LETTER FROM THE EDITOR: I would like to begin by saying I am truly honored to be the new Associate Publisher and Editor in Chief of OMG! Magazine. A big thank you to James Clark, publisher of OMG! Magazine for giving me the opportunity to spread my wings and be part of the fastest growing LGBT magazine in the country. I will deeply miss working for South Florida Gay News. Norm Kent and the staff at SFGN are some of the best people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with and I wish them nothing but the best. However, when Tim Evans, marketing director for OMG! approached me about the opening, I had to jump on it. Although many people in South Florida were shocked by my departure from the newspaper, the move should come as no surprise. In fact, my life has officially come full circle. I began my career in publishing as the creative editor of Orlando Style Magazine, the city’s best fashion and lifestyle publication. Since then, I have contributed to many other publications including TravelHost Orlando and have worked as a publicist, generating national campaigns for some of the most respected brands in the U.S. including III Forks Prime Steakhouse, Cantina Laredo and legendary artists Peter Max, Mackenzie Thorpe and Salvador Dali. When James Clark asked me to take the reins of his company, I knew that it would not only be a challenge, but one that I eagerly anticipated. My job is to bring OMG! to the next level. So when I was thinking about what would generate the most press and excitement, I thought of my favorite California girl, Katy Perry for our February cover story. Although I contributed the feature to last month’s issue, my true influence begins now. Katy Perry was just a taste of what is to come in the next few months. In addition to celebrity interviews and profiles, OMG! promises to deliver runway ready fashion spreads, mouth watering dining reviews and exhilarating travel features. I am also excited to introduce Arnold Myint of Top Chef DC to the team of contributing columnists. His column “A Hint of Myint” will be featured monthly exclusively in our magazine. Arnold is one of the leading chefs in the nation and we are privileged to have him contribute to our publication. In addition, Dustin Fitzharris joins the team as our entertainment reporter with an amazing interview with Laurieann Gibson, creative director and choreographer to Lady Gaga, Nicki Minaj, Diddy and Katy Perry among others. As we grow, so will our distribution area. Currently, OMG! maintains a heavy presence in Tampa Bay, Orlando, South Florida and Key West with targeted distribution in Atlanta, Chicago, New York and Las Vegas. This issue marks our entry into the Nashville market. With a thriving arts scene, great music and their upcoming fashion week, Nashville has become an epicenter for LGBT life. You will read more about Music City later in this issue. March is also the kickoff of Pride season, highlighted by PrideFest which takes place March 12 and 13 at Jaco Pastorius Park in Fort Lauderdale. OMG! is proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event and we encourage you to stop by our booth to meet the team. Please read Arica Love’s “Guide to Pride” in this issue as well. Myself as well as the entire team at OMG! is eager to share our vision with you, but we also encourage any feedback or suggestions you may have. This is your publication as much as it is ours. OMG! - Joey Amato ________________________________________________________________ Photo By: Kyle Poffenbarger - Kpoff.com
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| VOLUME 3 | ISSUE 4 | MARCH 2011