Hop on the SE Live welcome wagon

In putting together this week's calendar I noticed an increase in events for the weekend and week ahead.

The area usually has a fairly fat list of things going on, but it was especially plump this week. Again and again I thought, "Dang, I want to go to that" or "Oh man. I'm gonna miss that."

What could be behind this sudden swelling in concerts, dances and historic programs? I wondered. Then I realized, while I was planning to go out of town this weekend, a few thousand students are planning to move in.

That's right: School's back. Time for River Campus plays, college football, more concerts and students.

Welcome, students. Welcome to the new and welcome back to the old. I think we're going to have great times together. College can be hard. We at SE Live hope to make your social life easy.

Every Thursday you'll find SE Live at coffee shops, restaurants, buildings on campus and nestled in the Southeast Missourian. Throughout the magazine, you'll find out what to do on a weekly basis, where to go, what to eat, watch, read.

In each issue we feature local music, the latest on the arts scene, venue profiles so you know which joint fits you. Flip to the centerfold and you'll find an event listing for the weekend and week ahead. Take it out and tack it up.

Our online efforts are worth a gander as well. We post video and photo galleries from various events, and Pepe, our online movie reviewer, makes and occasional video appearance to tell you what movies stink.

You can also find me online in a weekly snapshot of the magazine and with my advice on what to do for the next few days in case you don't feel like thinking about it. I'm hit or miss, though. You might agree or you might find your own party. Either way, we're just here to help.

Make it a practice to pick up SE Live on the way to class — or in lieu of class — and enjoy.

If you think we should do something we're not, tell us. We just might do it.

If you want us to stop doing something we're doing, tell us. We'll probably still do it, but we'll think of you when we do.

Also, if you are or know someone who's an artist, a musician, a writer or otherwise want to be marginally famous, let us know. I'd love to hear from you.