Unity is what makes the scene stronger.

I staunchly believe in that statement, my name is Bill Mickelson and I am the newest writer for What’s Up. With this assignment, I’m now in the position to act on my conviction.

I’m also actively involved in a writer’s dream. As many readers may be aware, changes and enhancements have been brewing for this publication for quite some time. What’s Up wants to reach even more people, branching into a new population while retaining loyal readers.

That translates into the freedom of increased variety of topics, a broader coverage of feature stories and what I hope to be an avalanche of energy.

With that said, let me tell you a little about my story.

The barren lands of Wyoming are the setting to the beginning of my journey. Nineteen years I spent in the desert searching for the figurative water for my creative thirst. Finally, I found it in the downpour of the Northwest.

I looked high and low, took punches and delivered a few blows in the battle of growing up. Interestingly enough, through all of my skirmishes with the isolated ignorance, I’ve never been in a physical fight.

It’s always been peacefulness acting as a guiding light, at times it convolutes and turns into my demise. Nice guys finish last, ho ho.

But in these pages of What’s Up, I will be the first. First to let you know where there is to go and what there is to do and see in the region. It is the publication’s aim not only to equitably represent each region of the peninsula, but to pick out the attractive insights, quirks, questions and accomplishments that make the Kitsap scene what it is.

I’ve got a strong focus on connectivity, which I hear from many local artists and art lovers seems to be very much in need. From my humble perspective, it looks like the communication is strong between few, but diluted when applied to all.

It is thus our aim to make the pages of What’s Up a rallying ground for arts and entertainment in all of the many forms which make the field so unique.

I feel diversity is a direct result of individuality,and therefore acceptance and support are the fuel for progress.

As the main writer for What’s Up I want to help provide both recognition and solidity in this volatile and exciting world so you, the reader, have the keys to the art and entertainment you want to see.

It would be imprudent to make promises to cover everything. On the other hand, it’s fair to make the guarantee that no subject will be cold-shouldered with regard to favoritism.

Open-mindedness is the only way that new ideas can surface.

And I might not always be able to get out there and wrap my open mind around everything, so I encourage you, one and all, arts and entertainers to let me know what’s happening in your world, key me in so that I can share your events and embolden our collective audience.

“Old ghosts, I cast you out with these notes. It’s time to go and step on the boat because the ship is sailing to start over again, to start to begin”