From a rural town in Ontario, Canada, drummer/composer Patrick Simard discovered a profound connection to the drum as a healing force early in his life.

Patrick's passion for music of many styles and ethnic backgrounds brought him to study Jazz Composition and Performance at Berklee College of Music in Boston on a full scholarship, and extensive travels performing and studying music and culture across the Americas, Asia, and West Africa. Recently a month-long trip to Senegal to learn Sabar traditions from Griot families.

Patrick’s reverence for rhythm and sound has brought him to share the stage with artists such as Esperanza Spalding, Julian Lage, John Patitucci, Danilo Perez, Antonio Sanchez, Lionel Loueke, Souleymane Faye, Alejandro Sanz, and A.R. Rahman. He has lead drum and body percussion workshops across the globe, with the aim of a deepening self-expression and communication through rhythm.

Patrick believes in the power of music as a transformational tool to bring people of all backgrounds together, creating the environment for positive change in the world. He offers his services as a freelance drummer (live & studio), producer, and educator. He currently co-leads several projects including; a duo project entitled SIMRAY with his wife and singer extraordinaire Débo Ray, Senegalese griot Lamine Touré & Group Saloum, award-winning vocal group Women of the World, and soul-fusion band Planet Radio.