I hope you enjoy this issue; we’ve covered a lot of ground with bands, musicians, clubs, radio stations, record stores and local music Web sites. Add this to your New Year’s resolutions: Support local music and the clubs promoting the musicians and bands. This issue will give you more ideas of who to listen to and which music venues to visit.

I thought I’d list what Rift is going to do in 2006 to keep us interesting and relevant.

First, check out our Web site. In the next few weeks, www.riftmagazine.com will be adding articles from previous issues, plus new articles and reviews not printed. We’ll also be adding show listings and featuring events happening around the Twin Cities.

Second, look for Rift magazine at more shows and events. Our stellar promotions crew will be handing out copies of the magazine, stickers and giveaways. Let me know if you’re interested in being part of our crew, you’ll get local CDs, free admission to shows in addition to other cool stuff for your help.

Look for the new issues to have more variety, more styles of music, plus we’ll be featuring other parts of the local creative community, such as artists, filmmakers and comedians, but with a slight local music slant. It seems many of the same people out and about at art galleries, are the same people out and about enjoying local music.

We have other cool projects in the works which we are still developing, such as MP3s on the Web site, an internet radio show and videos.

Make sure you keep up to date by joining our e-mail list and checking out www.riftmagazine.com every couple of weeks. We’ll also be giving away admission to shows and free CDs.

I know I’ve asked before, but let us know what you’d like to see and tell us how we’re doing. We want to be better, but we can’t do it all on our own, so send us an e-mail at rich@riftmagazine.com.

Have a great 2006, see as many shows as you can, buy local CDs and have a great time. After all, that’s what really matters.

www.myspace.com/riftmagazine