Note to Readers

Today is ArtsJournal's 5th birthday. I want to thank all the wonderful people who have contributed to making AJ a success. Specifically: Sam Bergman, Jack Miles, John Hiler, Amy Hansen, Shauna Isaac, Jessica Werner, Phil Sheehan, Andrew Taylor, Terry Teachout, Greg Sandow, Jan Herman, Tommy Tompkins, Tim Riley, Kyle Gann, Martha Bayles, Tobi Tobias, Jim Russell, John Perreault, Drew McManus, and Tyler Green. And more generally to the dozens of people who have offered advice and help over the years. AJ couldn't have happened without you all. Thankyou everyone. Second: Beginning next weekend, I am taking a month-long vacation - my first significant break from ArtsJournal since it debuted five years ago. I am going to Africa for five weeks, beginning in Cape Town next weekend. I thought about shutting AJ down while I was gone, but Sam Bergman, who assists me with the site, has agreed to assume the day-today operations while I'm gone. You might remember Sam from his terrific "Road Trip" blog, about life on tour with the Minnesota Orchestra last year. He will be assisted by Laura Collins-Hughes, who is arts editor of the New Haven Register. - Douglas McLennan, Editor

#