This current February edition marks the completion of 30 years of publishing for me and for The Independent. What started out as just a simple idea between friends and coworkers way back in 1996 to highlight some fun stuff we knew about, has evolved over the years to become the definitive arts and entertainment guide for Southern Utah that it is today.
Although I’ve lost the exact count, that would make February’s edition somewhere between issue number 370 and 375 that we have published. We published twice a month for about a year, but it was so early on in our history, it’ll be hard to find that info. And you would think that this process would get easier over time, and in many ways it certainly has. But in some ways it’s as hard as it’s ever been. Writing this piece right now has been a challenge for me because of numerous events in the world, the country, locally and around the state, as well as in my own personal life.
Finding creative energy amidst the chaos has been really difficult, and I’ve heard a similar sentiment from other people working in creative spaces as well.
Many people are anxious, stressed, sad, or struggling in other ways, and some days it can just be hard to find the joy. I think in times like these it is more important than ever to seek peace and find joy in your own life. One great way to do that is through Music, Comedy, Art, and the other accoutrements of life. So I hope this volume filled to the brim with joyous events helps you find some sanity.
And while no one knows what the future holds, including for me and for The Independent, as long as I am at this helm, I will continue to strive to highlight the best of what the greater Southern Utah area arts and entertainment has to offer. Happy reading.
