About Us

Founded January 2020, Columbia Strums n' Drums Collaborative (CSDC) hosts two virtual open mics (VOMs) every two to three weeks on Wednesday evenings, with additional in-person venues as available. CSDC joins acoustic or acoustic-electric open mic enthusiasts at all skill levels. . CSDC hopes to fill a 'need space' for contact and collaboration. CSDC has no other mandate other than for you to grow, glow, appreciate others' dreams, enjoy the company of like-minded explorers and appreciate learning, making and experimenting with music.

Please Note - We are not a drum circle

CSDC was founded by Paul Armstrong, a Howard County, MD acoustic musician who performs at local community-based and Farmers Market events, cafes and smaller coffee shop and brew pub venues as Paul Phillip Music.

We are a free-of-charge forum, yet we also appreciate voluntary donations to defray organizers' expenses fees, and occasional in-person open mic fees.  All ages and skill levels are welcome; for in-person venues, we request those under 18 be accompanied on their first visit by a parent/guardian.

We strongly prefer that whatever your instrument is, you have at least a year of instruction or practical experience. 

CSDC seeks volunteers from its membership to host gatherings, arrange meeting locations, and group outings. When time is available we encourage members to share insight on a range of topics relevant to music, instruments, related gadgets and equipment. We'll also send out focus material from time to time on musicians and music of interest to its members. We encourage relationships within the group that foster one-to-one collaboration and "noodling," in-between scheduled events.

In hopes of meeting you soon!