ABOUT
OUR MISSION
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Born from the pandemic, the Providence Drum Troupe is a dynamic, diverse band of musicians and performers who demonstrate that living in harmony is not an antiquated notion! Connecting creative forces for the greater good, PDT encourages children and children at heart to participate, dance and celebrate being alive in this truly wondrous world!
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The Providence Drum Troupe is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization comprising of 30 plus musicians, performers and giant puppetry with fantastical costuming who are 100% mobile and self contained. Interactive funk, world beat and pop tunes are created with custom LED illuminated drum rigs and self powered vocals. Providence Drum Troupe is a superb opportunity to get a special event started in a beautifully weird way!
"When we first moved to Providence, my children wouldn't stop asking to move back home... until we saw PDT. We felt welcome and knew this city had our kind of creative vibe."
Hailey Lorati, Providence resident
“The Providence Drum Troupe is a whirlwind of creative energy, full of antics and creates a joyous sense of our community here in our Creative Capital. They hold an iconic place in the landscape and identity of our great city!”
Joe Wilson, Jr., Director of Arts, Culture, & Tourism, City of Providence
Voted "Best Street Band" 2022, 2023 and 2024!"
Motif Magazine
OUR STORY
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PDT was born from the pandemic, a time of fear, uncertainty and divisiveness. Everyone was starved for creativity and no one had gigs.
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Not unlike a childhood playdate, I invited a fellow musician to practice drum rudiments in the park, masked, six feet apart. We played and created joy for ourselves and also for a timid public that was also starved for creativity. When asked when we were going to be there next, we looked at each other and replied, “how about next week?” Reaching out to other drummers, we grew 2 x 2, 4 x 4, 8 x 8 into an ensemble. I then asked our performing colleagues at Big NAZO and our freaky circus friends to join in. Week after week, we grew and the public grew with us, bringing their children who interacted with our healing drums and performers.
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We moved to the Michael Van Leeston Memorial Pedestrian Bridge where the crowds grew even bigger. The city and state took notice and offered to program us on an ongoing basis. Often bureaucracy kills creativity, but we are fortunate to have forward thinking officials that embraced our mission.
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Today we are proud to be a 501(c)(3) non profit organization performing all over the country!
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I look forward to continuing to bring beautifully weird joy to wherever it is needed most!
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David Lee Black
Founder & Executive Director
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