ZUMIX, a local nonprofit providing creative opportunities for young people, will kick off its annual Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 9, in Piers Park. The concert coincides with ZUMIX’s annual Walk for Music, a major fundraiser and joyful celebration of the ZUMIX community, and the launch of the 10th annual Eastie Week, a celebration of cultural and musical heritage and organizations in the East Boston neighborhood. Local Eastie band Don’t Be Denied will headline the show, with an opening set by the ZuKix, a ZUMIX youth ensemble.
The Summer Concert Series highlights local professional musicians showcasing a vast array of genres. The July lineup this year includes soul artist Toussaint the Liberator on July 16; an all-youth showcase in collaboration with Women in Music on July 23; and reggae artist Jahriffe on July 30. Musicians headlining in August include local indie pop band Wild Painting (composed of ZUMIX alumni) on August 6; hippie rockers High Tide on August 13; jazz and soul artist Yaya de Angel on August 20; and percussion-fueled international ensemble Kotoko Brass at the final show on August 27.
“We’re so excited to welcome the community to our summer concerts this year,” said Madeleine Steczynski, co-founder and executive director of ZUMIX. “It’s always a great opportunity for our students to perform in front of their community, and for us to showcase local musicians. Anyone is welcome to join us.”
All family-friendly concerts will take place from 6-8 p.m. at Piers Park, which is located at 95 Marginal Street in East Boston. The concerts will open with young musicians from ZUMIX’s programs.
ZUMIX’s Summer Concert Series is presented with support from the East Boston Foundation, Massport, the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
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.