Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Spotlight on Joplin For November 2019

Photo: https://connect2culture.org

For KSMU’s November “Spotlight On Joplin”, we once again visit with Emily Frankoski, Community Arts Director for Joplin’s regional arts agency Connect2Culture, who selected just a few of her favorite events and exhibits from the agency’s huge “Arts, Culture & Entertainment in Joplin” list for the month—all 17 pages of it! It’s available in its entirety at https://connect2culture.org. Or call (417) 625-6683 for information.

First, in musical and theatrical performances in Joplin:                                                                                               

November 2: Me Like Bees with Payton James Walk and Sara Wood, 7:00–10:00pm (doors 6:00pm) at Wilder’s Ballroom (1208 S Main St). Me Like Bees is ready to play its hometown again! After a busy summer producing new music and touring the nation, the Bees Bois are excited to bring their high-energy live show home. Tickets: Pre-Sale BOGO $17, General Admission $10. More information: Me Like Bees, melikebees@gmail.com.

November 7: Pro Musica: Tesla Quartet with Alex Fiterstein, 7:00pm at Ozark Christian College, Chapel (1111 N Main St). Praised for their “superb capacity to find the inner heart of everything they play, regardless of era, style or technical demand” (The International Review of Music), the Tesla Quartet brings refinement and prowess to both new and established repertoire. The quartet came to Joplin as part of the 2015-16 concert season. Clarinetist Alexander Fiterstein is considered one of today’s most exceptional artists. Fiterstein has performed in recital, with distinguished orchestras, and with chamber music ensembles throughout the world. Mr. Fiterstein performed in Joplin with a piano trio during the 2017-18 season. This concert is free and open to the public. An additional house concert will be held on November 8 (see below).  More information: Deb Billings, info@promusicajoplin.org, (417) 625-1822.

November 8: Pro Musica: Tesla Quartet with Alex Fiterstein (House Concert), 6:30pm. Enjoy another performance by these musicians in an intimate “house concert” setting. This is a ticketed event. Contact Pro Musica for house location, ticket prices, and reservations. More information: Deb Billings, info@promusicajoplin.org, (417) 625-1822.

Coda Concert House (2120 E. 24th Street in Joplin) will host three world-class blues acts for their own house concert series. First on November 5: Tinsley Ellis House Concert, 6:30pm (doors 6:00pm) at The Coda Concert House (2120 E 24th St). After a career spanning decades, Tinsley Ellis has established himself as a brilliant guitar player who goes beyond the typical molds of the Southern blues and rock genres. Ellis has garnered fans from across the globe with his stirring, original blues and astounding rock songs. Don’t miss a chance to see this talented musician in an intimate setting!

November 15: Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials House Concert, 7:00pm (doors 6:30pm) at The Coda Concert House (2120 E 24th St). Lil’ Ed & the Blues Imperials have been producing music for more than 30 years. This accomplished band began in Chicago, where their distinct sound and Lil’ Ed’s unique vocals created a thrilling experience with each performance. Today, Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials have earned multiple awards for their work, including the Blues Music Award for Band of the Year.

November 30: Jimi Hendrix Birthday Celebration feat. Chris Duarte, 5:30pm (doors 5:00pm) at The Coda Concert House (2120 E 24th St). Celebrate the genius guitarist, Jimi Hendix, with a night of Jimi’s music, featuring guitar legend, Chris Duarte, and special guest, Rachel Ammons of the Ben Miller Band. 

There is a suggested, minimum donation of $25 for each of these house concerts. More information and reservations: Jeff Morrow, info@codaconcerthouse.com. In response to reservations, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking etc. will be sent in return. All proceeds benefit the artist(s) performing.

November 14: Jazz Combo Recital, 7:30pm at Missouri Southern State University, Corley Auditorium (3950 E Newman Rd). Enjoy a rich, soulful performance by the MSSU Jazz Combo, directed by Dr. Phillip C. Wise. Free and open to the public. More information: Rita Boyer, boyer-r@mssu.edu, (417) 625-9318.

November 15: Jazz & Pizza at Gusano’s, 6:00–8:00pm at Gusano’s Pizza (3929 E 7th St E). Grab a slice of Chicago-style pizza and listen to the smooth jazz melodies of MSSU’s Jazz Combos! Reservations are recommended. Free and open to the public. More information: Rita Boyer, boyer-r@mssu.edu, (417) 625-9318.

November 20–23: A Christmas Carol, 7:30pm at Missouri Southern State University, Bud Walton Theatre (3950 E Newman Rd). Charles Dickens’ classic Christmas tale, which follows Ebenezer Scrooge, a selfish miser, who is dramatically changed after he is visited by three ghosts. Tickets: Adults $7, Students/Senior Citizens $5. More information: Terri Spencer, spencer-t@mssu.edu, (417) 625-9393.

Next we looked at various arts and cultural events taking place in Joplin in November.

