In Loving Memory of Darren Walbridge: A Beat That Lives On

At UBACE, we believe in the power of music to connect, uplift, and transform lives. And no one embodied that belief more than Darren Walbridge.

A lifelong drummer, Darren wasn’t just a musician—he was a force of complex rhythm, an innovative creator, a kind soul, with a generous heart. Over the past several years, Darren shared his time, talent, and spirit with our organization. He donated instruments, fine-tuned and maintained our drums, and showed support at our shows—because to him, music was never just background noise. It was a calling, an outlet, and a way of communicating and connecting.

But Darren’s impact extended far beyond music. A machinist by trade and an artist at heart, Darren gave freely of himself—offering food, shelter, mentorship, and friendship to anyone in need. He was the kind of person who saw the best in others and helped them see it in themselves. Whether you were a young musician tuning up before a gig or someone in the community who needed a warm meal and a safe place to land, Darren made space for you. No questions asked.

He had a deep love for progressive and complex music, and his passion for craft—whether it was in sound, mechanics, or simply creating joy—was unmistakable. His laughter was loud, his stories even louder, and his ability to make people feel welcome was unmatched. For some of our UBACE members, Darren was more than a volunteer—he was a father figure, a supporter, and a reminder that kindness doesn’t need to be flashy to be powerful.

We will miss seeing him behind the drum kit. We’ll miss his sharp wit, his silly sense of humor, and his full heart. But most of all, we’ll miss the way he made all of us feel a little more seen, a little more capable, and a little more connected.

Darren, thank you for every downbeat, every tuned drum head, every hug, every joke, and every ounce of love you gave to this community. Your rhythm carries on in every band member you’ve inspired and every note we play.

Rest easy, friend. The music lives on.

In lieu of flowers, Darren’s family has generously asked that donations be made to UBACE in his memory. We are deeply honored by this request and extend our heartfelt thanks to his family and friends. Darren’s spirit lives on through every note played and every young artist we support—and thanks to this gesture, his legacy will continue to shape and inspire our community for years to come.