Vol. 2, No.11, March 27,2026
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People. Places. Things To Do. |
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| | Hello friends. Thanks for joining me this week.
Keeping an arts community going takes a lot. Of course, you need artists creating and venues hosting, but you also need funding. With arts budgets being cut at the federal and state levels, some relief was sought at the city level this week. In the Springfield City Council chamber Monday night, conversations about budgets and priorities helped shape what creative life could look like in the months and years ahead. Arts leaders spoke about the impact of the arts on the community, and council members voted to shift funding toward the Springfield Regional Arts Council, a move supporters say recognizes the role cultural organizations play in education, economic development, and quality of life.
On a lighter note, we showcase a long-running and prolific bluegrass band, Drifter’s Mile, whose new record and steady touring schedule reflect a bluegrass tradition that continues to evolve while staying deeply rooted in Ozarks soil. Between weekly rehearsals and a shared love of songwriting, Drifter’s Mile shows no signs of slowing down.
This week offers a reminder that culture is something that takes work and passion to sustain. Welcome back to The Green Room. Glad to have you with me.
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| Jimmy Rea
Host, Arts News
KSMU 91.1 - FM
Ozarks Public Broadcasting
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The Green Room is sponsored by Springfield Community Gardens
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Springfield Regional Arts Council Executive Director Leslie Forrester speaks to City Council members.
Photo credit: City of Springfield
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City Council voted to redirect $100,000 from a delayed municipal project to support the Springfield Regional Arts Council, as concerns grow over looming state funding cuts. Supporters say it’s not just about art—it’s about preserving programs that reach thousands and help shape the city’s identity...read more.
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Drifter’s Mile performing around a single vocal mic. Photo credit: Drifter's Mile
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Bluegrass isn’t just surviving in the Ozarks, it’s evolving, and bands like Drifter’s Mile are proof. What started as a group of musicians finding their sound has grown into something deeper: a blend of tradition, experimentation, and a commitment to keeping the region’s musical roots alive while also pushing them forward. Their story taps into a genre tied to place and history that keeps finding new life through the people still willing to play it...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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What do over 100 bands have in common?
(insert punchline here)
The same drummer
No money
Wanting to know if you’re going to finish your fries?
No, in this case over a hundred bands are all going to be playing The Queen City Shout this weekend. For those who don’t know, “The Shout,” as it’s often referred to, is a week-long celebration of the arts in Springfield, now in its 15th year. What started out as a fairly humble canned food drive with a handful of bands at the former Borders off Battlefield (remember Borders you guys??) has evolved into one of the most significant annual music and arts festivals in the region, and it’s all done in the greater service of fighting poverty in the Ozarks.
And, you know, rocking out.
But! It’s not just rock! You want Folk? Indie? Hip Hop? Country? Bluegrass? Loud noises in small spaces? Dulcet tones in beautiful rooms? Baby, it’s got it all. Four nights, eight venues, A HUNDRED AND SIXTEEN BANDS (by my count). There’s something for you out there this weekend to be sure.
Now, best case scenario, you’re reading this Friday morning. That means 18 bands have already played. But that also means a staggering 98 bands remain! Opportunity abounds!
So, check out the schedule, pick yourself a band, or two, or thirty-three, and get out and SHOUT!
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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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| April 10: The Shandies
May 8: Little Jones
June 12: The Sideburns
July 10: Jin J. X
August 14: Patti Steel
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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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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.
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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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