November 1: Joplin Regional Artists Coalition: Studio Tours, 5:00–8:00pm, and November 2 from 10:00am–3:00pm, at various studios in the Joplin area. Join the Joplin Regional Artists Coalition as their members open their studio spaces for tours! See where some of the most talented, area artists produce their work and watch as they provide demonstrations. Click here to see a list of participating artists. Participants may also win beautiful pieces from participating artists by purchasing a signature card for $10. Collect signatures of 10 participating artists and receive one entry for the raffle. Collect 20 and get two entries. Collect all participating artists signatures and receive three entries into the raffle. Click here to view raffle items. More information: Emily Rose, joplinrac@gmail.com.

November 11: Sherwood Speaker Series: “The Civil War from an Osage/Wah-Zha-Zhi Perspective,” 6:00pm at Missouri Southern State University, Corley Auditorium (3950 E Newman Rd). The Civil War remains a defining chapter in our nation’s history, and the strategic significance of Southwest Missouri during the conflict cannot be understated. Learn more about Missouri’s role in this significant part of American history as Isaias McCaffery presents “The Civil War from an Osage/Wah-Zha-Zhi Perspective.” Free and open to the public. More information: Brad Belk, (417) 625-9665, belk-b@mssu.edu.

November 15 & 16: The Hip Handmade Market, which calls itself "Southwest Missouri's Original Indie Craft Fair," will hold their Market for November. More information will be available on the market's website as of November 1st at http://www.thehiphandmademarket.com or their Facebook page.

November 18: Victoria Price Author Visit , 6:00pm at Joplin Public Library (1901 E 20th St). Post Art Library (1901 E 20th St). Listen to Victoria Price's presentation Vincent Price: Master of Menace, Lover of Life, in which she discusses her father Vincent Price, aka cinema's King of Horror. Discover more about the career, family life, and philosophies of one of cinema's most beloved actors. Then, meet Victoria Price during a book signing. Brought to you by the Post Art Library and MSSU Honors Program. Free and open to the public. More information: Jill Sullivan, jhsullivan@postartlibrary.org, ( 417)623-7953 ext.1041.

November 21: Seventh Annual Empty Bowls 2019, 11:00am–7:30pm at Washington Family Hope Center (1112 E 2nd St). Do you enjoy local artwork, tasty soups, and helping others in our community? Then this event is for you! Select a handcrafted bowl from an area artist and then fill it with your choice of delicious soup from a local restaurant. After your meal, keep the bowl as a reminder of your generosity and dedication to eliminating hunger in our area. Cost: $20 minimum per bowl. More information: Ruth Willoughby, ruth@wateredgardens.org, (417) 623-6030, ext.113.

Next, art exhibits and classes in the Joplin area in November.

November 1 – 30: Body Languages by Connie Miller at Joplin Chamber of Commerce (320 E 4th St). What can you discern about someone’s attitude without the help of facial expressions? Connie Miller’s extraordinary exhibit, Body Languages, explores this concept through unique paintings of faceless subjects. Free and open to the public. More information: Linda Teeter, lteeter00@gmail.com, (417) 438-5931.

November 2: Pointillism: Making Art with Dots with Sandra Conrad (Ages 15+), 1:00–3:00pm at Spiva Center for the Arts (222 W 3rd St). Learn how to create art using this technique made popular in the 19th Century. Students will get a tour of the exhibit featuring abstract pointillist, Catherine Kirkland, and take home their own works of art. Cost: $25. More information: Jade Henning, jhenning@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

Now through December 14: 72nd Membership Show at Spiva Center for the Arts, Main Gallery (222 W 3rd St). Back for its 72nd year, Spiva’s Membership Show honors the wide range of passions and creativity its members channel into their work. Almost 100 local artists’ work will be displayed, featuring a variety of mediums and styles. Free and open to the public; donations appreciated. More information: Jade Henning, jhenning@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

Now through December 21: Catherine Kirkland: What’s the Point? at Spiva Center for the Arts, Regional Gallery (222 W 3rd St). Lenexa artist, Catherine Kirkland, answers the question, “What’s the Point?” through each vivid piece in her series of pointillist paintings. Free and open to the public; donations appreciated. More information: Jade Henning, jhenning@spivaarts.org, (417) 623-0183.

Randy Stewart joined the full-time KSMU staff in June 1978 after working part-time as a student announcer/producer for two years. His job evolved from Music Director in the early days to encompassing production of a wide range of arts-related programming and features for KSMU, including the online and Friday morning Arts News. Stewart assisted volunteer producers John Darkhorse (Route 66 Blues Express), Lee Worman (The Gold Ring), and Emily Higgins (The Mulberry Tree) with the production of their programs. He was the de facto "Voice of KSMU" due to the many hours per day he was heard doing local station breaks. Stewart’s record of service on behalf of the Springfield arts community earned him the Springfield Regional Arts Council's Ozzie Award in 2006.

Stewart passed away on July 1, 2024.