Jimmy Rea
Arts Reporter & HostJimmy Rea is a proud Ozarkian with deep ties to the music community. With 2 decades of creative entrepreneurship underfoot, Jimmy has toured coast to coast and around the world with acoustic acts The HillBenders and Keller Williams. Spearheading numerous musical groups, recording projects, and live music events, Rea’s work in the Springfield music scene is a passion and lifestyle. Happily married to wife Melissa and father to Archie, they enjoy life together with 2 dogs and a cat. In his downtime you can find Jimmy fishing for bass in the crisp rivers, creeks, and streams of the Ozarks.
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National Poetry Month continues with local poets and readings. The Springfield Youth Symphony performs in the Arts News studio ahead of its trip to New York City and Carnegie Hall. Also: local choir concerts, an adult puppet show tour from Portland, and Episode 4 of The Life and Times of Curtis Lee from Ozark Anthology. -
With multiple options to hear or read poetry, Springfield proves to be just as creative and accessible as larger markets. -
Ahead of its trip to New York City to perform at the coveted Carnegie Hall, the ensemble stopped by KSMU to showcase a few tunes. Reporter Jimmy Rea spoke with Director and Conductor Carla Wootten about some of the pieces and how people can get involved. -
Pledge drive kickoff, Episode 3 of Ozarks Anthology's radio drama, PBS Kids Writers Club, Conservatory of the Ozarks concert, local poetry, Soundcheck with The Shandies, On the Lawn at the Art Museum and more. -
KSMU speaks with the founder of the Conservatory and a student involved in the upcoming concert about a performance that goes beyond the music. -
Communications Director Nicole Chilton takes KSMU to the museum grounds to discuss a new event held every second Saturday from April through October. -
Ozark Festival Orchestra ends season with movie music and pie, Springfield Ballet celebrates 50 years and new leadership, Episode 2 of “The Life and Times of Curtis Lee” from Ozark Anthology, Pops in the Park returns, and more -
The Ozark Festival Orchestra wraps its season with a program of cinematic favorites and a pie auction. The long-running volunteer ensemble continues to bring big sound to a small town after outgrowing its previous venue. -
Executive Director Kyler Dibben talks about the upcoming production of “Beauty and the Beast,” taking on the new position and plans for the spring 2026 season. -
A new album from local bluegrass band Drifter’s Mile, City Council approves reallocation of funds to the Springfield Regional Arts Council, Ozark Anthology presents an audio theatre piece, Songs of Resistance at the Shoe Tree Listening Room, and more.
