David Pleasant is a multi-faceted percussion virtuoso, rhythm effects vocalist, avant-garde performance artist, Storyteller and lecturer who specializes in African-American traditions.
Born in Savannah, GA and raised in McIntosh County, Pleasant grew up immersed in the rich Gullah/Geechee (Georgia and South Carolina Sea Island) culture, which thrives in that area. The Gullah culture, particularly juba, hand jive, pattin', `rhappin'' and shout has played a major role in the development of David Pleasant's RiddimAthon!®, a performance and teaching method developed from a synthesis of African, Caribbean and African American musical traditions. Using assorted drums, cymbals, tambourines and marimbas, as well as the body percussion rhythms of shout, juba, and jive, RiddimAthon!® aims to get everyone singing, dancing and clapping.
"...wall to wall music... carries us across the deep south, though urban streets, to the Caribbean and Africa, all in the space of a frenetic drum solo by workhorse percussionist David Pleasant" --Time Out Magazine
" the wildly energetic David Pleasant goes to work on the drums... When he is really going dreadlocks flying, and feet all busy, Pleasant appears entranced. Pleasant plays some 45 instruments, many of which he built... He claps his hands in various pitches to create a rhythmic tapestry." --Washington Post
David Pleasant worked as a consultant and/or featured performer for these and other organizations:
ABC, Nickelodeon/NOGGIN, MTV, Reading Rainbow, Sundance Institute, PBS
