Derek’s bio

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Derek was born
in the Bahamas
where storytelling was
a vital part of the
cultural tradition.

Derek has been telling
folktales, myths and
legends for many years.

email
derekbur@aol.com

A graduate of Berklee College of Music in Boston Massachusetts he has performed for the past 20 years with the International music group Voice of the Turtle, a group specializing in music of the Sephardic Jews.He has also performed as a solo classical guitarist, flutist and singer.

Derek is the recipient of a Massachusetts Artist Foundation Fellowship for Storytelling. He has received numerous other grants for his research work and funding from the Massachusetts Foundation for the Humanities for his compelling program "Reflecting Stories", about AIDS.

Derek performs in many settings from schools and libraries to Museums and Corporate functions. He has appeared as a keynote speaker and workshop leader in these venues and in the Medical field using stories to look at diversity, healing, cross-cultural understanding and conflict resolution.