☕️ The New JOMO Jive Website is Live

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Good Morning, Joplin. The JOMO Jive website is officially live! I would really love it if you all took an extra minute to check it out and give some feedback. The site is meant to be a resource where you can find old newsletter editions, provide feedback or events via the contact form, or even make contributions that help us continue to grow!

In the future we hope to have a rotation of events and live music, as well as helpful guides for restaurants and entertainment. But please let me know what else you’d like to see on the site! Check it out here —> www.jomojive.com

In today’s JOMO Jive:

• Page-A-Palooza

• Mother Road Mayhem

• #11 Ranked MSSU Softball

Let’s get to it.

— Matt Thompson

P.S. If you find something useful in today’s Jive, please share it with someone who needs supervised when they go out…

🎤 I Am, He Said: A Celebration of Neil Diamond

Saturday, April 25 | 8:00 PM | Leggett & Platt Green, Cornell Complex (Outdoor)
🎟️ Tickets: $40–$55 | 212 W 7th St, Joplin

Sweet Caroline… good times never seemed so good! Get ready for a high-energy night celebrating the music of Neil Diamond, performed by Matt Vee & The Killer Vees—featuring family ties to music legend Bobby Vee.

This isn’t your typical tribute—it’s a full-on celebration of one of the greatest catalogs in music history, with hits like Cracklin’ Rosie, Song Sung Blue, and more brought to life with powerful vocals and a rockin’ band.

🌙 Outdoor concert | Bring a chair or rent one
🎶 Timeless hits + big singalong energy

A perfect spring night of music under the stars.

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.

🌸 Page-A-Palooza April Fest Brings Spring Fun

Saturday, April 25 | 12:00–4:00 PM | Front Page Parking Lot

Spring is showing up in a big way at Page-A-Palooza April Fest, a free, family-friendly event happening at Front Page Inc.. Expect an afternoon packed with live music, food trucks, local vendors, and plenty of activities for kids, including bounce houses and a dedicated Kids Corner. It’s designed to be an easy, come-and-go event where you can hang out, explore, and enjoy the season.

In addition to the outdoor festivities, Front Page will also have in-store sales running during the event, giving you a chance to shop while you’re there. With free entry and parking, it’s a low-commitment, high-reward way to spend a Saturday with family or friends—and a solid excuse to get outside and enjoy some spring energy. 🌼

🚗 Mother Road Mayhem Returns for a Full Weekend of Automotive Chaos

May 15–17 | Old Route 66 Speedway

Get ready for one of the biggest automotive events in Missouri—Mother Road Mayhem is back for its 6th year, taking over the Old Joplin Route 66 Speedway with a full weekend of lifted trucks, slammed cars, Jeeps, SXS builds, and nonstop action. With only 1,500 vehicle spots available, this show draws serious enthusiasts from across the region for a high-energy mix of competition and spectacle.

The weekend kicks off Friday with a pre-party vibe and burnout fun, then ramps up Saturday with judging, stunt shows, and full burnout competitions on a massive 80x100 pad. Expect live entertainment, vendors, food, and plenty of horsepower on display. Spectator passes are available for one day or the full weekend, and camping options make it easy to stay right in the middle of the action. If you’re into custom builds and loud engines, this is one you don’t skip.

🚔 Proposition Police & Fire Passes — 9 New Officers, 6 New Firefighters Coming

Back from the April 7 ballot: Joplin voters approved Proposition Police & Fire, extending the current half-cent sales tax to fund first responders — again, with no tax rate increase.

The practical impact is significant. The measure creates 9 new police officer positions and 6 new firefighter positions, while also addressing a serious pay gap: Joplin's average starting police salary was roughly $12,000 below the regional average, and firefighters were about $7,000 behind. The proposition also funds facility upgrades, new vehicles, and equipment for both departments.

The tax takes effect in 2027 once the current "Prop B" obligations expire.

Friday: 🌡️ 64 | 73 💨 

Saturday: 🌡️ 57 | 76 ⛈️ 100%

Sunday: 🌡️ 61 | 77 🌧️ 50%

🥎 MSSU Softball Is Ranked #11 in the Nation

The Lions softball team is quietly having one of their best seasons in recent memory. Ranked #11 in the country by the NFCA, Missouri Southern recently extended a win streak to 10 games before dropping a finale at Northwest Missouri State. Bailey Dillon leads the team with a .426 batting average.

The Lions enter an 8-game homestand — meaning there are plenty of chances to get out to the ballpark and watch a nationally ranked team play in your backyard.

