast Creative TheHoldFast.com
- Hold Fast Creative is the design boutique of Denver based designer, Derek Balmer. He specializes in graphic design, web design and mobile website design.