East Boston nonprofit celebrates its 35th anniversary with live local music and community events
( East Boston, MA, July 2, 2026) – ZUMIX, a local nonprofit providing creative opportunities for young people through music and technology, will kick off its annual Summer Concert Series on Sunday, July 12, in Piers Park. The first concert coincides with ZUMIX’s annual Walk for Music, a major fundraiser and joyful celebration of the ZUMIX community, and the launch of Eastie Weeks, an annual celebration of cultural and musical heritage and organizations in the East Boston neighborhood. Local Eastie band Don’t Be Denied will headline the July 12 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 a youth showcase on July 19, featuring student bands from ZUMIX and fellow East Boston-based music nonprofit MOAB. Musicians headlining in August include Latin jazz and folk artist Manuela Sanchez Goubert on August 2; Zoe Knight and Mythical Beasts on August 9; and Club d’Elf on August 16. The final show on August 23 will feature ZUMIX’s African drumming ensemble, Rhythms of Ghana, opening for local musical adventure K2 , which blends the music of several Greater Boston-based denizens of the African music scene, with roots in Ghana and Mozambique.
“We’re so excited to welcome the community to our summer concerts this year,” said Madeleine Steczynski, co-founder and executive director of ZUMIX. “As we continue to celebrate our 35th anniversary, we’re thrilled to showcase great local talent, including our student musicians and sound techs. 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 and the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
About ZUMIX
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 more than 900 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.
