Vol. 1, No. 7, September 19, 2025
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People. Places. Things To Do. |
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👋Greetings, friends. Glad you could join us in The Green Room this week. And if it’s your first time here, welcome!
The Green Room is a weekly newsletter from Ozarks Public Broadcasting that explores all the artsy goodness our Ozarks community has to offer.
I'm stoked to introduce our newest contributor, Mavis Parks. A Springfield native and senior at Missouri State studying digital film and TV production, Mavis has already jumped in with fresh energy—producing segments for Arts News and curating stories for KSMU's website. This week, she sat down with Dan and Nicole Chilton, co-founders of The Moxie Cinema, to talk about the 20th anniversary of this beloved Springfield treasure.🍿🎬
Meanwhile, I had the pleasure of visiting with Cleo Cochram of the Harlin Museum to explore how a new history exhibit at the West Plains Civic Center uses art and artifacts to illuminate the past. 🎖📜
Though the summer may be winding down, the creative scene is anything but quiet. This month, there are countless ways to experience art in our community. From Annie at the Springfield Little Theatre and The Princess Bride at the Gillioz, to live music from The Shandies and Maximum Weekend, plus seasonal favorites like Cider Days on Walnut Street—there’s something for every art lover. Be sure to check out our list of Hip Happenings below. And if you know of an artist, event, or creative project you think others should know about, shoot me an email at JRea@MissouriState.edu. I love nothing more than showcasing our amazing arts community!
Now, let's get to it...
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| Jimmy Rea
Host, Arts News
KSMU 91.1-FM
Ozarks Public Broadcasting
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The Green Room Arts News Letter is presented by
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The Gallery at the West Plains Civic Center, in collaboration with the Harlin Museum, presents an exhibit featuring artifacts from U.S. wars and their impact on Ozarks residents. I spoke with curator Cleo Cockrum about her role in the program and how the arts help rural communities thrive...read more.
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This month, Moxie Cinema celebrates two decades in Springfield with a variety of tailored screenings and events open to the public. KSMU student arts reporter Mavis Parks has more...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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🎶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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Many years ago, a good friend of mine called me on the phone (that’s how many years ago it was) and expressed his frustration that his band had been bumped from a long-booked gig at the former Patton Alley Pub for “some out-of-town musician” he had never heard of. I don’t know why, but I had a suspicion in that moment and inquired about the musician’s name. After his response, I said something to the effect of, “Buddy, don’t feel bad. They were right to bump you.”
As coincidence would have it, the next time he came over to my house, I was playing a station on Pandora and, as he walked in, I pointed to the TV screen where it showed us that we were listening to David Bowie covering a song by the musician he had recently been bumped for. I asked, “Do you get it now?”
That musician? Jonathan Richman.
Jonathan Richman is not from Springfield. He has no family in Springfield. He did not attend one of our fine universities in Springfield. In fact, he was born, raised, and educated in Massachusetts. But he recorded one of the most important Springfield albums ever, with what could reasonably be referred to as the greatest wrecking crew of Springfield musicians ever assembled.
After breaking up the legendary band he founded, The Modern Lovers, and having only modest success with his first solo album, Jonathan Richman found himself making music in Springfield, Missouri. With the legendary Lou Whitney helming the production—and with multiple members of the Daredevils, The Skeletons, The Morells, et al.—he went on to produce Jonathan Goes Country, which is regarded as one of the finest albums of his esteemed career. Right here. In Springfield, Missouri. He even shot the cover at PFI with Randy Little himself.
I’d tell you more, but I’m well over my word count. So giddy-up, give Since She Started to Ride a spin, 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 it at KSMU.org.
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Studio Live with Melissa Rea and Jess Balisle airs the second Friday of every month on KSMU. Tune in at 12:00 p.m. for an hour of live music and conversation with talented artists. Later that evening, experience the music in person at a FREE performance from 6:00–8:00 p.m. at Springfield Brewing Company.
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October 10 - Matteson Gregory
November 14 - Mr. Orange
December 12 - Drew Beine
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In the mood to stay in? Cue 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 for 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 Arts News letter.
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The Green Room: A Weekly Arts News Letter 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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