Derek DeMuth at Rock & Rails

This past week's Rock & Rails concert had a unique opening performance by the talented Derek DeMuth. Despite the threatening weather, many came to enjoy this young artist's great music.

Derek plays his guitar in a unique fashion creating a kaleidoscope of musical color and sounds encompassing the spectrum. Derek uses his hands to tap the guitar in a percussive manner giving the illusion of full band accompaniment.

When Derek is playing his guitar, he seems to wrap himself around the instrument slapping, tapping and strumming almost simultaneously to create his music. A quick on-line search finds 10 of his most popular songs all of his own creation. A very gifted instrumentalist and songwriter. Derek grew up in Golden, and now hails from Boulder. A true Colorado native. Derek has played the acoustic guitar about 20 years and has self-taught this new emerging acoustic percussive guitar style sound.

Derek played songs of his own and from Andy McKee. One uniquely African toned song reminded of the song "Africa" from Toto. Other songs played included "Different Wavelength", "Forgiveness", and "Dragons Dream". John Studholme, a resident Niwotian, and well-known local piano artist commented on the unique and highly entertaining style Derek shares. John really enjoyed the performance which lasted about an hour in the cool overcast setting at Whistle Stop Park.

Next up for the Rock & Rails opener on July 7th, Niwotians will be entertained by the well-known, Grammy nominee, and Emmy winning composer-singer Mark Oblinger. Mark plays an eclectic mix of popular acoustic guitar music everyone will enjoy and recognize.