On June 26, a talented group of local high school students is hosting a backyard music program that beautifully showcases the community's diverse culture. The concert will feature students performing a wide variety of musical numbers in English, Hindi, and Tamil. Adding to the collaborative spirit, their friends and family members will be backing them up live on various instruments. Four high school students, who attend Seven Lakes High School, will play, along with three adults who are family members.

The performance will take place at 7:30 p.m. at 6130 Gatewood Manor Drive. Anyone living in the Rosewood neighborhood is welcome to attend.

“What started last year as a small neighborhood get-together with 80 attendees has blossomed into a meaningful summer oasis,” said Sujatha Raghunathan , mother of two of the performers. “The idea was sparked by my twins' father, (my husband) a former live musician, who inspired them to create a stage where peers could sing and share their gifts without the pressure of formal competitions.”

“Last year, they saw how much their friends needed a break from their packed schedules and pressures from SATs, AP courses, volunteer projects etc.,” Raghunathan said. “Creating this event gave the twins leadership experience, but more importantly, it gave them a way to build a community where teenagers can just relax, listen to music, and have fun.”

This year, the event has gained significant traction, with more families reaching out to get their kids involved, Raghunathan said. “We hope that shining a spotlight on this initiative will encourage more stressed teens to step forward, participate, and take a well-deserved mental health break.

The long-term vision for the festival is to grow into an official community event featuring formal auditions and a full lineup of high school-aged musicians, Raghunathan said.

“This intimate, student-led event highlights the power of music to bridge cultures and bring neighbors together,” said Raghunathan.