Vol.2, No.4, January 30, 2026
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People. Places. Things To Do. |
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| | We are back in The Green Room as a record-breaking winter bears down on much of the nation, but the Ozarks arts scene is coming out of hibernation.
This week, I sat down with Glenstone Records founder James Box and recording artist Jake McKenzie to talk about how the label's approach differs from traditional record models in a streaming-driven music industry. The conversation traces the label's beginnings, its early challenges, and what artist support looks like in today’s music economy.
We also take a different perspective on sculpture with a new outdoor installation from Sculpture Walk Springfield. Vistalation by Michael Stelzer is now on view outside the Hatch Auditorium at the Library Center in Springfield. The interactive work uses reflective elements and bold structure to create 360-degree views that invite visitors to engage directly with the space.
Two very different disciplines sit side by side in the warmth and comfort of The Green Room. Welcome, friends.
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| Jimmy Rea
Host, Arts News
KSMU 91.1 - FM
Ozarks Public Broadcasting
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The Green Room is presented by Springfield Community Gardens
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Founder of Glenstone Records James Box leads a studio session. Photo Credit: Glenstone Records
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Glenstone Records launched in 2022 and has continued to expand its roster and reach with each new release. Founder James Box and recording artist Jake McKenzie joined us to talk about the label’s mission and its focus on homegrown country music...read more.
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Michael Stelzer in his workshop. Photo Credit: Michael Stelzer
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A new outdoor sculpture is now on view outside the Hatch Auditorium at the Library Center. Vistalation by Michael Stelzer was placed by Sculpture Walk Springfield in partnership with the Springfield-Greene County Library District and offers reflective, 360-degree views of the surrounding space...read more.
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Arts News on KSMU is your long-standing source for what's happening in the Ozarks arts scene spotlighting local creators, performances, and cultural events every week. Tune in Fridays at 10 a.m. on 91.1-FM or stream at KSMU.org
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👉Got a story, event, or artist I should know about? Share your arts and music tips with The Green Room, and help us shine a spotlight on the creative pulse of the Ozarks! You can email them to me at JRea@MissouriState.edu.
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Sponsored by Sothern Plumbing
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🎶Friends don't leave friends out of the music and arts scene - they share all the local arts and music happenings. Just forward this email to friends!
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It’s easy to forget, but not that long ago music was not that accessible. You really had to work to listen to your favorite song.
Spotify only really took off in the last 10 years. YouTube in the last 15. These and other platforms now give the average music fan the ability to listen to virtually any song anytime they want. But, prior to this moment, if you really wanted to hear a song you had one of three options:
1. You had to have it. You either bought it, downloaded it, burned it, taped it, paid a jukebox to play it for you, etc.
2. You had to wait for it. On the radio. On the TV. On the house music at Old Navy. Whatever worked best for you.
3. You had to have someone play it for you.
With Option 3, it would be great if Marky Mark & The Funky Bunch could appear at your local bar every Saturday night to regale you with their 1991 hit “Wildside,” but that’s just not feasible. And so, you have…. cover bands.
Some musicians decry cover bands over bands playing original music. Also, any number of those same musicians play covers. Why? Because it is nice to get paid, and people will happily pay to hear their favorite songs. It can also be very rewarding for the musicians playing those songs, as they may be some of their favorite songs too. The connection between a musician and a crowd via a well-known song can be electrifying.
Sometimes, bands even go to great lengths to curate something special. A passion project. A catalog, a revue, or maybe just….an album.
This Saturday night at The Riff, six very talented Springfield musicians from a whole clutch of bands are presenting Def Leppard’s third album, Pyromania, in its entirety. Who asked for this? They did. And I, for one, am glad they did. True passion can be found in original music, obviously. But the same passion can be found in someone simply playing something because it’s their favorite song.
So, take a listen to “Rock! Rock! (Till you Drop),” from Pyromania, think about heading down to a great night of what might be some of YOUR favorite songs, and we’ll see you next week!
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Local Radar with Ran Cummings is a weekly music and conversation radio show on KSMU featuring bands and performances from in and around the Ozarks every Friday night at 9:00 p.m. on 91.1 - FM or stream at KSMU.org.
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Studio Live with Melissa Rea and Jess Balisle airs on the 2nd Friday of every month at noon. Tune in at 91.1-FM or stream at KSMU.org for an hour of live music and conversation with talented local artists. Later that evening, experience the music in person at a FREE live performance from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Springfield Brewing Company.
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| February 13: Joe Dillstrom
March 13: Pomfret
April 10: The Shandies
May 8: Little Jones
June 12: The Sideburns
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Was this email sent to you by a friend? If you'd love fresh takes, local gems, and behind-the-scenes artsy goodness in your inbox every week subscribe to The Green Room Arts News letter.
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In the mood to stay in? Queue up one of these videos handpicked by our staff at Ozarks Public Broadcasting, perfect for a night in when you're skipping the scene but still craving culture.
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These favorites from KSMU and OPT are just the beginning—there’s a whole world of storytelling, music, documentaries, and local gems waiting on you to dive in and discover at your local public broadcasting station.
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The Green Room is a production of Ozarks Public Broadcasting. For more information about our programs and services please visit our website.
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Mailing Address:
901 South National Ave.
Springfield, MO 65897
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Ozarks Public Television 417-836-3500
KSMU Radio 417-836-5878
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