Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

Visit these local establishments to experience a variety of creative events and entertainment this summer:

JOPLIN ARTS DISTRICT NEWS - A snapshot of news, events and activities happening in August.

Art Exhibits, Theater and Music

Connect2Culture, 212 W. Seventh St.: For event schedule, visit www.connect2culture.org. For ticket information and other details, call 417.501.5550. All performances are held in the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

Dream Theatre Troupe, 124 South Main St., presents the play Heathers, the Musical Aug. 3, 4, 5, 7:30. Tickets: $25 at showtix4u.com.

First Thursday ArtWalk with seven locations Aug. 3 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., in downtown historic Joplin. Enjoy indoor venues with local musicians performing and area artists selling their art. Find a map of locations posted on Facebook/ firstthursdayartwalkjoplinEvents.

Higher Society presents CommunityFest at Landreth Park, 500 NW Murphy Blvd. This free event is Aug. 20, 11 a.m.-8 p.m. with 10 bands, including The Mix Tapes, Randall Shreve and Ashlynn Grey, plus food trucks and vendors.

JOMOCOM will be held within Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St., Aug. 5, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. $12 (kids 5 and under free). Free cosplay contest. WolfRich Entertainment and Joplin Improv will hold one-hour murder mystery sessions. Actors improv workshops are $5 a session. Information: www.jomocom.org.

Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 S. Main St.: Painter Barb Hicklin teaches beginning watercolor (ages 8 and up) every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: $20, and bring your supplies. Walk in or RSVP 417.553.0835.

Spiva Center for the Arts, inside the Cornell Complex, 212 West 7th St.: Enjoy the following shows in four galleries: reception Aug. 15, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for “Who Am I: A Queer Perspective” a 4 States LGBTQIA+ and Allies first-of-its-kind show in this area; reception Aug. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for “Delectable: Art of the Edible” from whimsy to profound pop art; reception Aug. 18, 5:30-7:30 p.m. for the “Best of Missouri Hands: On

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub 510 S. Joplin Ave Joplin, MO

417.623.2485

Facebook: @ BlackthornPizza&Pub

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub is a welcoming and inclusive Irish pub in the heart of downtown Joplin. This hip spot is famous for its delicious food, huge beer selection on tap, the area’s best live music and unforgettable drag shows. Follow Blackthorn on Facebook for upcoming events. Open 7 days a week and now also open for lunch Thursday through Monday.

Third Thursdays street festival is an outside, downtown community event on Main Street from First through Seventh streets. Learn more at www.Facebook.com/ JoplinThirdThursday. Join us Aug. 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for the Dog Days of Summer, where you can enjoy music, entertainment, food trucks and artisan crafts.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 S. Main St: Painter Rolanda Root will show during August “Earth, Iron and Fire,” encaustic with iron pieces. Meet Rolanda Aug. 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bar, Restaurant and Store Offerings

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave.: Aug. 9, 8 p.m.: Singer/songwriter open mic, all ages until 10 p.m. No cover, 2-3 songs. Aug. 18, 10 p.m.: Drag show hosted by Victoria and Misty. $5 cover, 21 and up. First and third Sundays 8 p.m.: Free stand-up comedy.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 S. Main St.: Karaoke every Tuesday, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover. Jam nights Thursdays, 7 p.m. Catch a free comedy show the last Friday of every month.

Chaos Brewing Company, 122 S. Main St.: Play free trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m.; second Tuesdays are for disc golf, 6-9 p.m. with Local Route putting competition.

Club 609, 609 S. Main St.: During August, painter Sydney Smith displays “Peony for Your Thoughts” acrylics on canvas.

530 Somewhere, 530 S. Main St.: A new bar/restaurant featuring painter Natalie Avondet with her “Face to Face” colorful pop art series of celebrities. Meet her Aug. 3, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave.: Pittsburg artist Scott Leeper presents his mostly abstract paintings “Light and Heavy.” Meet Scott Aug. 3, 5:30-8 p.m. In backroom Aug. 24, 6:30 p.m.: Open mic poets and museum.

Countryside in the City

Florist • Event Planner Event Venue 422 S. Joplin Ave.

417.781.3719 www.countrysideflowers.biz

Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and Saturday 9 am-1 pm. Convenient parking.

By Kristi Spencer

by Mandy Edmonson