Bio of the Bard

The area now known as the Village of Dryden was first settled in 1834.  The area was once inhabited by Native Americans and was filled with rich farmland, forests, ponds and streams.   It was first named Amboy, Lober, and then Lomond before the final name for the village was chosen, Dryden, in honor of the English poet, John Dryden.   The climax of Dryden’s history came in 1883 when the new P.O. & N Railroad (Pontiac, Oxford, Northern), or “Polly Anne,” made its first stop at the Dryden Depot.  Passengers could ride the rails on this line from Pontiac to Caseville, Michigan.  The line was also used to support the thumb area’s lumber industry.  The railroad continued to use the Dryden Depot until 1973, when the line was abandoned.
Patrick was born in Avon Township, Michigan in 1981.  He was raised with his parents and older sister in a house that his father designed on a hilly, rural road in Dryden.  According to Patrick, he spent a large portion of his adolescence wandering around the forests, exploring the lakes, ponds, and small streams, and riding his bike down the seemingly endless gravel roads of Dryden, Oxford, and Metamora.  Evenings and nights were spent in his room, reading horror and sci-fi novels or doing homework- always while listening to his tape cassettes or the FM radio in search of new and inspiring music.
Patrick started taking piano lessons in a very old, spooky house in the Village of Dryden when he was four years old.  He started composing music at an early age, and continued to take piano and guitar lessons until he was 12.    
“Music, overall, was always a passion, and most of my earliest memories are associated with music or a particular song…  Once I finally got a guitar, my focus shifted almost entirely toward the instrument; practicing it, and songwriting,”    Patrick said.
	Many years and millions of miles later, Patrick has returned to his home state of Michigan, currently residing in Farmington Hills with his wife and two young sons.  He spent the last 13 years as co-songwriter, guitarist, vocalist, keyboardist, percussionist, (etc) for “Chicago-band,” Jonny Rumble (formed in Kalamazoo, MI in 2001).  Jonny Rumble was known for its loud, bold onstage presence and performances of what one might call - “post-punk-indie-psychedelic-garage-rock,”  and Jonny Rumble’s three, critically-acclaimed releases certainly made their mark; Good For the Market (2006- Windy City Records), Almost Dead (2008- Limey Jam), and JR (2010- Rock Proper).
	In 2004, Patrick started recording more experimental music with fellow Jonny Rumble members, Seth Webb and Jeremy Pryor,  starting the project Sethington Loggerson Tenderfoot while they still lived in Cocoa, Florida.  Later, while in Chicago, Patrick & Seth recorded and produced the albums; The Glass Omelet (2006), The Way of the Buffalo (2008), and Return of the Bison (2015); each album featuring their unique mix of psychedelic-pop, folk-rock, and alt-country songs.  S.L.T. only played a handful of shows in the Chicago-area in their 10 years together, and they were usually associated with the album releases.  However, Patrick has played countless open-mics across the U.S. throughout the years as Pat Rumble, Ted Tenderfoot, or simply P.O.C. - sometimes accompanied by Seth Thomas, Brian Webb, Jeremy Pryor, Walter Sethington, Biff Loggerson, or a number of other musical allies.
Patrick is now a college student (again), quietly studying science and working in Oakland County, Michigan, for now.  He continues to write and record music whenever possible.  With the help of his supportive friends & family, Patrick will continue releasing music and other art as, “The Bard of Dryden.”


Les Stroud, the visionary behind and creator of the iconic Survival TV genre with his seminal series “Survivorman”, is an exceptional talent whose expertise extends from wilderness survival to the realms of music. As a seasoned musician, singer-songwriter, and film composer, Stroud channels his profound connection with nature into creating music that spans genres like rock, world, prog rock, folk, blues, and ballads, each piece echoing the rhythms of the Earth.

His debut CD, "Les Stroud," marked the beginning of a musical voyage where melody harmoniously met the wilderness. Further exploring this fusion, Stroud collaborated with The Campfire Kings and The Northern Pikes, producing 3 roots-rock/acoustic albums. These collaborations yielded music that deeply resonated with listeners, drawing them into a world where nature and sound intertwine.

Stroud's epic album, "Mother Earth" and the rich "Bittern Lake," were both produced by legendary Mike Clink, and stand as testaments to his environmental passion and musical range. Mother Earth features the world sounds of ancient chanting and remote indigenous musical collaborations from jungles and deserts around the world. Featuring collaborations with icons like Slash and Steve Vai, it showcases Stroud's versatility and commitment to blending diverse musical styles. His album "Bittern Lake," is celebrated for covering some of the greatest environmental songs in history.

On stage, Stroud transforms into a captivating performer. His concerts are more than live music events; they are immersive experiences where powerful imagery, storytelling, and music converge. Stroud's prowess on the harmonica, joined by A-list performing musicians is combined with his engaging narratives about survival and nature, and combined, creates a unique concert atmosphere that is compelling and awe inspiring.

Les Stroud's transition from a globally recognized survival expert to a respected musician, composer and performer is a journey of multifaceted talent and unwavering passion. His albums, star-studded collaborations, and compelling live performances celebrate life’s adventures and pay homage to the natural world, resonating with audiences worldwide. As an independent artist, Stroud's creative autonomy in his musical journey speaks volumes of his artistic integrity and dedication to his craft.

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