Dedication ceremonies to feature Lynn music legend Amanda Mena. The YMCA of Metro North proudly announces the opening of its new Music & Performing Arts Center (MaPAC) at the Demakes Family YMCA in Lynn, a state-of-the-art creative hub designed to expand arts access and educational opportunities for youth across the region.

The Center will officially launch with a community dedication ceremony and open house featuring Lynn native and national recording artist Amanda Mena. The open house on Saturday, December 6 will welcome YMCA members and the public to tour the space, meet teaching artists, and participate in hands-on demonstrations and performances.

The 6,500 sq. ft. facility includes a performance hall, digital music classroom, podcast suite, professional recording studio, practice rooms, student lounge, and an instrument lending library for youth to have access to a variety of instruments. Programming will include free and low-cost music lessons, vocal training, theater classes, music technology and production workshops, early childhood music enrichment, and drop-in creative labs.

“Investing in the arts is an investment in hope,” said Kathleen Walsh, President & CEO of the YMCA of Metro North. “Creative expression helps kids build confidence, manage stress, and make healthy, positive connections — especially in times when the world feels overwhelming for young people. That’s why our Y is expanding this enrichment area and creating more opportunities for kids to learn, explore, and discover what inspires them. This new Center opens the door for every child to find their voice, their talent, and their future.”

The Center will be home to the Empowering Youth Through Music program, developed in partnership with the Lynn Music Foundation to support the musical, academic, and social-emotional development of Lynn youth ages 2.9 to 18. Over the next five years, the YMCA expects to serve 10,000 young people in the region through music production, artistic expression and performing arts.

“The Lynn YMCA was the first place I felt truly seen and heard,” said Amanda Mena. “It’s where my voice began — not just in music, but in who I am. My parents, Miosotis and Martin Mena, Audrey Jimenez, David Quade, and so many others believed in me even when I doubted myself. They never let me stop dreaming. I learned that when a community stands behind you, there’s no limit to what you can become. I hope this studio continues to inspire everyone recording in this studio and in the people who lift them up.”

The opening of the Music and Performing Arts Center marks another milestone in the YMCA of Metro North’s phased reinvestment plan for its Demakes Family YMCA campus in Lynn. The Y opened its new Demakes Family YMCA building in 2021, followed by the Rooftop Teaching Garden in 2023, with the Music and Performing Arts Center as its latest addition to the campus. Earlier this year, the YMCA acquired the adjacent former LEO building, which will be transformed into an outdoor sports and recreation complex featuring a multi-purpose field and basketball courts designed to expand access to outdoor spaces for youth programs and community activities.

“As someone with significant ties to Lynn, I know how much it means for young people to have an inspiring place to explore who they are and what they can achieve,” said Andrew Demakes, YMCA of Metro North Board Member and CEO of Demakes Bros., Inc. “The Music and Performing Arts Center isn’t just about learning to play an instrument; it’s about learning to dream, to lead, and to think like creators and entrepreneurs. Lynn is a community that’s evolving in remarkable ways. It’s vibrant, diverse, and full of potential. This Center reflects that spirit, and it’s an important example of how our city continues to grow, adapt, and create new opportunities for the next generation.”

Open House Events
The public is invited to the facility and learn more about the MaPAC programming, see interactive workshops, demonstrations, tours of studios, and learning spaces

December 6 — Public Open House (Free & Open to the Community)
2:00–4:00 p.m.
20 Neptune Boulevard
Lynn YMCA Youth Development Center
Performance by Amanda Mena from 3:00pm-4:00pm

For more information about programs and registration, visit https://www.ymcametronorth.org/music-arts-center

About Amanda Mena

Amanda Mena is a Lynn-born vocalist whose remarkable journey from the YMCA music studio to national and international stages has inspired audiences for more than a decade. Known for her powerful voice, resilience, and magnetic stage presence, she has performed on some of the world’s most recognized platforms—from televised competitions and Broadway stages to major symphony halls and national events. Her career reflects extraordinary talent, hard work, and a commitment to giving back to the community that first believed in her.

  • Won La Voz Kids at age 13 on national TV.
  • Performed at a Red Sox game before 35,000 fans at age 14.
  • Earned the Golden Buzzer on America’s Got Talent, reached the Finals, and performed in three national broadcasts.
  • Made her Broadway debut in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.
  • Performed a tribute to Aretha Franklin at the Imagen Foundation Awards.
  • Performed at major events including the Pioneer Institute Gala, the Kuwait-American Foundation Gala, the Aurora Games Opening Ceremony, the Patriots Home Opener, and the National Women’s Hall of Fame Induction.
  • Won the Fidelity Young Artists Competition, performing at Symphony Hall with the Boston Pops.
  • Invited by Keith Lockhart to sing on the Boston Pops 4th of July Broadcast, including a nationally televised duet.
  • Performed live at First Night Boston on NBC.
  • Appeared on American Idol, advancing to Hollywood Week.
  • Performed at the Harvard Club’s Most Influential Women Event and delivered multiple virtual performances during 2020.
  • Studied at Berklee College of Music, including a semester in Valencia, Spain.
  • Selected as the Top Vocal Performer at Berklee’s Commencement Concert at Agganis Arena.
  • Headlined two sold-out shows at City Winery Boston with a full band and dancers.

About the YMCA of Metro North
The YMCA of Metro North is a leading community organization dedicated to connecting people, strengthening neighborhoods, and creating opportunities for all. We bring individuals and families together to learn, grow, and thrive through programs that nurture youth development, promote healthy living, and foster social responsibility. Last year, we provided more than $2.4 million in financial assistance to ensure everyone has access to childcare, summer camp, swim lessons, sports, and wellness programs. Our mission is to make sure everyone can participate and everyone can belong. With branches in Lynn, Melrose, Peabody, and Saugus, the YMCA of Metro North strengthens the health and well-being of more than 69,000 children, adults, and families every year. Learn more: www.ymcametronorth.org