Up North Magazine, founded in 2006 under Mike Scriminger, is celebrating its 20th anniversary under the Fourth Coast Entertainment banner and promoting music events and talent in New York’s North Country.
The magazine began as an eight-page passion project in 2006 under Fourth Coast Entertainment. It was started by Mike Scriminger, AKA “Scruffy,” who is a North Country musician, drummer, and promoter. He began the magazine with the goal of helping to market bands in the north country and spread awareness of great talent in the area, after realizing that there really wasn’t a way for this to happen, before social media. The first issue was printed and released in 2006.
After the first print issue was released, more followed, making the paper the center for news and information on local talent, events, and artists.
The publication grew to 52-64 pages, featuring event calendars, features, and photography. At its height, Scriminger was releasing more than 22,000 free copies, which were successful in reaching clubs and venues across the North Country. This included areas such as Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, Plattsburgh, Burlington, Syracuse, Watertown, and the Thousand Islands.
As of today, Up North is printing about 5,000 copies monthly under the Fourth Coast Entertainment name, along with expanded printed copies for distribution in the Thousand Islands, where copies quickly disappear. The magazine has been influential and a main driver of promoting the music and arts scene across the North Country.
Scriminger, the founder, has been instrumental in the success of this magazine as he brings his stage and studio experience to play. From Watertown, he graduated from Canton High School, SUNY Canton, and SUNY Empire State University. He has been heavily involved in bands such as Voyager, Lunatics, Head First, Sabbatical, and the Waydown Wailers.
Scriminger has also worked as a IASTSE stage technician, involving himself in the production of major concerts and events across New York. He has also taught music business and recording production at SUNY Potsdam’s Crane School of Music and worked at SUNY Canton for campus activities and in the IT department. He additionally volunteers at SLC Arts Council and has sat on an entertainment committee at DPAO Watertown, NY.
The magazine itself has been very successful; in 2008, the Fourth Coast Entertainment Magazine was awarded a Professional Recognition Award from the Syracuse Press Club. In addition, in 2015, it received the SLC Business of the Year Award for commitment and contribution to the community.
As the magazine celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to honor its original goal of supporting local bands and spreading awareness on where to find and celebrate local talent. More information can be found on the magazine’s website.
NYS Music congratulates the Up North Magazine and Fourth Coast Entertainment team, for keeping alive the music and community across the North Country.
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