The Local Ear

NEVADA, Mo. — The American Legion has found its rhythm, and for many in the community, that rhythm comes from behind the DJ booth. DJ Finnis, a longtime local favorite, has become the steady musical presence at the post, serving as its resident DJ several nights a week. Finnis performs every Wednesday from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m., offering a midweek break for regulars looking to unwind. His weekend sets, held every Friday and Saturday from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., draw some of the largest crowds of the week. Legion officials say his schedule continues unless special entertainment is booked for a particular night. Patrons describe Finnis as a reliable anchor for the Legion’s nightlife, known for reading the room, taking requests and keeping the dance floor active. His mix of classic hits, modern favorites and community‑driven energy has helped solidify his place as one of the venue’s most recognizable figures. The American Legion frequently rotates in live bands and themed events, but on most nights,...

Missouri’s own indie rock and acoustic one‑man powerhouse, Dangerous Doug Harper , is headed to Pittsburg, Kansas for a special live performance on April 25 . The show will take place at TJ Lealand’s , bringing Harper’s signature blend of heartfelt songwriting, rhythmic acoustic drive, and decades‑deep stage presence to a new crowd. Harper, known for his original music, storytelling, and engaging solo performances, continues to expand his regional footprint with shows that feel both intimate and electric. Fans can expect a mix of indie rock energy, acoustic soul, and the unmistakable “Dangerous Doug” style that has defined his 30‑year creative journey. Whether you’re a longtime supporter or discovering his music for the first time, this Pittsburg stop promises a memorable night of live, original music in a welcoming local venue. Event Details: • Artist: Dangerous Doug Harper • Date: April 25 • Location: TJ Lealand’s, Pittsburg, Kansas • Style: Indie Rock & Acoustic Solo – On...

The With Doug TV File Card Directory: Shining a Spotlight on Local Talent Every creative community needs a place where its talent can be seen, discovered, and celebrated. That’s exactly why the With Doug TV File Card Directory exists — a growing hub designed to highlight musicians, performers, actors, skateboarders, creators, industry pros, and more from across Missouri and beyond. What started as a simple idea has turned into a multi‑platform showcase. Each File Card is a quick, clean snapshot of who someone is and what they do — their craft, their style, and how to reach them. It’s a modern calling card built for today’s world, where visibility matters and opportunities move fast. Where You Can Find the Directory The File Card Directory now lives in several places, giving every featured creator multiple ways to be discovered: The With Doug TV Roku Channel In the Video On Demand section, viewers can scroll through File Cards just like they would any other show. The File Card Direct...

Dangerous Doug Harper Set to Release New Album “30:30” and Perform at Red Cherry Alley’s Secret Songs Series This Thursday Nevada, Missouri is gearing up for a unique night of music, mystery, and local creativity as the Red Cherry Alley Secret Songs Series returns this Thursday, January 29. The evening will feature three performers, a free all‑ages show, and a mystery venue that has already sparked plenty of curiosity across the community. One of the biggest announcements tied to the event comes from local musician, TV host, and creative connector Dangerous Doug Harper. Harper confirmed that he will be one of the three featured performers at the Secret Songs Series — and the timing couldn’t be better. His brand‑new album, titled “30:30,” will be released worldwide on all streaming platforms the very same day. Harper shared that he had initially been concerned about the recent winter weather, but the forecast has shifted in everyone’s favor. Warmer temperatures are expected by Thursday,...

🎶 Red Cherry Alley: Nathan Rorabaugh at Iguana Azul Red Cherry Alley’s most recent event at Iguana Azul Mexican Restaurant brought Nevada native Nathan Rorabaugh of Alamo Black back home for an intimate performance of his band’s most powerful songs. Fans gathered in the banquet room just three doors down from the original Red Cherry Alley site, a symbolic reminder of how the Alley’s spirit continues to thrive in new spaces. 🌟 Why Nathan Rorabaugh? Nathan, a Nevada High School graduate , has pursued music as his life’s path with relentless dedication. His journey has taken him from Nashville to Denver and back to Nashville , where he continues to push forward as a professional musician. His band Alamo Black is making waves in the indie doom metal genre, with their album Death Is Only A Release showcasing Nathan’s songwriting alongside Daniel Smith. Known for heavy, psychedelic soundscapes, Alamo Black tours across multiple states, bringing their unique brand of music to audiences ...

