If you’re reading this, THANK YOU for picking up a copy of the newly revamped Southender! Various iterations of this ‘zine turned magazine have circulated over the years, but now it’s time to get serious. We believe in arts and culture. We believe in great food and strong drinks. We believe in rock and roll. We believe in celebrating local creatives who pour their hearts, minds and souls into following their passion creating unique works of art for our collective enjoyment. It’s our mission and our work. It’s the good stuff, and it deserves our full attention.
Our home, Hilton Head Island, has been feted in various publications as Best Island, Best Vacation Destination, Best Kept Travel Secret, the superlatives go on and on. And hey, we get it! Island life has many perks – it’s why we choose to live here despite our gripes about tourists who can’t drive and house prices most of us can’t afford. These awards and write-ups always highlight our beautiful beaches and waterways, our golf courses and tennis resorts, and our southern hospitality; however, too often these gracious platitudes overlook the hundreds of arts, entertainment and cultural events going on around our community in any given month. Did you know that approximately 1% of Hilton Head Island’s population are full time musicians? Betcha didn’t, but you should. The South End is a hotbed of creative expression, and we plan to rep it… hard.
The Southender’s aim is to fill these voids – feature the musicians. Showcase the painters. Highlight the photographers. Celebrate the freelance writers out there grinding away. Hype the chefs creating culinary masterpieces for both the eye and the palate. Recognize the local heroes who deserve for their stories to shouted from the rooftops. We’re gonna bring you the cool stuff that doesn’t always get the love it deserves.
From The People of the South End to The People of the South End – please enjoy this music and news you can use.
– Lindsay Cranford/Content Editor