The COMO Scene

If you have known me for any length of time, you likely know that I am a super geek about Columbia. Both of my businesses are named after it. When I moved here in 2005, I fell in love with the public art, the music scene, the collegiate sports, the festivals — it all fed my soul. When people ask me what I love about my city, these are the things I lead with. The Blue Note and Rose Music Hall are at the top of my personal list of favorites. Not much beats live music of any kind in my world for any mood I’m in. We are blessed to have so much at our fingertips accessible to all, including a symphony, the ballet, and many museums. If you’re bored in Columbia, you might just be a boring person. 

If you’re bored in Columbia, you might just be a boring person.

Erica Pefferman

Another important part of the culture of Columbia is the people that lead it. We have a very exciting election coming up in April that will install many new leaders, including potentially three (but at least two) seats on our city council and a new mayor. These positions are intended to be visionaries and protectors for our future. It is important that everyone register to vote and vote with what is most important in your mind. In January, as part of our 20 Under 40 alumni issue, we featured mayoral candidate Barbara Buffaloe (20U40 alum). We are featuring the remaining four candidates in this issue in a special “Candidates You Should Know” section. Our intent is to give you a chance to get to know them and what is important to them. One of them will be your new mayor. Who will you choose? 

I’m not sure about you, but January has started off pretty rough over here. It almost seems like 2022 looked at both 2020 and 2021 and is trying to one up them already. If you can resonate with that, I encourage you to take a break. Take a walking tour (or driving, since it’s cold) of our public art. Check out one of the upcoming live music performances at MOSY or The Blue Note. Stroll through one of our many local historical museums and just breathe. We will all get there together. 

As always, I’d love to hear from you about what stories you think still need told. Have a great February!