Isthmus has served readers since 1976 as an alternative publication — available free to readers at coffee shops, grocery stores, libraries and taverns throughout Dane County and beyond — focusing on in-depth local news reporting, informed arts and entertainment criticism, colorful portrayals of Madison life and the area’s most comprehensive events calendar.
Today Isthmus is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, grateful for generous support from its readers and local advertisers.
Here’s how Isthmus plans to celebrate:
Distributing the 50th anniversary issue on the morning of Thursday, April 2 — Editor Judith Davidoff, Publisher Jason Joyce and other Isthmus staffers drove paper delivery routes. The anniversary issue featured 50 moments from Madison’s history, as seen through the eyes of Isthmus writers.
Also, editor Davidoff interviewed founding publisher Vince O’Hern and Jeff Haupt, to whom O’Hern sold the company in 2014, about how they kept the free weekly running. Former contributors highlighted a few other aspects of Isthmus that distinguish it from other publications.
Saturday, April 18: Isthmus 50 Fest — At Atwood Music Hall, doors open at 7 p.m., with music beginning at 8 p.m. The New Breed Quintet reunites, along with special guest Ben Sidran, and Mama Digdown’s Brass Band provide the soundtrack for a community gathering. Ticket proceeds benefit Isthmus Community Media.
Tuesday, April 21: Smarter Than You Trivia with Paul Guse — High Noon Saloon hosts the contest, with doors opening at 5 p.m., followed by trivia at 6 p.m. Madison’s reigning king of trivia presides over this event, focused on Madison trivia, with ticket purchases benefitting Isthmus.
