Help celebrate five years of Project Amplify, MacPhail’s transformational community program bringing dynamic teaching artists and culturally relevant music experiences directly into K-12 schools. Through customized residencies at no cost to schools or educators, students learn alongside professional artists representing a wide range of musical traditions and genres—building skills, exploring new forms of expression, and seeing their own cultures and experiences reflected in music education.
This special anniversary concert brings the energy of Project Amplify from the classroom to the stage, featuring artists who have helped shape the program over its first five years. Performers include Duniya Drum & Dance, founded by internationally acclaimed Guinean drummer Fodé Bangoura and dancer, choreographer, and instructor Whitney McClusky, sharing the rhythms and movement of West Africa; and legendary hip-hop artist and human beatboxer Terrell X, a songwriter, producer, and performer who uses music to inspire creativity and positive self-expression.
Join us to celebrate the extraordinary artists, students, schools, and communities that have made Project Amplify’s first five years possible—and experience the breadth of musical traditions and creative voices at the heart of the program.
Make an Evening of It
Arrive early and enjoy pre-concert drinks and concessions from Milly’s Wine Bar before the performance.
Event Schedule
6:00–7:00 PM | Pre-Concert Concessions by Milly’s Wine Bar — U.S. Bank Lobby
6:15–7:00 PM | VIP Reception — Antonello Hall
7:00 PM | Concert Begins
VIP Reception
VIP ticket holders are invited to an exclusive pre-concert reception featuring an intimate conversation with the evening’s artists along with complimentary wine and light dessert bites.
About Milly’s Wine Bar
Milly’s Wine Bar is a neighborhood wine bar in Minneapolis offering an approachable selection of wines and thoughtfully curated bites. Milly’s will be onsite before the concert with beverages and concessions available for purchase.
About the Artists
Duniya Drum and Dance
Duniya Drum & Dance brings the vibrant rhythms, movement, and traditions of West Africa to audiences throughout the Twin Cities and beyond. Rooted in the music and dance traditions of Guinea, Duniya brings together accomplished drummers and dancers to share West African culture through dynamic performance, education, and community connection.
Directors: Fodé Bangoura & Whitney McClusky
Performing Artists: Sana Bangoura, Fara Bangoura, Melissa Clark, Cynthia Matthews, Stefani Graddy
Fodé Bangoura
Fodé Bangoura hails from Guinea, West Africa and has been recognized internationally for his work as the lead drummer with the acclaimed ensembles “Les Merveilles de Guinée” and the national ballet of Guinea, “Les Ballets Africains”. A protege of the late, Mohamed Kemoko Sano, Fodé is now one of the most respected and sought after drummers of his generation and is currently based in the Twin Cities. Highlights of his career include opening for Damian Marley at The Apollo Theater, featured spot on MTV for Black History Month and recording with Trey Anastasio of Phish.
Whitney McClusky
Director and choreographer of Duniya, Whitney began her study of African dance at The Djoniba Dance and Drum Center New York with Master dancers from “Les Mervielles de Guinea” and “Les Ballets Africains”. Since then she has had the opportunity to travel to Senegal and Guinea to deepen her knowledge of West African Dance and currently teaches at St. Olaf College and Carleton College, as well as offering weekly community dance classes.
Terrell X'avion / TERRELL X
Terrell X’avion / TERRELL X has spent almost 30 years making music, motivational speaking, performing live as a one-man band, touring the world and working with both youth and adults from various socio-economic backgrounds. He possesses a knack for producing intense, thought-provoking music and establishing strong, healthy relationships. 16 years of teaching human beat boxing/vocal percussion, song writing and composing short stage plays has helped Terrell build an impressive artist resume that extends all the way to Europe (5 tours between 2011 and 2013) and Asia (toured in 2018). Terrell stands firm in his support and practice of positive self-expression, and nurturing leadership skills building. He also speaks in favor of a social justice, human rights and advocacy for the lives and well-being of animals. Terrell encourages mentees to seek personal and artistic growth through education and music – just as he has done for himself. He emits heart-warming, down-to-earth energy when speaking on his experiences around living in poverty and surviving all forms of abuse – as well as growing up in the foster care system as a youth, in welcoming settings. Terrell’s professional services are highly-respected wherever they are implemented.