A New London-based independent magazine describing itself as the "longest running and most prolific" of its kind in eastern Connecticut and western Rhode Island" will soon reach its 10th anniversary.
The Scope Magazine will recognize the milestone with a celebration on Friday at El N Gee. Between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m., local bands The Resident Alien Project, DIM, We Got Mouths, and The Weird Beards will take the stage. The event will also feature artwork by Anna Braun, Krista Stan, Larry Ryan as well as hula hoop performances by Ashley E$$ence and Veronica Vixen. The all ages show has a $5 cover, with all proceeds going toward the magazine's expenses.
The Scope was launched in November of 2002 by former newspaper employees Christopher Kepple and Derek Olsen and distributed to New London, Mystic, and Westerly. The focus on the monthly publication was initially a protest against President George W. Bush's administration and policies, but the magazine later transitioned to "a community of writers, artists, musicians, miscreants and various other missionaries of the mind in New London County and the outlying regions." Writers and artists contribute to sections on news, music, the arts, and lifestyle.
The Scope transitioned to a website after the publication of the Winter 2011 issue. Olsen continued the work of publishing The Scope along with Ian C. Thomas, a longtime contributor, and webmaster Cheney Giordiano.
