When James comes, March is in

Learning from Chris Harris was easy. Following in her footsteps will be the hard part, but I intend to do so.

For those who aren't familiar with me, my name is James Samons (pronounced like the fish, but with an "s" on the end), and I'm your new SE Live editor. And although I'm new to this position, I've been covering the local arts and entertainment beat in some capacity since 2005.

Like many of you, I'm a sucker for area bands, artists and events. And March is no slouch when it comes to local entertainment. In the mood to see some stunning art? Get to one of the many fine galleries and check out uncompromising beauty, like the Becky Grass fibers exhibit at the River Campus, or the female perspective "Life Blood" show at Craig Thomas' Black Door Gallery downtown.

If music is your thing, you'll have plenty of great choices this month. Jam with Kansas-based bluegrass band Split Lip Rayfield this weekend at Port Cape, or get your tickets to see Trans-Siberian Orchestra take over the Show Me Center on March 22.

And don't forget to find time this month for next weekend's St. Patrick's Day festivities downtown, the Birdhouse Bash at Discovery Playhouse on March 23, or the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus at the Show Me Center on March 27.

But that's just a sampling of the fun you can have this month. Like Chris used to say, "No matter who's in town, the artistic ones always seem to put on a show."

It's hard to disagree with that observation.

Be sure to check www.semoevents.com, sign up for the SE Live newsletter, and follow @selive on Twitter to always be in tune with the goings on around our area. Until next week, enjoy the spring weather and stay entertaining, Southeast Missouri.