Before the Trees Was Strange

Derek Burrows – Musician - Storyteller- Filmmaker
Derek is a master storyteller, modern troubadour, and filmmaker, as well as a web designer, filmmaker and photographer. He is a co-founder, with Greg French and Gregory Fried, of the Mirror of Race project and is currently making a personal documentary called Before the Trees Was Strange.

One of four national storytellers, Derek was invited to the first National Book Festival sponsored by the White House and First Lady Laura Bush.
As a storyteller, Derek specializes in Afro-Caribbean and African Diaspora tales, among other styles and traditions, including his own compositions; he has been “telling” for over two decades in the New England area, across the country, and internationally (in both Spanish and English), and he often does work in schools, using stories to teach tolerance.
As a musician, Derek has performed for over 30 years with Voice of the Turtle (Derek sings, play flamenco guitar, bagpipes, flute, and many other instruments, medieval and modern).
Derek's singular style is filled with textures and colors, whether telling stories, playing music, leading workshops or presenting original works. Weaving together flights of the imagination with tones and rhythms, his dynamic presentations re-affirm the power of words and the commonly loved language of music. A true native of the Bahamas, he carries on the tradition of entertaining and educating wherever he goes, whomever he meets.