Music Creates Community: Inside MacPhail After Dark

MacPhail After Dark brought our community together for an unforgettable evening of music, connection, and shared purpose.

From the first performance to the final note, the night reflected what we see every day at MacPhail: music has the power to bring people together, strengthen communities, and create meaningful, lasting impact.

Together, our community exceeded our goal and raised more than $500,000 to support transformative music learning for more than 15,000 students each year. That impact is only possible because of the people and partners who believe in this work and show up to make it happen.

A Night of Music and Connection

Throughout the evening, talented students and teaching artists took the stage, sharing performances that highlighted both artistry and joy and reminded the audience how deeply music moves us. These moments—on stage and off—captured the spirit of MacPhail: a place where people of all ages and backgrounds come together through music.

Beyond the performances, MacPhail After Dark created space for connection—bringing together supporters, families, artists, and community members around a shared belief in the power of music.

Thank You to Our Community

We are deeply grateful to everyone who made MacPhail After Dark possible—our generous community of supporters, our dedicated Board of Directors, and our incredible event committee, led by Christine Buss.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsors—Lowell Pickett and Karen Sternal, Broughton Ward, and the Justin and Jansel Kelly Family Foundation—for their partnership and belief in this work, and to the many sponsors and partners who supported the evening

Watch the Program

Relive the full MacPhail After Dark experience and enjoy the performances and remarks from the evening.

Explore the Evening