It’s arguably the busiest time of year for live music in Nebraska, and we’re happy to introduce our Summer 2015 crop of interns.
Below, you’ll meet Samuel Bennett, Riley Bowden and Peter Barnes. Together, they comprise a trio of young journalists and professionals hungry to cut their teeth, immerse themselves in the scene and produce engaging work. Keep an eye out for their names on HearNebraska.org this summer. From major festivals to house shows, you’ll see them out and about with cameras and notepads.
Acquaint yourself with Samuel, Riley and Peter below.
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Samuel Bennett
Age: 20
Hometown: Omaha
Current City: Omaha
Internship Focus: Editorial
What should Hear Nebraska’s audience expect from you during your internship?
Hear Nebraska’s audience should expect frequent coverage of different events, hopefully in a variety of mediums. While a lot of photos are to be expected, multiple video and perhaps audio stories may also be in the cards.
In what area of your work do you hope to improve the most between now and August?
I certainly hope to improve my photography skills, given that a large part of my duties involve photography. Ultimately, however, I’d like to improve in every medium — photography, video, audio, even print. I have a lot of interests in media and journalism, so having a well-rounded skill set is greatly of interest.
What’s the first and last show you attended in Nebraska?
The first show I attended in Nebraska that I remember would have been (I think) the B-52’s when they played at Shadow Lake in Papillion. The last show [after tonight will be] Beth Israel with Telepathy Problems, Working Man and Chalant at Sweatshop on May 29.
photo of Staffers at Sweatshop | by Samuel Bennett
Tell us about a time you realized that music and art mattered or had an impact within your local community?
My freshman year in college, there was a rather somber and distressing moment when a junior art student passed away. The unity shown both on campus and in the community was incredible, and ultimately led to funding for an entirely new art building on campus. Going to school in a city like Hastings is incredible, because there are a number of art galleries in the city, and a music venue that has fairly frequent shows. It’s also one of the smallest communities to have a symphony orchestra. Being able to live in a city like that during the school year really is rewarding, because both music and art are an inherently large part of the community.
What’s one Nebraska artist or band you’d like to work with or cover during your internship?
Eric in Outerspace, definitely. I have not been able to stop listening to them since I first heard them at a show.
What professional in your field do you most look up to and why?
In terms of film, I idolize Wes Anderson and Alexander Payne. For journalism, Laura Poitras and Glenn Greenwald. For photography, I look up to Brett Erickson.
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Riley Bowden
Age: 20
Hometown: Omaha
Current City: Omaha
Internship Focus: Editorial
What should Hear Nebraska’s audience expect from you during your internship?
Features on bands they care about.
In what area of your work do you hope to improve the most between now and August?
Telling a story, not just giving a news update.
What’s the first and last show you attended in Nebraska?
First: Grand Funk Railroad at Memorial Park in 2009. Last: Oketo in Lincoln.
Tell us about a time you realized that music and art mattered or had an impact within your local community?
Memorial Park concert reminds me of it annually. Hard to name a person I know who doesn’t go every year.
What’s one Nebraska artist or band you’d like to work with or cover during your internship?
311. Please, guys. Please.
What professional in your field do you most look up to and why?
Dirk Chatelain. I’m a sportswriter as well, and Dirk does the best job of any Nebraska sports writer of telling compelling local stories.
[Editor’s Note: Read Riley’s debut HN story on Esencia Latina Band here.]
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Peter Barnes
Age: 18
Hometown: Lincoln
Current City: Lincoln
Internship Focus: Multimedia
What should Hear Nebraska’s audience expect from you during your internship?
Hear Nebraska should expect coverage of shows — from national bands to house shows. I plan to bring in a large amount of diversity into the current HN coverage!
In what area of your work do you hope to improve the most between now and August?
I plan to improve on my photojournalism skills the most.
What’s the first and last show you attended in Nebraska?
My first show ever in Nebraska was when I played at the State Theatre (now The Bourbon) with the Academy Of Rock. My last show was Victor & Penny at Stransky Park.
photo by Peter Barnes
Tell us about a time you realized that music and art mattered or had an impact within your local community?
I went to a JV Allstars concert a while ago and just the amount of people that showed up and packed Knickerbockers really showed me how powerful music can be in a community. When all else fails, we still have great music coming out of Nebraska.
What’s one Nebraska artist or band you’d like to work with or cover during your internship?
I’d love to work with Superior again, I’ve shot a bunch of their shows before, but I’d love to do some more in depth coverage of what they do, they’re all super cool people.
What professional in your field do you most look up to and why?
A couple professionals that I look up to the most are Tanner Morris and Randy Edwards. I met Tanner at a concert in Omaha, we had some cool conversations, and he showed me a couple tricks that I use frequently. Randy inspired me to start doing photography in the first place, and is one of the nicest guys I’ve ever met. The quality of work that both of these guys put out is an inspiration for me to keep going and to keep improving.