Flyer by Eden Smith

Recognizing a need for inclusive all ages spaces for teen artists and musicians, YES Fest formed in 2017 out of a diverse coalition of teen volunteers supported by music and youth workers.

The first YES Fest brought together musicians and artists of all styles and backgrounds across the Greater Boston area, with a huge showing of fans and newcomers alike coming together to support their peers.

In the year since YES Fest 1, YF has organized to put on regular events ranging from rock shows, to art openings, to its first annual teen Pride Ball; as well as expanding our committee to include more teen voices and perspectives from across Boston.

This year we’re back for YES Fest 2, bringing back old friends along with a host of new teen artists and musicians. Curated for teens by teens, the aim of YES Fest 2 is to provide a platform for teen artists as well as a safe, inclusive space for teens looking to engage with like minded peers.

YES Fest is produced in association w/ BRAIN Arts, Zumix, Brookline Teen Center, West Suburban YCCA, and Girls Rock Campaign Boston.

Current Lineup: (+TBAs)
Nakedly
Project Method
Tomtsu
The Laces
Jvsmine STVRS
Kaya
Trash Rabbit
Vesper
Constant Headache
Snoozer
Crying in Shades
Nick24K
Carolina Schott
Lia Natalia

ABOUT THE PRESENTING ORGANIZATIONS

Girls Rock Campaign Boston:

Girls Rock Campaign Boston (GRCB) empowers girls to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence and collaboration through musical education and performance.

Zumix:

ZUMIX is an East Boston-based nonprofit organization dedicated to building our community through music and creative technology. A core belief is that music is the most powerful means of developing adolescent self-identity. Our award-winning music and creative technology programming is designed to equip youth with the tools necessary to reach their full potential, while creating a safe space for youth to explore who they are and who they want to be. Through community events, ZUMIX provides access to top-quality arts experiences for a low-income, under-served neighborhood.

Brookline Teen Center:

Recognizing the urgent need for a place where teens could learn, grow and have fun, Brookline natives, Paul Epstein, a Brookline High School social worker and his wife, Saskia, a non-profit director, engaged a group of Brookline leaders and teens to explore the possibility of creating a teen center in Brookline in 2005. The vision was to create a place where Brookline youth could spend their out-of-school time in a safe place with both formal and informal activities centered around academic enrichment, physical activity, and socio-emotional health. In this way, the Teen Center will meet the need of local teens for a constructive, entertaining and affordable place to spend their out of school time and will be one of the only teen-only centers like it in the local area.

Since 2005, in collaboration with the Brookline Community Foundation, Brookline teens and community leaders have been working to move the vision of the Brookline Teen Center forward. In 2011, the organization received its 501(c) 3 status and began fundraising in earnest. In the fall of 2013 we opened our doors for business to the youth of Brookline.

Today, the BTC serves as a hub for out of school activities for Brookline youth. On Mondays the BTC is filled with middle school students participating in structured activities, working on homework, or just hanging out with friends. The rest of the week the BTC is open to high school students. Brookline teens come to the BTC with their ideas and we help bring them to life. In the last year, we have supported teens with running a bamboo bike building workshop, creating a makerspace, and starting a Lego Robotics program. The BTC also offers programming in music, arts, and athletics and works with school clubs to host events and fundraisers.

West Suburban YCCA:

We’re for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility