Event Overview
Derek James is a Wisconsin-based singer-songwriter who had an early and unorthodox start to his music career. At 16, Derek picked up an acoustic guitar, and was soon playing in supper clubs and hosting open mics professionally. While attending college, Derek won the Great River Folk Festival singer-songwriter award after submitting an EP of songs he had recorded live over coffee with Mike Stidolph (Randy Travis Band) and Alden Hedges (American Aquarium).
Fatherhood came next for him. The same year he graduated from college, Derek’s daughter was born and served as the inspiration for his next musical project. Acting as the group’s principal songwriter, Derek helped to form a collective of musicians called Raising Red (a nod to his daughter’s red hair). Derek has since released 2 full-length studio albums with his bandmates in Raising Red, and a 3rd solo album, Love & War, which he released in late 2024.
Derek has opened up for the Bellamy Brothers, Nelson, Cole Ritter and the Night Owls, Wayland (acoustic), and Scotty McCreery as the Crystal Grand VIP lounge artist while performing in clubs, wineries, and dive bars throughout the Midwest. His music is best described as authentic, gritty Americana with Rocky undertones and a Pop-influence that comes from being a '90s kid. Derek's music is available to download & stream on all major platforms, from both Raising Red and Derek James Music.