Canadh Croí is a multi-cultural musical ensemble that combines the complex and irresistible rhythms of West Africa with the beautiful, flowing melodies of Ireland and Scotland. The group features a stellar lineup of Twin Cities musicians, ranging from internationally recognized masters to dedicated young artists carrying these traditions into the next generation.

The African rhythms are provided by brothers Fodé and Sana Bangoura, as well as Fodé’s son Fara Bangoura. Before coming to the Twin Cities and founding the Minneapolis-based group Duniya Drum and Dance, Fodé was the lead drummer for the national ballet of Guinea, Les Ballets Africains, and Sana was the principal dancer and assistant director of the Guinean drum and dance ensemble Wassasso. Fara has been drumming and performing since he was five years old under the tutelage of his father.

The Celtic musicians include flutist and singer Laura MacKenzie, a central figure in the Twin Cities Celtic music scene for decades, who has been recognized by the Minnesota State Arts Board as a Master Folk Artist; fiddle player Danny Diamond, who formerly served as music director for the Irish dance-theater company Teaċ Daṁsa; banjo player Morien McBurnie, one of the new generation of young artists emerging from the Celtic Junction music scene; and clarinetist Sean Egan, who has worked for over forty years to expand the boundaries of traditional music. Danny Diamond, Sean Egan, and Morien McBurnie all teach at the Center for Irish Music, CJAC.