Derek Woods , a native of Greensburg , started the band that bears his name about 11 years ago . The talented musician sings and plays both electric and acoustic guitar , as well as the harmonica .
“ We played a lot around southwestern Pennsylvania and the tri-state area , but each year we started picking up gigs farther away — upstate New York , Ocean City , Maryland , the Hard Rock Café on Hollywood Boulevard in L . A . and Tennessee ,” says Derek .
That was not his first time playing in Los Angeles . Before he formed the band , he lived in California . “ I was playing solo . I did a handful of shows in L . A . and released a song . But I decided to come back to Pennsylvania ,” he explains .
The Derek Woods Band has been described as Americana rock with some pop rock . But Derek maintains , “ We all love different styles . We try to skim along several genres .”
One thing that audiences agree on is that the music has a lot of energy , and that the band puts on an entertaining show . There ’ s no pyrotechnics or massive light show , just entertaining music that attracts a broad audience .
The music videos for the band on YouTube are well-shot and fun to watch . One in particular has gained a lot of attention . “ Don ’ t Look Away ” is a popular song for the group , but its video has been watched even more because of a puppet that is a mini cloth version of Derek .
“ I always wanted to collaborate with someone on a ‘ Sesame Street ’ type of thing . I grew up watching musicians on ‘ Sesame Street ,’ and I really liked the idea of that . My videographer , Jamie Wright of Division Street Films , helped me to put it together .”
They searched and found a person to make the puppet , Jonny Builds Puppets . The artist lives in California and worked from a photograph . He created an adorable puppet that closely resembles Derek . Even the puppet ’ s jewelry mirrors Derek ’ s accessories .
Two professional puppeteers , Sean Glass and Dave McCabe , were hired for the video , which was filmed entirely in Pittsburgh . The video won two Lit Talent Awards for “ Best Art Music Video ” and “ Best Music Video .”
The band is scheduled to play at Gobbler ’ s Knob in Punxsutawney for the famous Groundhog Festival on Feb . 2 . A crowd of 30,000 is expected .
Soon , the Derek Woods Band will release a new album . Fans can follow on Facebook . To watch the puppet video and other music videos , visit the YouTube channel at youtube . com /@ derekwoodsband / featured . n
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