Special to the Times-Free Press
ZUMIX, a local nonprofit providing creative opportunities for young people through music and technology, will kick off the 2026 GroundBeat series, a free riverfront concert series produced by the Esplanade Association, at the Hatch Memorial Shell on Sunday, May 31. The concert, which will take place from 4-7 p.m., will feature live performances from ZUMIX youth bands and programs, plus local alumni artists, and ZUMIX youth techs running live sound for the event. As ZUMIX continues to celebrate 35 years of empowering young people, the concert will showcase the talent, creativity and camaraderie of the ZUMIX community.
Founded in 1991 in a Maverick Square living room, ZUMIX has grown from a summer music program to a year-round nonprofit serving hundreds of young people each year with programs in music, radio, live sound, and other creative areas. ZUMIX partners with local schools as well as offering out-of-school programming for students ages 7-18 in its LEED-certified, fully renovated Firehouse at 260 Sumner Street in East Boston.
“We welcome everyone to come out to the Esplanade and celebrate with us,” said Madeleine Steczynski, co-founder and executive director of ZUMIX. “We’re thrilled to return to this iconic venue, and give our young people a chance to share their gifts.”
ZUMIX will continue to celebrate throughout the year, weaving the anniversary theme into its signature events, such as the Walk for Music on July 12, its annual summer concert series on Sunday nights in Piers Park from July 12-August 23, and its annual Gala, The Muze, set for October 29. To stay up to date, follow ZUMIX on social media at @zumixinc or visit their website at www.zumix.org. For more about the GroundBeat series, visit https://esplanade.org/groundbeat/.
ZUMIX’s mission is to empower young people to build successful futures for themselves – transforming lives and community through music, technology, and creative employment. ZUMIX works with 1,000 young people ages 7-18 each year. Free and low-cost programs are offered out-of-school in instrumental music, songwriting, performance, radio, audio engineering, and audio and video storytelling. ZUMIX partners with local schools to bring more arts education opportunities to Boston’s youth. In addition to youth programs, ZUMIX offers free concerts and events for all ages. For more information, visit zumix.org.