Melrose Jazz Fest
Melrose Jazz Fest began in 1988 and ran off and on for many years. Before 2024, it hadn’t happened for a decade. As a sophomore in high school in 2024, Oren Santillo reorganized the festival and has served as the director and organizer since. Every year, Melrose Jazz Fest brings over 300 people to Follow Your Art Community Studios on Main Street in Melrose to celebrate jazz, local music, and a thriving artistic community!
Lovesick Chicken Studios
Lovesick Chicken Studios is an intimate folk venue featuring local musicians and bands from Boston, Somerville, Cambridge, and beyond. It began in 2026 as a house concert series at Oren Santillo’s house in Melrose, MA. Oren continues to serve as director and promoter. Lovesick Chicken Studios is proud of its strong and positive music community, especially as it uplifts young and upcoming performers.
Melrose Farmers’ Market
Oren Santillo has served as the Music Coordinator for the Melrose Farmers’ Market since its 2026 season.
FYA Teen Coffeehouse
Oren Santillo co-founded the FYA Teen Coffeehouse in Melrose, MA with Sammy McQuaid in 2023 and organized it until 2026. Although Oren and Sammy aren’t directly involved anymore, the coffeehouse lives on in safe hands as it continues to serve the young musicians, poets, and performers of Greater Boston.
Oren Santillo 