Darrian Douglas is an arts leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering the next generation of musicians. As the co-founder and former Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective (SLAC), he built initiatives that bridged gaps in music education, equipping young artists with the business, creative, and professional tools needed for sustainable careers. Under his leadership, SLAC launched programs that blended mentorship, artistic innovation, and community impact, helping ensure that jazz and creative music thrive in the modern landscape.

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A passionate educator, Darrian continues to teach drum set at Jazz House Kids and the NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program, mentoring young musicians in both technical mastery and artistic expression.

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A deeply respected drummer and composer, Darrian has performed with an array of jazz luminaries, including Ellis Marsalis, Jazzmeia Horn, Bria Skonberg, Mathis Picard, Chris Pattishall, Freddie Hendrix, Bruce Harris, Marquis Hill, Wayne Tucker, Endea Owens, Neal Cain, Russell Hall, Corcoran Holt, and Victor Gould, among others. His performances have graced over 30 international festivals and renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall.

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His latest creative endeavor, The Sadie Mae Project, is a deeply personal oral history and improvisational music work inspired by his late grandmother’s life story. Whether through performance, education, or visionary leadership, Darrian remains committed to using music as a tool for storytelling, empowerment, and community building.

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