Vol.2, No.8, February 27, 2026
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People. Places. Things To Do. |
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| | There are moments when you can see the arts working in real time in our community.
Sometimes it is measured in seats filled. Hotel rooms being sold out. Restaurants all buzzing. Hundreds or thousands of people moving through the heart of town because a Broadway tour has arrived. Leaders and partners at Juanita K. Hammons Hall recently put hard numbers behind that impact, sharing how major productions like Phantom of the Opera, Hamilton and The Lion King have contributed to Springfield’s economy over the years. I was fortunate to attend the recent announcement of Wicked and learn more about that reach.
Other times, the impact shows up in quieter ways. In a student standing tall in front of their artwork. In a proud family member snapping photos at a student gallery opening. In the simple but powerful act of being seen and stepping into the role of an artist. Even as the Springfield Art Museum undergoes renovations, its long-running All School Exhibition continues at Brick City Gallery, opening tonight, carrying forward a tradition that has shaped young artists in this community for generations.
The arts in the Ozarks are more than performances and exhibitions. They are investments. They are identity. And for many, they are the first step toward something bigger.
Last week, many of you responded to The Green Room survey and shared why stories like these matter to you. If you have not yet taken the survey, we would love to hear from you!
Let’s gather in The Green Room and celebrate the arts again this week.
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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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Last year’s All-School student exhibition being viewed. Photo Credit: Springfield Art Museum.
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A longtime Springfield tradition returns as the Springfield Art Museum’s annual All School Exhibition opens, spotlighting the creativity of hundreds of young artists from across the community. Now in its temporary home at Brick City Gallery, the free showcase celebrates the imagination, skill, and hard work of K–12 students and the educators who guide them. It’s a colorful reminder that the next generation of Ozarks artists is already making its mark...read more.
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Wicked announcement at Hammons Hall. Photo Credit: Jimmy Rea
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Big Broadway tours do more than light up the stage at Juanita K. Hammons Hall—they ripple through the entire Ozarks economy. Local leaders say major productions like Wicked draw thousands of visitors, boost hotels and restaurants, and strengthen Springfield’s reputation as a destination for world-class entertainment. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the arts fuel both community pride and real economic impact...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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Springfield is home to four institutions of higher education, the third largest metropolitan population in Missouri, and the original Bass Pro Shop. But, while traffic can be fierce, travelers are not ultimately required to pass through our hallowed hamlet to get elsewhere. Missouri has many roads.
As such, it can be a challenge at times to catch a major touring band in our area, but there was that one time that Jeff Tweedy punched a guy in the face on stage at The Shrine Mosque.
We have our moments.
"I feel terrible," Tweedy told the crowd following the incident. "I don’t like to punch someone in the face. It sucks.”
I was not at this show. I absolutely should have been. It was walking distance from my house. Everyone I knew was there. I think I had to work. I wasn’t even that into Wilco at the time, but I knew it was a moment.
Don’t miss moments.
Wilco returned last fall for the first time since that incident, and has announced they will be back again in May at the Momentary in Bentonville. Seems appropriate.
Unrelated, but equally as impressive, Wilco actually recorded a track, just one track, at The Studio downtown in 1996 with legendary Springfield producer Lou Whitney, for their sophomore album “Being There.” Honestly, there is not that much information out there about it, just that it happened. But, sometimes, things just happen. Moments happen.
So take Why Would You Wanna Live for a spin, think about making some moments happen, 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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| March 13: Eric Leick
April 10: The Shandies
May 8: Little Jones
June 12: The Sideburns
July 10: Jin J. X
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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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