Students, staff, and friends of Zumix celebrated the organization’s 34th anniversary on Sunday, July 13, with their annual Walk for Music fundraiser.
Funds raised by the walk support private music lessons and group programming for over 1,000 young people each year. “Our goal through this event is to have a bunch of people contribute just a little bit,” said Director of Creative Media and Technology, Brittany Thomas. “It costs close to $3 million annually to keep Zumix operating. These funds are one way of collectively working towards the bigger budget goal.”
The festivities kicked off at 4 p.m., following a brief set of covers from Zumix adult staff. The group paraded up and down Bremen St. Park before arriving at Piers Park to kick off both Eastie Week and Zumix’s Summer Concert Series.
As the sun set over the harbor, Zumix thanked sponsors at Signature Aviation, the Someone Else’s Child Foundation, NeighborHealth, and Matador Records. Following some words from District 1 Councilor Gabriella Coletta-Zapatta encouraging residents to participate in Eastie Week’s free and low-cost programming, MCs Etienne Ellis and Em Flores introduced the student band Don’t Be Denied.
Both Ellis and Flores are leaders in the Voces vocal ensemble and are compensated for performing at events throughout the city. “A main part of Zumix’s mission is to keep the youth employed in music,” said Ellis. “What me and [Flores] do with Voces is that we’ll get asked to sing… and we get paid straight through Zumix.” As part of Zumix’s songwriting and performance track, the duo is responsible for assisting in day-to-day activities and coursework.
Two alumni youth leaders, Reina Donis and Kenisha Germaine, were brought in through the Office of Youth Employment and Opportunity to serve as mentors and act as intermediaries between the students and full-time adult staff.
“There are a lot of things that go into it, but the most important part is floating about Zumix and helping out wherever we’re needed,” described Germaine.
Germaine has been part of Zumix for the past 13 years, something she credits to the value she has felt being part of its community of artists. “To have people that actively heard what I said and found it to be of note was something that absolutely blew my mind,” she said. “It kept me coming back to be involved in whatever projects they needed and whatever events they were hosting.”
Donis added that although her career path has taken her away from music, the technical skills and professional experience she has had working with Zumix have proven invaluable. She also praised the organization as a third space apart from home and school where kids can truly be themselves.
“We are losing those third places for young people. Without it they would miss out on opportunities for growth and friendships,” she said. “Coming back was something I wanted to do to ensure that Zumix is able to stay open and afloat for the kids who need it most.”
Zumix has raised just shy of its $110,000 goal by the time of publication, but will continue to accept monthly pledges and one-time donations through the rest of July here. They will also be holding weekly concerts at Piers Park on Sundays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m for the rest of the summer.
Jacob Downey is a contributor to Caught in Dot. He is formerly of The Clock, Plymouth State University’s award-winning student newspaper. He enjoys spending time with his two kittens – Gin and Tonic – reading Uncanny X-Men and writing about local government meetings.
Jacob, thanks so much for joining us in Sunday, and for capturing the essence of the day. Your piece is beautiful.