Aloha All!
As a child, growing up without a father was extremely difficult. I had to find an outlet, a release, or a place where I could express myself and feel that I was being heard. I was confused, so I searched and discovered sports. I was particularly attracted to playing baseball and football, which immediately became my first love. I have to admit, I excelled in both games and that led me to believe in my wildest dream – becoming a professional athlete and being featured on Entertainment Sports Programming Network, also known as ESPN.
Unfortunately, due to my personal health conditions with asthma, my dream of becoming a professional athlete failed to materialize. However, with the grace of God, I became a professional musical artist. Despite the change of direction in my life, I still kept alive the dream of somehow, someway and someday appearing on ESPN.
It seemed like a lifetime, but after sixteen years of becoming a professional ukulele artist, my wildest dream finally came true! Last week, I had the honor and privilege of working with EA SPORTS, KEMPER SPORTS, and ESPN. I was given the opportunity to perform a halftime show during EA SPORTS’ Maui Invitational NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament. As a result, I was featured live on national television performing ukulele on ESPN! The very next day, a picture of my performance was featured in the Sport’s Section of The Maui News. That was without a doubt an experience of a lifetime!
I truly believe that opportunities will be presented to you, if and only if, you work hard for them. I also believe that everything happens for a reason, and sometimes that includes setbacks. In reality, though, it is God’s sense of humor testing your faith. Don’t give up on your dreams, because your dreams give you hope, and when you have hope, you truly have faith.
What is your dream? I would love to hear from you and maybe work together to make your dream come true!
May God Bless you and your families throughout this blessed Holiday Season…Aloha and Mahalo!
Derick, congrats… You inspire us all!!!
Aloha Derick – thanks for your email that brought us to the uke fest in the wine country CA. Of course we love you – but your peers, inspirationals, and fellow performers were all moved as well. First by who you are in the world, but then what your music inspires. You and your music are magic in the world.
Thanks for your authenticity, talent and inspiration. Please take care while sharing yourself with the world.
Best,
Lisa
Dear Lisa,
Your words and encouragements means the world and I really thank you for this! Don’t get me wrong, my career has been more than a whole lot of work, juggles, and ups and downs…but when the results and experiences are like yours, I know for sure my intentions are slowly but surely taking its place, which means my purpose is being heard. May God Bless you and your family and please let me know if you ever need anything in the future. Take care, Mahalo and Aloha!
Aloha Crystal, THANK YOU SO MUCH! Aloha and God Bless!
We just returned from our family vacation in Maui. Though we love the sun and food while on the islands, the highlight of my visit was meeting and listening to Derick. It was a pleasure witnessing his passion and talent. He is a genuinely kind man and a star on the rise. I will do all I can to help propel his bright future!
Derrick Hall
Aloha Derrick,
Thank you so much for the great words of encouragement! It was more than pleasure meeting you and your beautiful family! I will surely keep you posted when I get into Arizona again! Aloha and God Bless! GO D-BACKS!