Providence Pub's Irish Music Sessions Thrive for 30 Years

Bob Drouin's weekly Irish music nights at Patrick's Pub keep locals coming back for the lively tunes.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 9:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Bob Drouin, a lifelong musician from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, has been leading weekly Irish music sessions at Patrick's Pub in Providence for the past 30 years. Drouin first discovered his passion for traditional Irish music in his 20s and has since dedicated himself to sharing that love with the local community through the pub's popular Thursday night events.

Why it matters

In a city with a rich Irish heritage, Drouin's commitment to preserving and promoting Irish music culture has helped maintain a vibrant community gathering space for locals to connect over shared traditions and appreciate live performances of beloved folk tunes.

The details

Drouin, now in his 50s, first stumbled upon Irish music by chance while driving and listening to the radio. He was immediately captivated by the unique sound and has since become an expert in traditional Irish instruments like the fiddle. For the past three decades, Drouin has organized and led the weekly Irish music sessions at Patrick's Pub, drawing a loyal following of musicians and music lovers alike to the cozy Providence establishment.

  • Drouin first discovered his passion for Irish music in his early 20s.
  • Drouin has been leading the Irish music sessions at Patrick's Pub for the past 30 years.

The players

Bob Drouin

A lifelong musician from Woonsocket, Rhode Island, who has dedicated the past 30 years to leading weekly Irish music sessions at Patrick's Pub in Providence.

Patrick's Pub

A popular pub in Providence, Rhode Island, that has hosted Bob Drouin's weekly Irish music sessions for the past 30 years.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“This music really floored me. It was really special.”

— Bob Drouin

The takeaway

Drouin's dedication to preserving and sharing Irish music traditions has created a beloved community gathering space in Providence, demonstrating the enduring power of local cultural institutions to bring people together and celebrate shared heritage.