Vol. 2 , No. 32,  September 11, 2026

This week’s The Green Room newsletter falls on September 11. For many of us, that date has a lot of meaning. It’s been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks, but we can recall vividly our feelings and surroundings of that tragic morning. 

Tonight, local musicians and the Central Springfield Community Choir will perform “The Rising Revisited” at the Gillioz Theatre. It will be a reimagined rendition of Bruce Springsteen’s 2002 album “The Rising,” which was born after the 9/11 attacks. 

This weekend also marks two joyful anniversaries: the 30th year of the Japanese Fall Festival and the 40th anniversary of Springfield Sister Cities Association’s relationship with Isesaki, Japan. Springfield Sister Cities Executive Director Lisa Bakerink told me that, in the end, their goal is simple: to create opportunities for people from around the world to become friends. “Peace through people,” she said. 

That’s especially relevant today. So, on this September 11, our edition of The Green Room will be about how the arts can bring people together no matter what they’ve been through or where they are from. Welcome back, friends. 

Jimmy Rea

Host, Arts News

KSMU 91.1 FM

Ozarks Public Broadcasting

The Green Room is sponsored by Springfield Community Gardens

Choir members rehearse for the concert. Photo Credit: Jym Wilson

The Mixtapes and the Central Springfield Community Choir reimagine Bruce Springsteen’s "The Rising" in a powerful full-album concert inspired by the aftermath of September 11. Conceived by local photographer Jym Wilson, the performance brings together standout area musicians for a one-night tribute...read more. 

Yasu Ishida, a magician and storyteller originally from Ube, Japan. Photo Credit: Springfield Sister Cities Association

Springfield’s Japanese Fall Festival returns September, 11-13 with music, dance, traditional arts, workshops and food, marking 30 years of the festival and 40 years of friendship with sister city Isesaki, Japan...read more. 

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 10:00 a.m. on 91.1 FM or stream at KSMU.org or subscribe to the Arts News podcast wherever you get your podcasts. New podcast episodes are released every Friday.

The Green Room is supported by Maple Hill Fine Arts

👉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 👈

Sponsored by Sothern Plumbing

Through September 25: Katie Baird - On Growth Exhibition at Drury Pool Art Center

September 11: Meet the Artists at Waverly House Gifts and Gallery

September 11: "The Rising Revisited" at the Gillioz

September 11 - 13: 30th annual Japanese Fall Festival at Nathanael Greene Park 

September 12 : Artsy Ally at the Farmers Market of the Ozarks

September 12: On the Lawn at the Springfield Art Museum 

September 14 (and every Monday): Open Studio Monday at Forming Art Studios 

🎶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 a friend!🎶 

Missed an episode of Studio Live or Arts News? Can't listen live? Find them both as a podcast on KSMU or listen wherever you get your podcasts.

Studio Live with Jess Balisle and Melissa Rea 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. 

October 9: Drifters Mile

November 13: Pomfret

December 11: Devlin Pierce

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. 

Made in the West. In a world of fast fashion and fast furniture, functional art invites us to slow down and appreciate the details. 

The Creative High. Nine artists in recovery from addiction turn to creativity and reclaim their true selves.

Ritual - Second Lines: Poetry in Motion. Explore the history of second lines in New Orleans, including “jazz funerals” and the brass bands that lead them.

Austin City Limits: Carlos Vives y La Provincia.  A multiple Grammy and Latin Grammy winner, Carlos showcases songs from El Último Disco alongside a career-spanning collection of beloved hits.

These favorites from KSMU and OPT staff 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. 

✉️ Was this email sent to you by a friend? If you'd love fresh takes, local gems, and behind-the-scene 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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