Lynn talent show kicks off today

LYNN – Four years ago Kaya launched Lynn Out Loud, a talent show of sorts conceived of, marketed and directed all by teens, and today the public will get a chance to see who its grown when the fourth annual Lynn Out Loud “Live It” Peace Performance showcase gets underway.Kaya is a youth development and community organizing program that helps teens and young adults in decision-making and gets them out in the community, taking part and helping out.According to Director Wanntha Sim it also builds a strong sense of belonging and community membership in its participants.Youth engage in fun activities that focus on healthy living (fitness and health education), social responsibility (volunteering and community events) and youth development (academic support, team building and social skills) throughout the week to build teamwork and social skills while working towards fulfilling Kaya’s mission, which is “to spark the power of youth to generate positive change.”Putting together the annual talent show is part of living the mission. The planning process involves over 35 youth over the course of the summer who learn project planning skills and see the results of their efforts by putting on a successful community event.This year’s theme is a sequel to last year’s “Chasing Dreams,” where the idea was that you work hard to follow your goals, stay on track to never give up and keep reaching for the sky. This year’s “Live It” celebrates that dreams can come true and people should embrace that and keep pursuing those dreams.Just ask Amanda Mena, who performed in the show two years ago at age 9 then just last spring won “La Voz Kids,” the children’s version of “The Voice.” Mena is a Lynn resident and member of the Lynn YMCA/Music Studio Clubhouse.Not everyone will get as far as Mena but Lynn Out Loud is dedicated to promoting the positive energies and talents of the city’s young people. Performers ranging in age from 12-21 will showcase their singing, dancing, musicianship or spoken word talent.And for the second year in a row Lynn’s Community Development and Public Health departments have offered to partner with Kaya by allowing them to use the auditorium for the event, which has spawned at least one star.While the event is big, the planning bigger, the budget for the program is small and any donations are welcome. Anyone who would like to help out, become a sponsor or simply find out more information about Kaya or the show can contact Sim at 781-581-3105 ext. 239.