One of the best things about arts and entertainment is that something is always going on.
Whether it’s Elton John playing a sold-out show at Matthew Knight Arena or On the Rocks performing on NBC’s The Sing-Off, it’s never boring on the Scene desk.
This year, reporters were offered amazing opportunities to cover important events and talk to interesting people. Press passes allowed us to go behind the scenes at events (including the Elton John show). Reporters interviewed big acts such as Anthony B, Doug Benson, Hell’s Belles and Lewis Black and local artists like Wintertime Carousel, DJ Food Stamp, Soopah Eype and Tyler Fortier.
We extensively covered food around Eugene and ended up with some of our best stories. Yogurt Extreme and other restaurants opened; King Estate had a wine and crab festival; Maude Kerns Art Center held a Jell-O sculpting contest; and food carts around town provided a quick lunch.
We learn so many new things on the Scene desk. One reporter tried hot yoga and pole dancing, and we were all able to learn from her experiences.
This year we switched from a once-a-week issue to twice a week, and that allowed us to cover more events and review more movies and albums than was previously possible. Keep an eye out for Scene next year as it continues to progress into something even greater.
As I prepare to graduate and leave Eugene, I’m left feeling grateful for having the opportunity to attend so many events. Though our town is not a big hub for concerts and shows, we were lucky with what we did have the chance to see and cover. My only suggestion is to go to as many concerts, festivals and restaurants as you can. To truly experience Eugene, you have to get out there and enjoy it.