☕️ Llamas, Cars, & The Market

In partnership with

Want to sponsor your business in JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

Good Morning, Joplin. The Artemis II astronauts are due for splashdown off the coast of California tonight around 7:00 PM CST. Now I wonder if they’re just like the rest of us and will leave their spacesuits in the corner of their room for two weeks before doing their post-trip laundry… Oh, that’s just me? Nevermind.

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• North Heights Market in the Park

• Cars, Coffee, Live Music, and Cats

• Prom Photos

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who is a complete space nerd.

Celebrate the season of renewal with one of our most anticipated events of the spring. Botox & Blooms is an elevated, feel-good experience where beauty, wellness, and connection come together in a relaxed, welcoming environment.

Enjoy exclusive event-only pricing on select services and products, meet with our expert providers, and experience treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate. Sip, savor, and take part in light bites, drinks, giveaways, and a special raffle—all while building your own custom flower bouquet to take home.

Space is limited for this signature La Boussole event—call to reserve your place and join us for an afternoon of beauty, balance, and blooming confidence.

Call 417-434-4449 to reserve your spot.

SPONSORED BY GAMBINO’S PIZZA

When dinner needs to be easy and a crowd-pleaser, Gambino's Pizza has you covered. From piping hot specialty pizzas loaded with toppings to their classic crispy crust and fan-favorite pasta dishes, this is the kind of local spot that just hits every time. Feeding the family? Covered. Game night? Handled. Don’t forget the wings, cheesy breadsticks, and desserts to round it out.

Skip the stress and go with a sure thing tonight—order online or swing by and grab your favorites fresh out of the oven.

🌿 North Heights Spring Market in the Park is Back

Saturday, April 11 | 9:00 AM–3:00 PM | Michael & Jeri Lynn Joseph Family Park

Joplin’s newest community event is launching in a big way—the North Heights Spring Market in the Park is set to bring together local vendors, live music, and hands-on fun at Michael & Jeri Lynn Joseph Family Park. With 30+ vendors already signed up (and more joining daily), this first-ever market is shaping up to be a full day of shopping, food, and community connection.

Live music will keep the energy going all morning, featuring Keyven Dunn (10 AM), Abiel Chavez (11 AM), and Zane Grimes (noon). In the afternoon, the North Heights Neighborhood Group and Wildcat Conservation will host a free gardening program for both kids and adults—complete with pots, soil, and seeds so you can create your own plant to take home.

And come hungry—this lineup delivers. Expect everything from fried fish and smashburgers to kettle corn, baked goods, specialty drinks, and sweet treats from a wide range of local vendors. Whether you’re browsing booths, grabbing lunch, or just enjoying the music in the park, this is a strong kickoff for what could become a new local favorite.

🎸 North Mississippi Allstars Live at The Coda Concert House

Tuesday, April 14 | 7:00–9:00 PM (Doors 6:30 PM)

Experience an unforgettable night of blues-driven sound as the North Mississippi Allstars perform an intimate house concert at The Coda Concert House. Formed by brothers Luther and Cody Dickinson, the group has spent nearly 30 years blending deep-rooted Mississippi blues and folk traditions into their signature “Modern Mississippi Music,” sharing stages with legends like RL Burnside, Mavis Staples, Robert Plant, and Buddy Guy.

This unique, up-close performance begins at 7:00 PM (doors open at 6:30 PM), with a $95 suggested minimum donation that goes directly to support the artists. Reservations are required—email to secure your spot and receive full event details, including the exact address, directions, and parking info.

📸 Pose & Promenade Offers Free Prom Photos for Local Students

Saturday, April 11 | 3:00–5:00 PM | Nexus an OCH Event Center

Prom night just got even better. Pose & Promenade is giving local students a chance to capture the moment with a free professional photo experience before heading off to the big night. Hosted at Nexus an OCH Event Center in partnership with Likeable Likeness Photography, this event offers a relaxed, welcoming space to get high-quality portraits without the usual cost or stress.

Students attending prom on April 11—regardless of school—can stop by for one complimentary professional digital photo, plus access to multiple indoor photo setups for portraits, group shots, and family photos. No appointment is needed, and families are encouraged to join in. Additional prints will be available for just $5, making this an easy, memorable way to celebrate a milestone night.

🤝 You Belong in Joplin Hosts April Community Meeting

Wednesday, April 22 | 12:00–1:00 PM | Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce

Looking to get more connected and make a positive impact locally? You Belong in Joplin (YBIJ) is hosting its next monthly meeting at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, inviting community members to come together for conversation, collaboration, and action. Whether you’ve been involved before or are just getting started, there’s a seat at the table for you.

YBIJ is a citizen-driven group focused on fostering belonging and inclusion across Joplin. Originally formed as an Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion workgroup through the Chamber, the group continues its mission today by supporting and amplifying voices from diverse and traditionally marginalized communities. In addition to monthly meetings, YBIJ helps lead community events like the annual “You Belong” Third Thursday—creating space for connection, understanding, and meaningful change.

🛍️ Miss Daisy’s Semi-Annual Warehouse Sale

Score 40–75% off furniture, décor, and clothing April 10–11 from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, with unique finds and last-chance pieces throughout the warehouse. Come early for the best selection and be ready to haul your treasures—once it’s gone, it’s gone.

