THE MAN BEHIND THE EVENTS

Since 1987 Derek Lewis has been embracing challenges and crafting grand vision to fruition through his unique talent in audio engineering and event production. He is recognized as an innovative, pioneering, and strategic planner. Derek soared in his career formerly Vice President of BET Event Productions he started his own Company DAL Productions Inc. In his private life, he is a loving husband, devoted father and an uncompromising friend.

Career Overview

Derek graduated from DeVry Institute of Electronic Technology 1979 and launched his career as the Technical Manager of Audio Visual Services at Pratt Institute. His career took off when he began touring with Freddie Jackson as a Sound Engineer, later earning a position as Road Manager. He gained extensive experience and worked with entertainment pioneers such as Melissa Morgan, Najee, Randi Crawford, George Howard, Alex Bugnon, and BeBe Winans. He has also worked as the technical director and sound engineer for the Boys Choir of Harlem. PKB Arts & Entertainment hired Derek in 1992 based on his stellar reputation. He fulfilled concurrent roles as a Production Manager and Chief Sound Engineer. Derek quickly cemented his brand as a hands-on, detailed oriented, passionate, and creative professional, achieving an appointment as Vice President. later joining BET (Black Entertainment Television). He gained the respect of industry pros and repeatedly impressing the toughest critics in a challenging industry, penetrating channels via his work. While Derek’s qualifications include budget management, venue sourcing /design, logistics, coordination, staffing, and promotions –he is equally exceptional in relationship building. Derek has established and nurtured strong relationships with artist Patti Austin, Ramsey Lewis, Wynton Marsalis, Doug E Fresh, George Benson, Roberta Flack, Jeffery Osborne, Harry Belafonte, Mike Phillips, Monty Alexander, BeBe Winans, Earl Klugh, and Alex Bugnon to name a few. He has consistently surpassed expectations in the production of memorable events in television, entertainment, non-profit, marketing, festivals, and most recently in fundraisers.

CREDIT HIGHLIGHTS

Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, Anguilla Jazz Festival, Bermuda Jazz Festival, British Virgin Island Music Festival, Cayman Jazz Festival, DC Jazz Festival, Durban South Africa Jazz Festival, J&R Music World Jazz Festival, Ghana Jazz & Heritage Festival, St. Vincent Blues & Rhythm Festival, Trinidad Pan Jazz Festival, Turks & Caicos Cultural Music Festival, and the world renowned St. Lucia Jazz Festival which he has produce for 23 years. Executive in Charge of Production and Post Audio Supervisor for Soul Train Awards. He has worked on other projects including the Washington International Horse Show, Charlotte Jumper Classic Horse Show, Magic Johnson Foundation’s “Midsummer Nights Magic”, Global Rights Partners for Justice Gala, International Radio and TV Society Foundation Holiday Benefit, Cable Positive (a TV industry event), Fubu St. Martin Music Festival, and Coors Roots of the Rhythm tour. Live DVD’s for BeBe Winans live CD and DVD album (2003 Grammy Nomination), Randy Weston, Acoustic Alchemy, Melba Moore, Taj Mahal, EnVouge, Stephanie Mills, BabyFace, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia and Angie Stone. In the sports world, he is also credited with the production and live broadcast of professional boxing and college football events.

Awards

Derek Lewis a Grammy Award winner for sound engineering The Experience, Live album by Gospel Star Yolanda Adams, 2009 Les Trophe’e & Arts des Afro Caribe’ens Personality of the Year, 2012 Telly Award 28 years of Experience Although seasoned and an expert in the production of captivating and successful events across multiple platforms, Derek describes himself as a loyal, hardworking and humble professional who thinks of production goals before personal gain. His work continues to be evident of his talent and passion.