LYNN — The Lynn Music Foundation and Demakis Family YMCA are marching to the beat of the same drum as they partner up for the YMCA Live Performance Series.
Kathleen Walsh, CEO of the YMCA of Metro North, said that just before COVID-19, the team at the YMCA decided to expand the music studio to engage more youth in Lynn.
“We formed a committee, we raised some money, and then we really realized, if we want to be impactful in the city of Lynn, we need to engage the experts,” Walsh said.
The committee reached out to the Lynn Music Foundation and formed a partnership.
Edwin Cabrera, executive director for the foundation, said that in celebration of the partnership, and expansion of the studio, they decided to put on the live performance series.
“This is something that we hope to be doing every other week at the (YMCA), just to get the kids excited about music,” Cabrera said.
Last Friday, the first event of the series was held in the YMCA cafe. From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. there was a DJ workshop with local DJ’s Real Wavey Rey and KMF E. From 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., there was a live music performance by local musician Gabriella Simpkins.
“I want to make sure that the youth of Lynn have opportunities to experience live music and enjoy live music. But, also get to practice live music as well,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera said that the series is free to attend and participate in, and any age is welcome.
The next event of the series will take place Aug. 16 on the YMCA rooftop. From 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., participants will partake in the DJ workshop, and from 4:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a live performance by the Zumix Teens.
“It’s educational but at the same time it sparks a curiosity that we need, so that when the studio opens, kids are interested in getting involved,” Walsh said.
Walsh said the expanded music studio is set to open in the first quarter of 2025.
“Maybe one of these days (the participants) get to pursue music and us holding these types of programs is what inspires them to do that,” Cabrera said.
Cabrera said that he hopes to put an event on for the series bimonthly, continuing it for as long as they can.
