The Derry Down Project began in June 20, 2014: a Main Street Winter Haven, Inc. initiative to restore a teen club/music venue opened for Gram Parsons on December 20, 1964. The two-and-a-half-year restoration project was a community labor of love. Local businesses and individuals donated their time and resources to preserve the culturally significant structure that held memories of their youth, and cash donations from Gram Parsons followers from around the world aided in restoring his very own venue. With great pride, the building received a historic marker from the Florida Department of Historic Resources on November 5, 2015. Upon completing the restoration, MSWH marked the transition from the "Derry Down Project" into "Gram Parsons Derry Down" with an official ribbon cutting on September 2, 2016. Main Street Winter Haven, Inc., in collaboration with the Winter Haven community, proudly dedicated the building to the pursuit of music and local music education.
A vibrant part of Winter Haven’s history, the Derry Down first opened its doors on December 20th, 1964. Established by Gram Parsons' stepfather, Bob Parsons, the building originally served as a performance venue for Gram Parsons and his band, The Shilos. Soon thereafter, it became an integral part of the popular Central Florida youth circuit during the 1960’s and early 1970’s that supported many up-and-coming Polk County talents, such as Bobby Braddock, Jim Carlton, Carl Chambers, Jon Corneal and Jim Stafford, among others.
Gram Parsons was born in Winter Haven and is widely recognized for his founding role in the country rock and alt-country genres. He is also known as the father of “Cosmic American Music” – a hybrid genre of country, rhythm and blues, soul, folk, and rock. In addition to his solo career, he was a member of the International Submarine Band, The Flying Burrito Brothers, and The Byrds. An extremely influential artist, Gram Parsons has been credited by musicians ranging from Keith Richards to Elvis Costello to Mumford & Sons as having a significant effect on their music. Parsons is ranked No. 87 on the “100 Greatest Artists of All Time” list compiled by Rolling Stone.
Bob Kealing’s book Calling Me Home: Gram Parsons and the Roots of Country Rock, revived memories about the Derry Down’s prominence during that period and its role in the local folk and rock music, prompting calls to the MSWH office to save the building from demolition. The structure had been used as a warehouse for a number of years and was in bad condition.
Main Street Winter Haven created a committee for the project who worked with Winter Haven-based real estate company Six/Ten, LLC to structure the donation of the building. Once the donation was complete, the committee set to work engaging the community through open houses, promotional events, and fundraisers. Monies raised went to the restoration. Many local companies donated materials and labor. The Main Street Winter Haven Board of Directors and the Derry Down Committee raised over $160,000., and the estimated in-kind donation value of labor and materials was $185,000.
The Derry Down is part of Gram Parson’s personal and professional story, and we are honored to have completed the restoration of a young musician's vision. Now fully restored, Gram Parsons Derry Down provides a place for musicians of all ages and all skill levels to gather and play. The programing includes local schools, young musicians' shows, open mic nights, and nationally touring artists. Gram Parsons Derry Down has had a positive impact on our economy through cultural tourism, while adding to the growing energy generated by downtown Winter Haven's existing live music amenities.
