YOU SAY IT’S YOUR BIRTHDAY: ZUMIX TURNS 25 IN STYLE

It’s no secret that the median age of Boston’s population swings far lower than that of other cities. Yeah, we’ve got an enormous college influx that makes your early 20’s the new 30. But what about the kids? Our city aims to support the youth running around its streets, but that usually zones in one teenagers, not middle and high schoolers.

Thankfully there’s ZUMIX, the East Boston organization dedicated to building a community for those very kids through music and the arts. It’s one of our city’s greatest (and most modest) spots. Here’s where you come in: This upcoming Tuesday, ZUMIX Radio will host an open studio for onlookers old and young to learn more about the non-profit’s inner and outer happenings.

But first, let’s clear things up: ZUMIX Radio exists not to entertain the old, but to empower the young. It promotes youth and community voices in East Boston by allowing preteens to to host, plan, and run their own radio shows. As kids learn about technology, radio production, communication, and the fundamentals of journalism, they also learn crucial relationship skills in line with those many adults fail to strengthen in their very own jobs. Have you ever politely worked out a feud on -air with your co-host? We didn’t think so. Stuff’s tough.

“A Celebration of ZUMIX and Youth Radio” kicks off at 7 pm with teen-guided tours of the ZUMIX studio. Stick around to see a live jazz ensemble from the non-profit perform. Shortly after, an auditory experience will go down where stories produced by the teens themselves will be played as a teen-conducted interview with Madeleine Steczynski unfolds. José Massó, host of the station’s ¡Con Salsa! show, will emcee the nearly two-hour-long event. Since we know you’’re going to be chatting it up with the kids and teachers of ZUMIX alike, you’ll be happy to note that refreshments will be served.

The event is free, but reservations must be made online in advance if you wish to attend. Thanks to the brand -new Government Center T stop, hopping across the river to East Boston got a whole lot easier — and “A Celebration of ZUMIX and Youth Radio” is the exact motivator you need to get on over there.

A CELEBRATION OF ZUMIX AND YOUTH RADIO. TUE 5.10. ZUMIX, 260 SUMNER ST., BOSTON. 7PM/ALL AGES/FREE. ZUMIX.ORG.