Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

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

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

Beast & Barrel, 530 South Main Street: The paintings of Andrew Batcheller exhibited in March and April. Meet the artist March 2 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 South Joplin Avenue: Open mic 8:30 p.m. each Sunday. Singer/songwriter open mic on second Wednesday at 8 p.m. All ages until 10 p.m., no cover. Join them March 11 at 10 p.m. for Timmy

Maino & the Constant Distractions with Nicolas Cage, $5, 21+.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 South Main Street: Karaoke every Tuesday, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover.

Connect2Culture, 212 W. 7th Street: “Danu,” a Celtic band, March 9, 7 p.m. Members of Second City Swipe Right: the Incomplete Guide to the Ultimate Date Night will perform Friday, March 24, at 7 p.m., for a mature audience. And actress and singer Jessica Vosk performs songs from Broadway Sunday, March 26, at 4 p.m. For ticket information and other details, call 417.501.5550. All performances are held in the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

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

Club 609, 609 South Main Street: “Broken But Beautiful” with artists Teresa Barraza and Ginger Copeland during March. Reception is March 2 during First Thursday ArtWalk.

Dream Theatre, 124 South Main Street: Firebringer March 2-4, for mature audiences. Tickets are $20, show begins at 7:30 p.m. Call 417.622.6470 for more information and ticket reservations.

First Thursday ArtWalk opens its 16th year March 2 with seven locations 5:308:30 p.m. in downtown historic Joplin. Artists, musicians and host businesses offer a pleasant evening of local arts experiences. Find a map of locations posted on Facebook/firstthursdayartwalkjoplinEvents.

Third Thursdays street festival is an outside, community event on Main Street from First through Seventh streets. The season begins March 16, 5:308:30 p.m. Learn more at www.Facebook.com/ JoplinThirdThursday.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 South Joplin Avenue: Open Mic Night every fourth Thursday, 6:30 p.m., free.

Artist Eric Beezley’s “Contemporary Collection“ of abstract works shows during March. Meet Eric March 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the back room.

Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 South Main Street: Painter Paula Giltner teachies advanced painting every Tuesday and Wednesday at 2 p.m. $20 walk-in; bring your supplies for your medium.

Plant Parenthood, 528 South Main Street: Artwork from artists Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Connie Miller, Brent Skinner and others. Meet the artists March 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 South Main Street: Robin Habnar with her faith-based show “Inspired by God” using people, animals, objects all as Christian symbols. Artist reception is March 2, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 West Seventh Street: Presents the closing week of Holly Wilson’s The Thread That Connects; The Third Grade show with installation of a mural they created studying the Holly Wilson show; and Thomas Hart Benton: The Complete Editioned Lithographs. New exhibits opening March 18 include the “2023 Jo Mueller Small Works Auction”, “Photospiva 2023” in its 47th year as a national juried show of photography; PhotoSpiva Kids and Teens, and Jim Mueller: Local Legacy.

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

417.623.2485

Facebook: @ BlackthornPizza&Pub www.countrysideflowers.biz

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.

Spring is in the air in Carthage.

With flowers beginning to peek out and the trees starting to flourish, we couldn’t be more excited to kick off a fun spring. We encourage everyone to shop Carthage as all of our stores are having big sales that are saving shoppers money. Carthage is full of unique shopping not only around the square but throughout the whole community. Enjoy a relaxing day at two of our day spas, The Palms and The Pavilion. Both facilities will pamper you and get you feeling great.

The Chamber recently honored the Small Business of the Year, Citizen of the Year and many more at its annual banquet held Feb. 23. This event was on a three-year hiatus from the last time there was an in-person event. To read about all of the winners and to see photos, visit the Carthage Chamber at www.carthagechamber.com.

By Kristi Spencer

This Irish apple cake is not only delicious, it’s versatile. This cake can be enjoyed for breakfast or as a dessert. The spongy texture, tart apples and sweet butterscotch chips are sure to be a fantastic treat.

Irish Apple Cake

Ingredients

2 cups sugar

1 cup canola oil

3 large eggs, room temperature

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

Directions

1 tsp baking soda

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

2 medium tart apples, peeled and chopped (2 cups)

1 cup chopped pecans

1 1/2 cups butterscotch chips

In a large bowl, beat the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla until well blended. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon; gradually beat into the sugar mixture until blended. Stir in apples and pecans.

Pour into a lightly greased 9-inch cake pan. Sprinkle with chips. Bake at 325° until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 55-60 minutes. Cover loosely with foil during the last 10-15 minutes to prevent over-browning if necessary. Cool on a wire rack.

By Kristi Spencer

Photos by Mandy Edmonson