About Us

 

   Out Of The Blue (OOTB) is a small, independent, self-funded publication that was founded in 2001 by two friends (Tiffany Cook and Neil Shumate) at a concert in Columbus, Ohio. Having a high school background in journalism—via the Harding Herald at Marion Harding High School in Marion, Ohio—the duo took a survey at the concert asking fans which of the bands (Orgy, Spineshank, Cold) they came to see. After sitting on the edge of the downstairs pit at Newport Music Hall and compiling the information, current publisher and Editor-in-Chief Neil Shumate was asked what they would do with the survey results, and he stated: “We’ll probably think of something out of the blue.” Thus, OOTB was born March, 8 2001 with the first print issue released April, 2001. 

    Shumate has always had a passion for press, media and the arts—he released a newsletter (7B) in seventh grade at Baker Middle School in Marion, Ohio, he also created a family newsletter during his youth, The Shumate Times.

    OOTB began as a self-published monthly, black-and-white photocopied zine stapled together and distributed at independent businesses in the two’s hometown of Marion, Ohio. It eventually grew and was distributed throughout Delaware, Ohio and across central Ohio. OOTB also circulated through a small national mailing list. (See Print Archives  |  See Digital Archives)

  With ideas and help from numerous content contributors, the publication continued to grow. We extend a grateful thanks to community support alongside all the contributors, venues, artists, bands, publicists, promoters, and colleagues—because of coverage opportunities and the continued support, OOTB has appreciatively produced exclusive content for the fans, by the fans. (See Previous Contributors)

    Through the years, OOTB transitioned from print to a digital publication then to an all online webzine. OOTB has had extended hiatuses, including during Cook's departure, and a period in which Shumate completed a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from The Ohio State University, after which the hand-crafted website ootb646.com was established. 

    Following a lengthy Covid pandemic hiatus, ootb646.com is now ootb-zine.com, a more streamlined online publication, led by Shumate. (See ootb646.com Coverage Archives)

    Timeline Synopsis: Out Of The Blue (OOTB) is a free independent entertainment publication that was established in Marion, Ohio in March, 2001. The last print issue was released in 2003 and we went our separate ways, with a hiatus. In July, 2006 OOTB picked up the pieces and revived the magazine for a more professional look with more print issues. In January, 2009 OOTB transitioned the former tangible print publication into an official online webzine. January, 2011 OOTB was briefly back in print with tangible and digital magazine style formats, along with the continuation of the online webzine. March 29, 2013 Cook and Shumate briefly reunited as a "full circle" moment to review a concert (Orgy, Vampires Everywhere, Davey Suicide) at Alrosa Villa and interview lead vocalist Jay Gordon of Orgy on his tour bus. After the interview, Gordon signed copies of the first original print issue of OOTB; as it was an Orgy headlining concert that was the catalyst for OOTB's formation in March, 2001. In March, 2020 the Covid Pandemic put OOTB in a hiatus and returned with a new webzine format in July, 2022. Underground DIY Since 2001!