East Boston-based nonprofit has impacted thousands of students over 3+ decades

East Boston, MA – ZUMIX, a local nonprofit providing creative opportunities for young people through music and technology, will celebrate its 35 th anniversary in 2026, beginning with a Birthday Bop celebration on Friday, April 10. The event will include a look back at ZUMIX’s beginnings in 1991, an open mic featuring performances from current ZUMIX students and alumni, and a community celebration of ZUMIX’s long-term impact on young people.

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.

“As we celebrate 35 years of ZUMIX, we’re reminded that this is more than a place—it’s a living, growing community,” said Madeleine Steczynski, co-founder and executive director of ZUMIX. “From our earliest days to today, ZUMIX has evolved with purpose and possibility, just like the young people we serve. It continues to be a magical space where confidence and creativity grow—and transformation happens every day.”

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 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.