LINCOLN — Loud music plays over speakers as the sound engineer tries to get the levels just right for a rock show taking place in a few hours at The Bay. Just like any job, the stress begins as the deadline looms for the show at the mixed-use space at 2005 Y St. that's home to classrooms and a skate park.
But Miles Salazar keeps his composure. Salazar is a graduate of Bay High, the Lincoln Public Schools focus program at The Bay focused on content creation and emerging digital technology. At 19 years old, Salazar already has real-world experience producing music shows in venues such as Bodega's Alley in downtown Lincoln to fall back on.
"He's competitive. I know I don't have to worry about him, he keeps his cool," said Cayleen Green, youth development specialist at The Bay. Green mentors Salazar, trying to instill in him all she knows about the music industry.
The rock show he is leading is one example of how The Bay tries to use hands-on experience to teach. Salazar is now part of The Bay's Gap Year program, an initiative for 18- to 24-year-olds who want to continue to build connections and experience with professionals in the creative industry of their choice. Salazar's story is just one example of the impact the nonprofit devoted to youth development has had.
Co-founder Andrew Norman said the idea for The Bay came from trying to connect with underserved children in the community. "The Bay is a space for young people to have their first 'aha!' moment. You know, from fashi.
