Tom Parker talks painting, teaching, banjo and having a drink with Van Morrison. The founder of Wild Arts Learning shares her journey into earth-based arts. The Messiah Project is heading to Greece and is in search of singers. And Gov. Kehoe recommends $3.7 million in arts budget cuts.

The Springfield Youth Symphony String Quartet becomes the first ensemble to perform inside the Arts News studio as the group prepares for its upcoming trip to New York City and Carnegie Hall. We also talk with DOTS, Devising Original Theatre Springfield, about its Fringe Festival, the March 1 submission deadline, and the organization’s growth. The Aetos Center brings Rock and bluegrass to Nixa. Plus, a Sound Check segment with Jess Balisle and Joe Dillstrom.

New York Times bestselling author Cullen Bunn discusses his new novel, the NPR Tiny Desk Contest deadline draws near, ArtCon comes to Neosho, SMAC hosts a solo photography exhibition, and we hear music from Mabel Laine and Roxie & the Moon King.

We chat with the founder of Glenstone Records and one of the artists on their roster, Springfield Little Theatre’s production of Come From Away, a new Sculpture Walk Springfield installation at the Library Center, Dog Man: The Musical in Nixa, Artist INC Express workshop and Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s recent performance of Stravinsky’s Petrushka.

This week on Arts News, we meet Kate Francis, the new executive director of the Friends of the Springfield Art Museum, and talk with local singer-songwriter Cyndi Edwards following her second consecutive nomination for a Josie Music Award. We also look at Springfield Little Theatre’s recent success at an international competition and preview a new photography exhibition, “The Great American West,” now on view in West Plains. The program features music from Coolcumber and Eric Howell.

An open call for artists for Ozarks Star Search, a new improv theater series from Dice, Dragons, and DOTS bringing role-playing games to the stage at Mother’s Brewing Company, Kyle Wiley Pickett on Stravinsky’s Petrushka ahead of an upcoming symphony concert, and a tribute to the late Bob Weir.

Part two of our feature on the African Children’s Choir as its tour stops in the Ozarks, Drury University’s new a cappella group Pulse releases its first single and video, The Music Man arrives at Hammons Hall, the Tiny Desk Contest opens, poetry in the Ozarks, and we hear music from J@llen and the SPS All-District Honor Choir.

Christmas music and events from the Ozarks

Queen City Chorale brings regional singers together for Handel’s “Messiah,” plus Studio Live Soundcheck with Jess Balisle and Drew Beine, the demolition of a Neosho park mural, the Springfield Symphony Orchestra’s Christmas concert, and more.

New music from Casey & the Atta Boys and Brett Miller, Matt Baker talks about his new music venue opening this weekend, Christmas theatre, choir concerts, and more!