Next gigs (click on "Schedule" tab):  November 21st, Richmond Beach Coffee Company

Bill is currently performing with two musical projects. These include acoustic performances of rock, pop, blues and jazz and a new band “The Bill Derry Band” to play high energy classic rock for dances and shows. For acoustic performances Bill will perform solo or as a duo or trio and emphasize originals.  All feature challenging music and harmony parts with an emphasis on entertainment, quality music and multiple part harmonies.



The Bill Derry Band at Taste of the Nation, July, 2008
(left to right) Jim Freeman bass, Susan Moore guitar and vocals, Carl Lovgrean drums, Bill Derry guitar and lead vocals, Carlos Herrera congas, Melany Vorass acordian and vocals

The groups will play originals or covers as appropriate for the event. The make-up of the group will be adjusted to fit the character, size and location of the event – from soft acoustic to high-energy, high-volume rock shows. All of Bill’s musical partners are seasoned professional musicians with excellent musical skills and are people who have a lot of fun performing.

Musical influences for acoustic sets include the Eagles, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Uncle Kracker, Sugar Ray, Jimmy Buffet, Counting Crows, Bob Dylan, The Band and Bob Marley.

Classic rock influences include Stevie Ray Vaughn, Creedance, Van Morrison, ZZ Top, Santana, Wilson Pickett, Sam and Dave and the blues.

In Junior High, Bill followed his passion for music, started his first band and performed for the 9th grade graduation party with just himself and a drummer, Gary Jarr. The next year Bill and Gary added other musicians and became the Escorts. The Escorts played high school and college dances throughout the area including the lodge at the top of the chairlift at Snoqualmie Pass and they placed second in the battle of the bands at the Teen Fair at Seattle Center. The band lasted into the college years when the members scattered to other locations for college and careers. Bill also played in a competitive high school jazz band and went on to audition for and sing in the University of Washington Chorale.

In 1998, Bill sat-in with another band for a concert and got hooked again. He started a classic rock band BD & the Rockits which performed in the Northwest from 2003 through 2007 at festivals, clubs and private events. A partial list of performances (over 100) includes:

• 3 years at the Hops and Props event for the Museum of Flight
• Taste of Tacoma
• Bite of Seattle
• University Street Fair
• Fresh Paint Festival in Everett
• Red Hook Brewery in Woodinville

Although BD & the Rockits was successful and enjoyable, Bill decided he wanted to branch out and play more variety, more challenging musical styles and continue to grow as a diversified musician. So, Bill has launched into new musical projects. These include acoustic performances of rock, pop, blues and jazz and a new band “The Bill Derry Band” to play high energy rock for dances and shows. All feature more challenging music and harmony parts with an emphasis on entertainment, quality music and multiple part harmonies.  2008 performances include:

• coffee houses, clubs and restaurants
• a profesional conference
• a wedding and private parties
• Taste of the Nation at South Lake Union
• community festivals
• Central Markets at Mill Creek and Shoreline 

Cover Art by Pepper Peterson:    http://www.pepperpeterson.com/