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ZUMIX to Celebrate 35th Anniversary Gala Thursday

The East Boston nonprofit will host its annual fundraising event at City Winery to mark 35 years of youth programming.

Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Philanthropy

Bold vector editorial illustration of an acoustic guitar leaning against a brick wall, symbolizing youth music programming.
East Boston youth music nonprofit ZUMIX will mark its 35th anniversary with a fundraising gala this Thursday at City Winery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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East Boston youth organization ZUMIX will hold its 35th anniversary fundraising gala at City Winery on Thursday, October 29, 2026. The nonprofit currently serves over 500 students annually through its after-school and summer music workshops.

Why it matters

The gala serves as a milestone for the organization, which has provided musical resources and training to youth since its founding in 1991. The event highlights the continued role of the nonprofit in fostering local creative development.

ZUMIX serves more than 500 students annually through workshops and operates a 24/7 radio station at 94.9 FM. Gala tickets for the upcoming anniversary event range from $75 to $150.

The players

Madeleine Steczynski

She cofounded the ZUMIX organization in 1991 to expand access to musical education.

Bob Grove

He cofounded the East Boston nonprofit alongside Madeleine Steczynski.

Corey DePina

He is a staff member who has exported the organization's youth music project model to Budapest and Cape Verde.

Pearl Jam

The rock band provided the funding required to launch the organization's radio station.

The details

Operating out of a renovated firehouse in East Boston, the organization provides students access to professional tools including mixing boards, video cameras, and musical instruments. The nonprofit has expanded its impact beyond local borders, with team member Corey DePina helping to build youth music projects in Budapest and Cape Verde.

Timeline

  1. ZUMIX was cofounded as Music Mobile in 1991.

  2. The 35th anniversary gala will take place on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Market Landscape

The gala celebrates the 35-year legacy of the organization established in 1991, which has cemented its place in the Boston youth arts scene. By maintaining a permanent presence in a renovated firehouse, the nonprofit distinguishes itself from transient creative programs.

Supporters and local residents can participate in the organization's mission by purchasing gala tickets ranging from $75 to $150. These funds directly support the continued provision of after-school and summer music workshops for local students.

The takeaway

ZUMIX continues to leverage its long-standing model of youth music education to influence programs both locally and internationally. Residents interested in supporting local arts can engage with the nonprofit through its upcoming anniversary event or by tuning into their community radio station.

Further reading

Learn more about the local charitable sector in the Boston Philanthropy section.

More information

For more information on programs and event registration, visit the ZUMIX organization website.

Source note: This article includes information reported by The Boston Globe.

Live Poll

Should communities prioritize funding for youth music and arts education programs?