Check out their website here!

🏛️ Historic Preservation Symposium Coming This May

Joplin will host the third annual Missouri Historic Preservation Symposium this spring, bringing together experts, community leaders, and preservation advocates to explore how historic spaces can drive economic growth. Presented by the Missouri State Historic Preservation Office and partners including the City of Joplin and Missouri Southern State University, this year’s theme—“The Road Ahead: Fueling the Economy through Historic Preservation”—will highlight everything from tax credits to redevelopment strategies.

The event kicks off with an opening reception on May 13 at the historic Schifferdecker and Zelleken homes, followed by a full day of programming on May 14 at Missouri Southern State University. Attendees can expect keynote speakers, breakout tracks focused on community preservation and historic tax credits, and a special Route 66 exhibit celebrating 100 years of the Mother Road. Registration is required by April 30, with limited space available. Click here to register!

Friday: 🌡️ 59 | 72 🌧️ 90%

Saturday: 🌡️ 60 | 80 ⛅️ 

Sunday: 🌡️ 64 | 71 🌧️ 80%

Friday

🚚 Kick Off – Right off Route 66: Food Truck Friday returns to Central Park in Carthage from 11:00 AM–9:00 PM with a full day of food trucks, local vendors, and community fun. Stick around for live music from Ozark Storm (6–9 PM) and a Cruise-In featuring classic cars (5–9 PM) to cap off the evening.

🦁 Wild Adventures – A Smart Zoo Experience: Experience a one-of-a-kind animatronic zoo at the Webb City Little League Fields from 2:00–7:00 PM, featuring lions, dinosaurs, a 40-ft King Cobra, and more. Enjoy VR aquarium adventures, fossil digs, soft play zones, and sweet treats—admission requires a cookie purchase per person.

Saturday

🚴‍♂️ Tour de Llama Cycling Adventure: Ride a 15-mile urban loop through Joplin and the Frisco Trail starting at 8:30 AM from Empire Market, with stops at both Crazy Llama Coffee locations. Your $25 registration includes a t-shirt and drink discounts, plus a fun, all-ages ride that wraps up with shopping and eats at Empire Market.

🚗 Cars and Coffee: Nighttime Takeover: Cruise into this evening car meet on April 11 from 6:00–9:00 PM featuring everything from classics to JDM builds, trucks, and bikes. Enjoy food, music, photographers, and laid-back vibes in a family-friendly setting.

🌸 “Settle Into Spring” Pop Up Market at The Grove: Spend a beautiful spring day shopping local vendors and crafters, enjoying live music, and grabbing a bite to eat at The Grove in Carthage. Bring your friends and family and soak in the season at this laid-back, community-focused market.

🎈 🎉 Character Meet & Greet at Claire’s Playhouse: Bring the kids out for a fun-filled day with Bluey, Bingo, Mickey, Minnie, Chase, and Skye from 8:00 AM–2:00 PM. Dance, play, snap photos, and enjoy interactive fun—tickets are $15 for kids (including infants), with one free adult per child.

🎈 🎨 Mommy & Me Paint Party: Get creative together at this instructor-led highland cow painting class at Through Grace, with sessions at 11:00 AM and 2:30 PM. For $15 per person (2-ticket minimum), each participant takes home an 8x10 painting plus a free family photo—perfect for a fun, memory-making day with the kids.

Saturday and Sunday

🐱 Cat Show at the Newton County Fairgrounds: See up to 35 cat breeds and nearly 180 cats compete in multiple judging rings April 11–12 from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM in Neosho. Enjoy agility contests, a cat costume contest, vendors, and family-friendly fun with plenty of chances to meet these feline stars.

Sunday

🎨 Second Sunday at Spiva: Explore Spiva Center for the Arts from 1:00–4:00 PM with free access to multiple exhibits, including PhotoSpiva and interactive gallery experiences. It’s a relaxed, come-and-go opportunity to enjoy local art and creativity on your schedule.

Friday

Zane Grimes
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Vagabond Grove
W H Farm Cafe Mining Co | 6:00 PM

Wilkie Jay
Bricks & Brews | 7:00 PM

Brad Hemphill
Joplin Elks Lodge | 7:00 PM

Honkeytonk Renovators
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

The Downbeat
Cherokee Casino Grove | 8:00 PM

Saturday

Luke Smith
Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

Dr G
Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Left of Center
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 4:30 PM

JR Neal The Piano Man
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Natalie Prauser
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Rock for Rescue Benefit Concert
Kansas Crossing Casino | 6:30 PM

Dustin Trieber
Turtleheads Raw Bar | 7:00 PM

Fuel
Buffalo Run Casino | 8:00 PM

Heather White and the Little White Liars
Grand Lake Casino | 8:00 PM

Simply Seger Tribute Band
River Bend Casino | 8:00 PM

RetroRockerz
Downstream Casino | 8:30 PM

The Bison
Buffalo Run Casino | 8:30 PM

We’d love to hear your feedback! Reply to this newsletter or take the poll to let us know how we’re doing!

Want to sponsor JOMO Jive? Send your inquiry to [email protected]

THANKS!

Thank you for reading JOMO Jive today. See you again Tuesday!