Darrian Douglas is an arts leader, drummer, and educator focused on building the infrastructure for jazz and creative music to thrive.

​

Currently serving as Director of Programs at Jazz Forum Arts, Darrian leads concert programming, education initiatives, and strategic program development, guiding the organization into its next chapter of community impact. Previously, he co-founded and served as Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective (SLAC), where he scaled programs that bridged early childhood and pre-professional training, equipping young artists with the creative and business tools needed for sustainable careers.

​

His educational philosophy prioritizes cultural context, curiosity, and long-term growth. Whether designing curriculum or mentoring emerging musicians, Darrian fosters spaces where technical mastery develops alongside a distinct artistic voice.

​

As a performer, Darrian has appeared at Carnegie Hall and over 30 international festivals, sharing the stage with artists including Ellis Marsalis, Jazzmeia Horn, Bria Skonberg, Marquis Hill, and Endea Owens, among many others. His work is rooted in the belief that jazz is a living, evolving practice, a throughline that shapes his current creative project, The Sadie Mae Project, an oral-history-driven performance work inspired by the life of his late grandmother.