If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
If you hire this pro, you’re covered by a money-back guarantee. Learn more
About
Looking for a fun and versatile musical act that will bring just the right ambience to your event? Strummin&Drummin, led by percussionist Philippe de Pontet, will cover all your musical needs. More dynamic than a solo act, but more intimate than a full band, Strummin&Drummin is the perfect fit for your private or corporate event.
Clients who hire us say we create the exact vibe--whether danceable, chill or a bit of both--that they envision for their events. We’ll bring your event to the next level with crowd-pleasing covers in your favorite genres whether rock, pop, soul, and/or jazz.
Philippe has 3 decades of performance experience in the DMV region and his hand percussion brings a special rhythmic pulse that will have your guests feeling the beat and tapping their feet.
With a small suite of long-time guitarist partners rather than just a single partner, Philippe can customize to your tastes by matching the most suitable duo combination to each event. This gives S&D an unmatched breadth and ability to capture your musical and ambiental preferences, including for instrumental music like light jazz.
Need a fuller sound than a duo? We can easily scale up to a trio or quartet with a saxophonist and/or lead guitarist.
“Great duo! Strummin & Drummin helped to set the right tone all night. They can play just about any genre and appeal to audiences from all generations with their friendly, easygoing style. Highly recommended” - Jad A. (anniversary event).
Overview
Current Top Pro
Hired 10 times
Serves Washington, DC
Background checked
2 employees
6 years in business
Business hours
This pro hasn't listed their business hours.
Payment methods
This pro accepts payments via Check, Credit card, PayPal, and Venmo.
Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.
Exceptional 5.0
23 reviews
5
100%
4
0%
3
0%
2
0%
1
0%
Your trust means everything to us. Learn about our review guidelines.
Read reviews that mention:
Toby D.
Jun 18, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Right from the start, Philippe was very responsive to my initial request and continued to respond quickly for several questions leading up to the event.
The combination of drums, guitar, and vocals that Philippe and Alex provided was the perfect touch to our indoor/outdoor bbq reunion for our law school alumni. I saw several attendees swaying to the beat of the songs. And I polled colleagues after said the vibe and song selection was so much better than a dj.
The pricing was very fair. I would definitely work with Philippe again for another event.
Details: General event / party • 101 - 150 guests • 18 - 30 years old • 51 or older • 31 - 50 years old • Band • No preference • Variety • Other
Music Entertainment
BRADFORD B.
7 days ago
•
Hired on Thumbtack
Our swim club had a great experience with Strummin & Drummin. Philippe had great communication, and made sure that the music they preformed fit the theme for our party. Our members loved the vibe that they created, and I would definitely recommend them to anyone planning a dinner party or other event.
Details: General event / party • 76 - 100 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Band • No preference • Oldies • Variety • Rock / classic rock • Country / bluegrass • Outdoors
Strummin&Drummin - Dynamic Duos's reply
Brad,
It was our honor to play for your members at this patriotic occasion. Best wishes! Philippe/ Strummin&Drummin
Music Entertainment
Jonathan L.
Apr 28, 2026
•
Hired on Thumbtack
These guys were fantastic, highest quality music, perfectly pitched for the occasion, responsive to sudden changes, truly made the event memorable. Guests kept commenting on how amazing the music was!
Details: General event / party • 26 - 50 guests • 12 years old or younger • 13 - 17 years old • 18 - 30 years old • 31 - 50 years old • Band • Vocals • Guitar • Pop / top 40 • Covers • Outdoors
Music Entertainment
Misty C.
Dec 20, 2025
•
Hired on Thumbtack
The band was exactly what we needed at our holiday party. I wanted to create a holiday festive vibe for our guest to mingle and enjoy each other. I was worried it would be too loud with drumming but it a perfect fit. The music was the perfect way to make a DC event fun! Will definitely invite them back.
Details: Holiday party • 26 - 50 guests • 31 - 50 years old • 51 or older • Band • No preference • Other • Banquet hall / ballroom
Strummin&Drummin - Dynamic Duos's reply
Many thanks Misty for your kind words. We also had a great time at your corporate event. Wishing you and your exciting company all the best for 2026! Philippe/ S&D
Music Entertainment
Robin C.
Dec 19, 2025
•
From Google
We had a wonderful Christmas party due to this lively and talented duo! They played the songs I requested and we even had a Christmas sing-along! They were a definite hit! I highly recommend them for any type of party!
Strummin&Drummin - Dynamic Duos's reply
Robin, Many thanks for inviting us to play at your spectacular holiday party. Happy holidays and best wishes to you in 2026, Philippe / S&D
Credentials
Background Check
Philippe De Pontet
FAQs
What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Our pricing is straightforward. In general our minimum duo fee is $750 (and up, depending on duration etc), making us more affordable than full bands. We do have close collaborators (including an extraordinary sax player among other occasional partners) that can be added to the band if the setting calls for a bit more instrumentation.
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
It mostly comes down to close coordination with the event planner, before, during and after the event. We listen very attentively to our customers — and the audience — to ensure we are meeting and exceeding expectations.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have taken performance and theory courses at the renowned Berkelee School of Music and studied percussion intensively with percussion masters in college. We gig regularly across the DMV region, in many different settings, which also helps to keep us tight and sharp musically.
