Connect2Culture Brings Music, Art and Creative Events to Joplin This Weekend

JOPLIN, Mo. — From Motown music and swing dancing to hands-on art workshops and local artist studio tours, there will be plenty of opportunities to experience the arts in the Joplin area this weekend.

Connect2Culture is highlighting several events Nov. 6-8, offering activities for music lovers, artists, families and anyone looking to try something new.

The events are part of Connect2Culture's ongoing mission to "ignite a passion for the arts, culture and entertainment" throughout the community.

Friday, Nov. 6

Music lovers can kick off the weekend with UPTOWN: A Celebration of Motown and Soul, taking place from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St.

Formed in New York City, UPTOWN combines classic Motown sounds with today's biggest hits in a high-energy performance featuring powerful vocals, choreography and a mix of soul, pop and R&B.

Inspired by artists such as Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye, the group brings a blend of classic and contemporary music to the stage.

The performance is part of Connect2Culture's 2026-2027 Curtains Up Series. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $50, plus fees, and can be purchased through Connect2Culture's website, by calling (417) 621-9824 or at the Cornell Complex box office.

Also Friday evening, the Vintage Swing Movement Joplin will host its November First Friday swing dancing and live jazz event at Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave.

The evening begins with a swing dance lesson at 7 p.m., followed by a social dance and live jazz music at 8 p.m. Participants can practice their new moves or simply enjoy the music.

Advance registration is encouraged, with the event limited to the first 100 registrants. Adult tickets are $18 in advance or $20 at the door. Student tickets are $8 in advance or $10 at the door. An additional $2 fee applies to card payments.

More information and registration are available at vsmjoplin.com/tickets.

Saturday, Nov. 7

Saturday offers opportunities for both professional development and hands-on creativity.

Missouri Southern State University and Spiva Center for the Arts will partner for an Observational Empathy Workshop from 8 a.m. to noon at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.

The workshop is designed for medical and healthcare professionals, social workers, therapists, EMTs, first responders and other related professionals.

Participants will be introduced to Integrated Arts Activities and Visual Thinking Strategies, exploring how visual arts can strengthen observation, critical thinking, communication, analytical skills and empathy.

The training draws on work from the Visual Arts in Healthcare Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital, as well as related workshops at Harvard Medical School.

Continuing education credit is available for respiratory therapists, radiologic technologists, social workers and EMS/first responders through Missouri Southern State University.

Registration is required, and the cost is $80. Registration is available at spivaarts.org/event/observational-empathy-workshop-mssu-spiva.

For those looking to get creative ahead of the holiday season, Local Color Art Gallery & Studio will host a Fused Glass Christmas Ornaments workshop with Jane McCaulley from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.

The workshop is open to participants ages 8 and older. Attendees will learn about fused glass while creating their own Christmas ornaments. All materials and tools will be provided.

The cost is $40, and registration is required. Those interested can sign up by visiting Local Color during regular business hours, calling (417) 553-0835 or texting Jane at (417) 540-9428.

The studio is located at 1027 S. Main St. in Joplin.

Sunday, Nov. 8

Sunday brings two opportunities to explore the local arts community.

Spiva Center for the Arts will open its galleries for Second Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex.

The monthly event is intended to make the arts more accessible to the community by offering gallery hours on the second Sunday of each month.

Admission is available through a suggested $10 donation.

Also from 1 to 4 p.m., the Joplin Regional Artists Coalition will host its Studio Tours, giving visitors an opportunity to see where local artists create their work and watch demonstrations.

Participants can begin at any studio location, purchase Studio Signature Cards and visit the studios they choose. Artists will sign visitors' cards at each stop, entering them for a chance to win artwork from participating artists.

Both Sunday's events offer an opportunity to explore local artwork and connect with the artists who help shape the region's creative community.

For a complete calendar of events, additional details and ticket information, visit connect2culture.org/connect/calendar/.