Northampton Community Music Center celebrates 40 years with Ken Burns gala
The 40-year-old music education nonprofit will celebrate the milestone with filmmaker Ken Burns at a November gala aimed at raising nearly half a million dollars.
NORTHAMPTON — The Northampton Community Music Center will mark four decades of operation by hosting a fundraiser gala on November 8 featuring filmmaker Ken Burns, who will conduct a 40-minute question-and-answer session.
The organization was established 40 years ago after Proposition 2½ eliminated many arts education programs in Northampton Public Schools, creating a gap the center was built to fill. Over its four decades, the center has weathered funding challenges, building floods, and the COVID-19 pandemic while expanding its reach across the region.
According to NCMC Web, Media and Marketing Coordinator Indë Francis, the center has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships and taught over 20,000 students. In fiscal year 2026 alone, more than $70,000 in scholarships went to more than 200 local music students. The organization has never turned away a qualifying student due to lack of funds.
The center operates several programs, including its Music Therapy program serving children, teens, and adults with autism spectrum disorder, emotional or behavioral challenges, neurological conditions, dementia, and those recovering from trauma. The Ujima Singers program provides musical and cultural education to the Black community across Western Massachusetts, while the Suzuki program emphasizes collaborative learning between educators and parents.
The gala will take place at Mill 1 event space in Holyoke. Burns, an acclaimed documentary filmmaker known for works including "Jazz" and "Country Music," will be followed by a performance from piano student AJ Strack and remarks from NCMC Founder Bill Feinstein. Tickets are $150 and include a complimentary drink and hors d'oeuvres.
The center has set a fundraising goal of $463,000 for the year, with $212,000 designated for replacing an outdated lift elevator system and $251,000 for operations. Francis noted that 30 percent of the center's budgeted revenue comes from donations and grants. For tickets and information, visit ncmc.net or call 413-585-0001.