Recap:

⚾️ Baseball (29-14)
Tuesday 4/21 at Pittsburg State University | L 10-3

⛳️ Women’s Golf
Monday 4/20 - Wednesday 4/22 at MIAA Conference Championship | Recap

Upcoming:

⚾️ Baseball (29-14)
Friday 4/24 at Saginaw Valley State University | 12:00 PM
Saturday 4/25 at Saginaw Valley State University | 12:00 PM
Saturday 4/25 at Truman State University | 3:00 PM

🥎 Softball (39-7)
Friday 4/24 at HOME vs Newman University | 3:00 PM, 5:00 PM
Saturday 4/25 at HOME vs University of Central Oklahoma | 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM

👟 Men’s & Women’s Track & Field
Friday 4/24 at University of Arkansas

Friday

🎶 March to August Live in the Park: Enjoy a free outdoor concert at 6:30 PM at Big Spring Park in Neosho, featuring a roots-driven string duo blending Americana, alt-country, and bluegrass. Bring a lawn chair or blanket, picnic with the family, and enjoy music plus sidewalk chalk fun for the kids.

🎨 Closing Bidding Party | Small Works Auction 2026: Wrap up the Small Works art auction on April 24 from 5:30–7:30 PM at Spiva’s Sharon & Lance Beshore Gallery while bidding on unique, local artwork. Celebrate the creative community and support the arts with an evening dedicated to one-of-a-kind pieces and meaningful impact.

🌱 Carl Junction Cultivator Garden Club Plant Sale: Stock up on homegrown plants and vegetables at this 2-day sale (Fri & Sat) in Carl Junction, featuring garden-ready finds at very reasonable prices. Support local growers and get your garden off to a strong start this season.

🌱 Neosho FFA Annual Plant Sale: Shop student-grown plants and support local agriculture April 24 (4:00–6:30 PM) and April 25 (9:00 AM–2:00 PM) at the NSD Ag Center on the Junior High Campus. Find a variety of greenhouse-grown plants ready for your garden while supporting hardworking FFA students.

🚗 Cruisin’ Carthage 2026: Check out an impressive lineup of classic and custom cars at this free community event hosted by Southwest Missouri Bank. Enjoy great food, live music, and chances to win cool prizes while soaking in the car show atmosphere.

Saturday

☕ Spring Market at Zinc Coffee: Sip your favorite coffee while shopping local vendors at this cozy spring market hosted at Zinc Coffee. It’s the perfect laid-back morning to browse, support small businesses, and hang out with the community.

☕ April Cars & Coffee: Kick off your morning with coffee, donuts, and a laid-back car show at Flagship Auto Group in Neosho. Bring the whole family and enjoy a great lineup of vehicles in a relaxed, community atmosphere.

🛣️ Route 66 Family Fest: Celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 with free food, carnival games, inflatables, a petting zoo, face painting, and more at Central City Christian Church. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day with prizes and activities for all ages.

💎 Fused Glass Pendants Workshop: Create a beautiful custom glass pendant in this beginner-friendly class, perfect as a Mother’s Day gift or personal keepsake. Learn the basics of glass fusing with all materials provided and leave with a one-of-a-kind design (ready for pickup after kiln firing).

🍓 Venni B’s Grand Opening Strawberry Celebration: Celebrate the opening of this new berry farm with fresh strawberry picking, food, music, and springtime fun at The Grove in Carthage. It’s a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors and kick off strawberry season with family and friends.

💃 Latin Dance Night at Vino Noir: Kick off the evening with a free beginner dance lesson, then hit the floor for salsa, bachata, and Latin favorites in a fun, welcoming atmosphere. No partner or experience needed—just come ready to learn, move, and enjoy a lively night out.

🎉 Empire Market Birthday Bash: Celebrate 8 years of the Joplin Empire Market with a fun-filled day featuring local vendors, cake, giveaways, and even goats in the garden. Shop, snack, and enjoy family-friendly activities while soaking in the festive community vibes.

🥾 Wildcat Park Guided Hike: Join a free, casual 4-mile hike led by a Missouri Master Naturalist, exploring paved, gravel, and rocky trails around Wildcat Glades. It’s a great way to get outdoors, learn about nature, and enjoy a scenic morning adventure.

Sunday

🎨 Paint Your Hat Workshop: Get creative with this hands-on class where you’ll design your own custom hat—no experience needed and all materials provided. Bring your ideas and enjoy a fun, relaxed afternoon with friends for $35 per hat.

Friday

Blues Doctors
Mi Torito, Galena | 5:30 PM

Dustin Treiber
Christine’s Vineyard | 6:00 PM

Big Smitty
Bricks & Brews | 7:00 PM

TimeKeepers
HoneyPop’s Bar & Grill | 8:00 PM

Dom B Roy
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Eric & Erica French, Vagabond Grove, Maddie Mae
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 9:00 PM

Saturday

Dr G
Joplin Empire Market | 10:00 AM

The Forget Me Nots
Joplin Empire Market | 12:00 PM

Hunter Hinds
Keltoi Winery | 6:00 PM

Jason D Williams with The Domino Kings and Brian Parton
Blackthorn Pizza & Pub | 6:00 PM

Lavender Jonz
Turtleheads Raw Bar | 8:00 PM

Wilkie Jay
Bricks & Brews | 8:00 PM

Lita Ford
Kansas Crossing Casino | 8:00 PM

Devin Hames
Osage Spring | 8:00 PM

Hollywood Riot
Downstream 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!