It occurred to me the other day, as I was reviewing The Beat Happenings Calendar online, just how diverse and vibrant our local music and performing arts community has become. Not only are local acts and venues thriving, but there are also a host of seasonal concert series now gaining momentum and popularity.

The Sundown series downtown is now in its fifth year, Mayfaire is celebrating its sixth year, Waterford and Brunswick Forrest are into their second years, and The Pleasure Island Boardwalk Blast and free summer concerts at Fort Fisher are just several of the many up-coming events. As the days become warmer, stay on top of these and many more "happenings" with our on-line calendar, and let us know if you have an event that you would like listed. Deadline’s are on the 15th of each month.

This month we are excited to welcome two new contributing writers to our pages: Cammeron Batanides joins us and introduces her column "What’s Hanging," which will feature local artists and their work, events, art galleries and alternative hanging spaces. We are pleased to have her onboard. Christina Dore has submitted an insightful article on an underground movement with the 910 Noise Collective. A passionate group of artists, the 910 Noise Collective is no doubt the most-organized-yet-misunderstood group of musicians. We look forward to having Christina bring her unique perspective to our pages.

Finally this month, Robert Workmon’s article on guitar master Pierre Bensusan is a highlight of this issue. Bensusan, who will be performing in Wilmington in late March at City Stage, was candid in responding to his questions, and Robert has submitted a warm and insightful feature on this modern-day troubadour.

Enjoy!