Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

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

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

Art Exhibits, Theater and Music

Connect2Culture, 212 West Seventh Street:

• June 3: Grammy Award-winning The Okie Dokie Brothers (best for ages 5-10) outdoors on the Green

• June 17: BritBeat: A Tribute to the Beatles, “a trip back in musical history from beginning to break up,” outdoors on the Green

• June 24: A’lante Flameco, from Austin, Texas For ticket information and other details, call 417.501.5550. All performances are held in the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

First Thursday ArtWalk with eight locations June 1 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. in downtown historic Joplin. Artists, musicians and host businesses offer a pleasant evening of local arts viewing, purchasing and listening. Find a map of locations posted on Facebook/ firstthursdayartwalkjoplinEvents.

Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 South Main Street, has painter Barb Hicklin teaching beginning watercolor (ages 8 and up) every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $20 walk-in and bring your supplies. Walk-in or RSVP 417.553.0835.

Spiva Center for the Arts, inside the Cornell Complex, 212 West Seventh Street: Enjoy the following shows in four galleries:

• June 10: “Quapaw Nation 151” and the exhibit “Flash Points: Material, Intent, Fused.” Also see “Jim Mueller: Local Legacy,” celebrating the life and work of renowned photographer and instructor

• June 16: Opening of works by Charles Banks Wilson

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 June 15, 5:30-8:30 p.m., where you can enjoy music, entertainment, food trucks and artisan crafts.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 South Main Street: Painter Deana Markus of Aurora exhibits “Forms, Farms, and Fancifuls” during June. Meet Deana June 1, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Bars, Restaurants and Shops

Beast & Barrel, 530 South Main Street: During June, enjoy Carthage watercolor artist Cheryl Church with her paintings “Cars along Route 66“ and “Splash” in colored pencil. Meet Cheryl June 1 from 6-8 p.m.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 South Joplin Avenue hosts Stand Up Comedy Open Mic 8:30 p.m. each Sunday. Singer/ songwriter Open Mic on the second Wednesday at 8 p.m. All ages until 10 p.m., no cover.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 South Main Street holds karaoke every Tuesday, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover. Jam nights on Thursdays, 7 p.m. Catch a free comedy show the last Friday of every month.

Chaos Brewing Company, 122 South Main Street: Play free Trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m.

Club 609, 609 South Main Streets presents the photographs of Koral Martin with “Look Deep Into Nature” during June. Meet Koral June 1 during First Thursday Artwalk, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Club XO, 502 South Joplin Avenue: Fridays are Ladies Night.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 South Joplin Avenue: June exhibit “On the Beaten Path” with local photographer Mike Ritzman. Meet Mike June 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Plant Parenthood, 528 South Main Street presents artwork from artists Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Connie Miller, Brent Skinner and others. Meet the artists June 1 from 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Whiskey Dick’s, 516 South Joplin Avenue: Outdoor music on Fridays/Saturdays.

Xscape Bar, 532 South Joplin Avenue: Thursdays-Saturdays music and dancing.

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.

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.

As summer starts to heat things up, Carthage has much to see and do along with lots of shopping!

The Carthage Chamber of Commerce, along with MSSU’s Small Business Development Center, hosted the inaugural women’s event, EmPowering Women in Business Leadership Conference May 10. Over 50 local Carthage women business leaders came together. They heard about ways to enhance their businesses, develop skills to enhance their jobs and they heard different ways marketing can improve their business. During lunch, Julie Reams, Carthage Chamber of Commerce president, presented Jeannette Clem, executive vice president of Southwest Missouri Bank, Carthage market president, and the head of operations, the EmPOWERing Women in Business Leadership Award. This award will be presented each year to a Carthage woman who has been a leader in her company or business to empower other women to demonstrate a strong work ethic and community involvement. Follow the Carthage Chamber of Commerce on social media or visit their website at www. carthagechamber.com to learn how to be involved with other women’s events planned.

It’s that time of year: the Rodeo is back June 9 and 10 at the Carthage Saddle Club Arena. Gates open nightly at 6 p.m. with Muttin Bustin’ beginning at 7:30 p.m. Other activities include saddle bronc, team roping, calf scramble and more. Go to Carthage Stampede on Facebook to learn more.

To learn about more events, shopping, places to see and things to do, visit www.carthagechamber.com or call 417.358.2373.

Race Brothers Farm & Home Supply

2309 Fair Lawn Dr.

417.358.3529

Race Brothers carries a complete line of farm and home supplies including clothing, electrical, plumbing, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment, tools, truck accessories, pet supplies, cattle-handling equipment, farm fencing and toys. Dedicated to providing the Carthage area with quality service and products for over 40 years. You’ll like the way we do business…tell a friend!

By Kristi Spencer

Photos by Mandy Edmonson