About The Phoenix Project
Our Founder
Our Conductor
Our Founder
Dave Putterman is a story of a musical comeback. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018, Dave lost much of his mobility and his ability to play drums. However, Dave refused to accept this outcome and enlisted the help of several musical professionals including: Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Steve Moore "The Mad Drummer", Mike Pinera (B
Dave Putterman is a story of a musical comeback. After being diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2018, Dave lost much of his mobility and his ability to play drums. However, Dave refused to accept this outcome and enlisted the help of several musical professionals including: Ian Paice (Deep Purple), Steve Moore "The Mad Drummer", Mike Pinera (Blues Image and Iron Butterfly), Dennis Provisor (The Grass Roots), Igor Javad-Zade (Leonid & Friends), Robert Gottfried "Rob The Drummer", David Morgan (Jazz Musician and YouTube content creator) to name a few. With the help of them and his "friend and musical guru", Michael Haines, Dave has regained over 90% of his previous playing ability as well as an increased quality of life, and, with doctor support, the reduction of his Parkinson's-related medication by half. As of 2024, it seems as though the progression of his Parkinson's has even reversed. Through his research, Dave has found that playing a drum kit uses both hemispheres of the brain, lighting up new neurons and creating new neural pathways, as well as producing both dopamine and serotonin which assist with the movement of the body. Overall, Dave is living proof of the power of musical performance. Michael J. Fox says "Parkinson's Sucks". Dave says, "I Make Parkinson's Suck Less."
Our Mission
Our Conductor
Our Founder
Uniting Medicine and Music for Parkinson's Awareness One Note at a Time
Our symphonic rock show is more than just entertainment; it's a celebration
of innovation and hope inspired by a medical discovery made by the
founder of The Phoenix Project, percussionist David A. Putterman who
himself has Parkinson’s for others with Parkinson's.
Through
Uniting Medicine and Music for Parkinson's Awareness One Note at a Time
Our symphonic rock show is more than just entertainment; it's a celebration
of innovation and hope inspired by a medical discovery made by the
founder of The Phoenix Project, percussionist David A. Putterman who
himself has Parkinson’s for others with Parkinson's.
Through electrifying and emotional music expressed by a rock band as well
as several other musicians and vocalists and a full symphony orchestra led
by world renown conductor, the maestro Toshiyuki Shimada along with
mesmerizing lights, sound and video, we aim to raise awareness and
support for the advancements that are changing lives. The net proceeds of
our show will be donated to Parkinson’s Research organizations.
With each note, we amplify the triumph of science and the resilience of the
human spirit. Our mission is to foster a community where individuals with
Parkinson's and their loved ones find solace, strength, and inspiration.
Together, let's harmonize the melody of progress and pave the way for a
brighter future, where Parkinson's is not a barrier but a challenge we
conquer with unity and determination.
The Phoenix Project is a non-profit corporation (501c3) and all monetary
contributions are fully tax deductible by law.
Our Conductor
Our Conductor
Our Conductor
Maestro Toshiyuki "Toshi" Shimada is a Japanese-born American orchestral conductor in the tri-state area. He is Music Director of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra in New London, CT; the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in Corning, NY; and the New Britain Symphony Orchestra in New Britain, CT. He has also guest conducted wi
Maestro Toshiyuki "Toshi" Shimada is a Japanese-born American orchestral conductor in the tri-state area. He is Music Director of the Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra in New London, CT; the Orchestra of the Southern Finger Lakes in Corning, NY; and the New Britain Symphony Orchestra in New Britain, CT. He has also guest conducted with many other orchestras around the country and internationally. Some notable orchestras he has conducted are the Houston Symphony Orchestra, the Portland Symphony Orchestra, the Royal Scottish National Orchestra, the Istanbul State Symphony Orchestra, and the Boston Pops.
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