Derrick Brown Derrick Brown, former paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne, gondolier, magician, and fired weatherman, now travels the world and performs his written work. As one of the most original and well-traveled writer/performers in the country, Derrick Brown has gained a cult following for his performance poetry all over the U.S. and through Europe. To date, Brown has performed at over 1100 venues and universities internationally including La Sorbonne in Paris and The Nuyorican Poets Café in NYC. The Austin-American Statesman described him as “one of the freshest, most moving poets you will ever see.” Known for a life-changing show that incorporates spoken word, music, and even visuals—Brown has made eight national book tours and four in Europe. His work on the page garnered him the California Independent Book Critics’ Award in 2004, and his performance poetry has won six first-place slam finishes in Venice Beach, England, and Germany. Hear what others have to say about Derrick Brown: "I love Derrick Brown for the surprise of one word waking up next to another. One moment tender, funny or romantic, the next, visceral, ironic and relevatory--here is the full chaos of life." -Janet Fitch, Author of White Oleander Derrick Brown is one of the best living poets in America. Death to open mics. I always keep him on my radar. -Sage Francis, Hip Hop Artist “Derrick has written one of the greatest love poems ever written. He is one of the top five poets in America, a true artist.” -Marc Smith, author and creator of The National Poetry Slam “A wit sharp as Sedaris, a sensibility poignant as Sexton, Brown manages to blur the lines between slam poet and cult writer with remarkable ease and grace.” -Anthem Magazine “A wonderful, wonderful show.” -Nora Dunn, Saturday Night Live “Derrick Brown is one of my biggest inspirations. His writing is like a Christmas present you can’t wait to open up. And when you do, there’s blood.” -Amber Tamblyn, actress, The Ring, Joan of Arcadia, author, Free Stallion “Derrick makes an entire bar full of Germans go quiet or blows the roof off with laughter like we’ve never seen before.” -Jan Siegart, poetry host, Germany “Derrick Brown’s work-both vibrant on and off the page—sizzles with jolting images and blasts of humor, yet retains a deep compassion at it's core. He has a heart the size of a Mack truck, but we’re not sure who’s behind the wheel.” -Jeffrey McDaniel, author of The Splinter Factory and The Forgiveness Parade “Sincere, twisted and violently romantic. One of the best poets in Southern California.” -OC Weekly “Derrick is bizarre and funny.” -Chuck Woolery, The Dating Game... said while Brown shook his hand after losing.