DEREK HIGHLIGHTS
Stuff People Say...
A native of Cole Harbour, Nova Scotia, Derek is the seventh of eight children. His penchant for attention from an early age has seen him perform extensively on grand stages for more than 20 years throughout Canada in many of the country’s most prestigious theatres, concert halls & casinos as well as in the United States and throughout Europe. He was educated at Dalhousie University (B.A.) in Halifax, Nova Scotia, and the recipient of numerous performance awards and a Diploma of Applied Arts in the prestigious Musical Theatre Program at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario.
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As a singer, Derek tends to relish in the realm of the American Pop Standard and is currently working on new and original material for an upcoming album. A veteran showman, Marshall has been fortunate to share the stage with such jazz luminaries as Dave Young, Alex Dean, Chris Robinson, Brigham Phillips, Bruce Harvey and others in many exclusive jazz clubs and lounges including Toronto’s Drake Hotel, Lula Lounge, Rex Hotel, Sutton Place Hotel and Mark McEwan’s North 44 Restaurant.
With director Chris McHarge, Derek co- authored and premiered Vegas Knights, a musical tribute to the greatest singers of 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s Las Vegas with music from the likes of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Tony Bennett and Tom Jones. Delivered with charm, wit and a modern sensibility by Marshall and backed by a core of live musicians, Vegas Knights hearkens to an era bound by Rat Pack sophistication and 1970’s superstars. Much to their delight, the show debuted as a hit and continues to be a terrific success in Canada and abroad including a feature engagement in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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“Vegas Knights is the perfect vehicle to showcase Derek’s talent and his passion for the legendary music of that era.” explains Stewart, Musical Director of Vegas Knights “He gives new validity to music which has stood the test of time and he truly engages the audience with his performance.”
Vegas Knights In Concert, which captures 12 outstanding tracks in a recording of a live performance, is a testament to that passion.
On the international stage, Derek has fulfilled several headline engagements at Casino Hohensyburg, Germany’s largest and most exclusive casino (opened in 1985 to great fanfare by Sammy Davis, Jr.), the glamourous Magna Racino in Vienna, Austria, the very swank Hotel Palomar in Dallas, Texas, and has had featured performances at many gala events in tours of Germany and Austria.
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In a vibrant career, Derek has been fortunate to share the stage with many of Canada’s finest artists in leading roles in an array of musical theatre gems including Guys and Dolls, Cabaret, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Little Shop of Horrors, Brigadoon, Bye Bye Birdie, South Pacific and many others. He has also worked closely with Canada’s leading playwright, Norm Foster, on several of his productions including, The Affections of May, The Last Resort and Jasper Station. Derek has also been seen to perform in many commercials for television and radio, in feature films, and voice work for commercial and corporate projects.
"Marshall imbues the style and cadence of the greats, caressing the lyric in his own rich, melodious voice, with a natural and effortless delivery."
- Barrie Advance
"This guy takes over the room from the start and never lets it go."
- Orillia Sun
"Marvellous pacing, rich vocals, great musicianship, and an entirely laid-back camaraderie with band members made Derek's show really something to lose yourself in for over 2 hours.”
- Welland Tribune
“Marshall was every bit as entertaining as any of the night club entertainers he paid tribute to, and equally as handsomely magnetic, and his easy-going rapport pulled audience members completely under his spell."
- Brantford Expositor
MY STORY
“Marshall is the guy with the smooth-as-silk voice coupled with high energy physical moves and personality plus.”
- Lake Erie Beacon
Hi, I’m Derek Marshall. For as long as I can remember, I’ve been singing songs. Growing up, there was always music playing in my house. I’m the seventh of eight Marshall children and our house was a fluid situation! Whether it was my brothers jamming out in the basement with one of their 70’s rock bands, my sisters or Mom playing the piano and singing, or a ukulele, guitar, tambourine, any manner of drums, the bagpipes, or even the full pipe and drum band rehearsing on our lawn in the summer, the Marshall’s house was alive with sound!
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The radio and the small record collection we had got put to the test as well. The first music that really caught my ear was the sweet voice of Elvis Presley. After watching his movies and his spontaneous predilection for bursting into song, I figured he would just show up one day at my house and do a concert for me! It fit with the musical theme that was happening then at 20 Landsdown Drive in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, so why wouldn't Elvis show up? I learned all of his songs so I would be ready to hop on stage when he gave me the nod. I worked on my shaky leg, my twitchy lip and pulled a curl down on my forehead. Me and the King singing Don’t Be Cruel. Then 1977 came and went and I knew he wasn’t gonna show up, but the sound of big bands and Frank Sinatra caught my ear and I was hooked on crooning and haven’t looked back.
I guess I started with the sound of the 1970’s and drifted back in time until I found my niche. To date, I’ve done hundreds of live performances all over Canada, the USA and many in Europe, too, and I know one thing - if I can put a smile on one person’s face, then it’s a good day and I’ve done my job. I’m blessed to be able to do what I love and I don’t plan on hanging up the mic anytime soon. Stay tuned for more show dates and make sure you stop by after the show and say hello - I’ll be in the lobby shaking hands.
“Derek Marshall’s performance is smooth & elegant, perfect even to the irresistible gleam in his eye. A masterpiece.”
- Magdeburger Volksstimme
