M'Power Rhythm

Empowering youth. Honoring culture. Building community.

At M’Power Rhythm, young people find their rhythm—and their voice.

Through African drumming, we provide free, year-round arts programming for youth in grades 5–12—a place to learn, create, perform, lead, and belong.

Three Years of Rhythm & Growth

2023 | We began.
M’Power Rhythm partnered with the Lyric Theatre to launch our first youth program—a five-week drumming series culminating in a showcase for friends and family.

2024 | We took the stage.
With support from a 250Lex grant, we created African Seeds::Bluegrass Roots, our first major production, presented to two sold-out audiences at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.

2025–26 | We took the story into schools.
With support from America250KY and the Kentucky Art Council, we developed African Seeds::American Roots, an interactive school assembly exploring the profound influence of African rhythm on modern American music.

And we're still growing.

Today, M’Power Rhythm youth learn year-round, work with guest artists, perform throughout the community, mentor newer drummers—and are beginning to create rhythms of their own.

Help Keep the Rhythm Going

Your Bluegrass Gives gift helps provide instruction, instruments, guest artists, performances, and opportunities for young people to be heard, contribute, and belong.