Darrian Douglas is an arts leader, educator, and advocate dedicated to empowering the next generation of musicians. As Executive Director of Second Line Arts Collective (SLAC), he spearheads initiatives that bridge gaps in music education, equipping young artists with the business, creative, and professional tools needed for a sustainable career. His leadership at SLAC has fostered programs that blend mentorship, artistic innovation, and community impact, ensuring that jazz and creative music continue to thrive in the modern landscape.

In addition to his work with SLAC, Darrian is a dedicated educator, teaching drum set at Jazz House Kids and the NJPAC TD Jazz for Teens program, where he mentors young musicians in both technical mastery and artistic expression.

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.

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 education, leadership, or performance, Darrian remains committed to using music as a tool for storytelling, empowerment, and community building.