Welcome! Come on in! You’re invited to this our inaugural issue of SoCo Insider.
Take a look around and check us out. This magazine is a celebration of life across our region, especially in El Paso, Pueblo and Teller counties. Inside you’ll find an intriguing, interesting and curated look at the people, projects and passions that make this our own unique blend of exciting entertainment, arts, sports and recreation, food, festivals and fun!
In this first issue, you’ll meet passionate artists, dedicated performers, athletes, chefs, musicians, artists, entertainers and more. You’ll read about what’s opening soon, what’s worth revisiting and what’s quietly thriving just off the beaten path — truly an insider’s view of what’s happening. We’ve gathered together some of the area’s most talented writers and photographers, bringing these stories to life in a way that feels vibrant and true to this place we call home.
Some of the words I use to describe this new venture: insightful, indispensable, involved, inventive, inspiring, inquiring and most of all incredible!
I’m incredibly proud of what our team has built and beyond grateful for the contributors, advertisers and supporters who’ve made this first issue possible. To launch something new in today’s media landscape isn’t easy, but it is deeply rewarding when done with care and intention. We’re not here to replicate what already exists; we’re here to offer something distinctive, exciting and, most importantly, local.
Look for us, not just on newsstands but also on our website as we continually update our inclusive calendar of events. You can also sign up for our newsletters that offer you informed picks on things to do and follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep the conversations going all month long.
It’s been a long road getting here. Some of you may remember the Colorado Springs Independent, a long-running alt-weekly that served the region for over 30 years with a deep love for local journalism. With its passing, the opportunity arose to create something fresh, something glossy and something rich with arts and entertainment coverage — that’s where we jumped in feet first. SoCo Insider is powered by Colorado Media Group, a locally owned and independent company that believes in the enduring power of storytelling and the vital role journalism plays in building community.
I often tell folks that a magazine is like a giant cocktail party. Each issue I get to invite my closest 30,000 or so friends to join me introducing them to the amazing people that surround us.
So, yes, you, dear reader, are invited to the party. We want to hear from you. We want to know your passions, your preferences, what gets you motivated to leave your screens and participate in our ever growing community. It’s time to get out and enjoy all the region has to offer, not just the beautiful scenery but also the activities that make Southern Colorado the place to be. Come now and be an Insider, too
Thank you for reading us. I truly hope you enjoy what you see. There’s so much more ahead!
Cheers!
— Francis J. Zankowski