As I write this, it’s sunny and beautiful outside, in mid-November; pre-Thanksgiving and way, way before Christmas.
And yet I do have the Christmas spirit. I’m especially grateful to my dear husband and partner who’s my anchor as well as my ballast, and who puts a lot more work into OffBeat and into taking care of me than anyone realizes.
Christmas means family to me, and this year I’ll be spending it with my daughter, granddaughter, siblings, their families and friends, and of course, my mama, who’s had a lot of health issues this year. I’m happy to be able to cherish moments with them, because they don’t last forever. If you’re over 45, you’ll understand this.
My OffBeat family is important to me as well; without them, the magazine, our website and everything else we do (Weekly Beat, Best of The Beat Awards—this year on Saturday, January 18, y’all!—our festival events, parties, etc.) would not be possible. We only have limited energy and resources and these people—our writers, editors, photographers, illustrators, promotion and distribution crew, printers and web peeps—are our pipeline to you, our readers. Thank you all for making it another great year.
We need our readers’ support and comments. We’ve tried to highlight New Orleans and Louisiana music, culture and cuisine in an original way, usually through the lens of music, and we’ll continue forever, if we can!
This time of year would be a great time for you to subscribe to the magazine, or to buy one for a friend who loves New Orleans. Last year we celebrated our 25th anniversary, and it’s worth considering why OffBeat matters. Thanks to the support of our subscribers, OffBeat was able to continue after losing our entire staff and printer after Katrina. By purchasing Lifetime Subscriptions, our readers kept us afloat.
OffBeat is a one-of-a-kind magazine that is the standard-bearer for our unique music and culture.
But things aren’t getting easier for print. We need your support and the support of our advertisers to continue to exist.
I think you know that OffBeat is more than just a magazine; it’s become a cultural institution with an impeccable reputation that uniquely preserves and perpetuates Louisiana culture for a local, national and international audience. Its survival is critical for anyone who cares about the artistic, intellectual and cultural life of New Orleans and Louisiana. So if you feel it, please subscribe.
A final note: this final issue of 2013 is dedicated to my longtime friend and New Orleans music lover, Diane Gershuny. As I write this, Diane is struggling with cancer, bravely and with a shining spirit. Diane, I will always appreciate your wit, intellect, kindness and fun-loving nature. I will always love you and think about you anytime I hear a note of New Orleans music.
