Derik Nelson - Live in Lacey!

Join us for one or both of these free live performances by one of Olympia's own. On Friday, Derik will be performing in Downtown Olympia for Arts Walk and First Friday! On Saturday, enjoy great coffee and great networking with other Bizniks at Forza Coffee in Lacey.

Check out my profile video or Visit http://DerikNelson.com for a preview!

Derik Nelson is a self-taught guitarist and pianist, and wrote and recorded two full length CDs before graduating from high school.

Derik first stepped into the spotlight at age seven as a musical theatre performer. After 50 full-scale theatrical productions, recognition from the Lincoln Center Archives in New York, and a nomination for best high school actor in the State of Washington by the 5th Avenue Theatre in Seattle, Derik has refined his love for the stage with a passion for performing original music.

After picking up the guitar and saxophone at an early age, Derik Nelson soon began mapping out ideas, emotions, and experiences in the form of music. Years later, at the age of 17, Derik completed his debut studio record, "Remembering Tomorrow." The album is laced with emotions and thoughts ranging anywhere from heartbreak, desire, and individual reflections to moving away to a new house, future wives, and 50 year old girls in Canada.

Derik studied music technology at the University of Michigan for a year, with a concentration in voice as a jazz singer. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree in Music Industry at the University of Southern California, where he was recently awarded the Brian Wilson Music Scholarship for songwriting.

Influenced by John Mayer, Sting, and Dave Matthews, Derik incorporates catchy guitar riffs, fluid piano melodies, smooth rhythm layers, and conversational lyrics to compliment his rich vocal lines and fresh contemporary style.

Derik had the privilege of meeting with world renown composer Stephen Schwartz. Of Derik's music, Mr. Schwartz says:

"It is obvious that you [Derik] are an extremely talented writer and musician.

I particularly like how intelligent and thoughtful your lyrics are -- I have found that to be quite unusual in the writing of all but the most talented people your age. But your music is also imaginative, personal, and skillful."