 At The Local Ear , we’re always tuned in to the stories behind the sound—and this week, one of the quirkiest voices in internet music history stopped by Lunch With Doug for a midday chat that’s equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. Tom Shaw , best known as “Moose” from the fictional duo Toasters ‘N’ Moose , joined me for Season 9, Episode 68 to talk about the unexpected journey that led to viral fame through the cult mockumentary Chickens in the Shadows . While the song “Taste the Biscuit” was penned by filmmaker Vincent Gargiulo, it was Tom’s performance—deadpan, soulful, and oddly magnetic—that helped launch the track into meme legend. We dug into: 🎬 The making of Chickens in the Shadows and how Tom got involved 🎹 His musical background, from theater to keyboard wizardry 🌐 What it’s like to become a viral sensation years after the fact 🥖 And yes, we talk about the biscuit Tom’s story is a reminder that creativity takes many forms—and sometimes, the most unexpected projects...

  Nevada, MO — 12/29/2024 — Dangerous Doug Harper’s Music Exurbia Project and Precision Coffee Company are thrilled to announce their collaboration on a new music event series called "Found Space." This exciting series will pick up where the Red Cherry Alley Intimate Songwriter Performance Series left off, adding the cozy and inviting atmosphere of a coffee house. Found Space will be held at Precision Coffee twice a month, on one Friday and one Saturday night each month, beginning January 10, 2025. The Found Space series aims to offer six main features to the Vernon County community: Extended Evening Hours : Providing an engaging activity for a wide age group of people, adding vibrancy to the community's nightlife. Showcasing Talent : Highlighting local songwriters, as well as those from the extended area and traveling musicians, offering a platform for diverse musical expression. First-Time and Seasoned Performers : Offering a stage for both first-time performers and sea...

Kimra Kippes, known professionally as Kimra , is a talented singer-songwriter hailing from Missouri. From a young age, Kimra displayed a passion for music, teaching herself to play the guitar at just 14 years old. Her journey in the music industry has been marked by dedication and a unique voice that resonates with her audience. Kimra's music often reflects her personal experiences and emotions, creating a deep connection with her listeners. She has released several music videos, including "In My Little Town," "Forgive and Forget," and "The Good Life," which showcase her versatility and storytelling ability. Her performances have captivated audiences, and she continues to gain recognition for her heartfelt lyrics and soulful melodies. Excitingly, Kimra will be featured in an interview on the Lunch With Doug Podcast. She will be talking about her newest adventure to Music Row in Nashville, where she plans to do her next recording. This episode promises ...

By: Nick Kent On Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the Center for the Arts Auditorium at Cottey College in Nevada, Missouri, was electrified by the presence of Claud, a rising pop star. This event was a rare treat for the local community, where pop music concerts are few and far between due to the county’s strong agricultural roots and preference for country music. However, the Student Activities Committee at Cottey College, a liberal arts women’s college known for its commitment to diversity, inclusion, and global awareness, made this extraordinary event possible. Cottey College has always strived to bring entertainment that resonates with its students, and with the introduction of their four-year Theater program focusing on Theater for Change, it was the perfect time to welcome a pop sensation like Claud to town. Claud, a talented singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, exceeded all expectations and delivered a performance that left the audience in awe. From the moment the lights went u...

Local Talent A.M. Jamison to Headline Fundraiser for Red Cherry Alley Stockton, MO – A.M. Jamison, a talented singer-songwriter from Stockton, Missouri, is set to make waves with his new band, Alpha Wave Elixir. The band will be performing at a fundraising event for Red Cherry Alley on Saturday, July 27, at 8 PM. The event will take place at the Missouri Recital Hall inside the Haidee and Allan Wild Center for the Arts on the Cottey College campus. Jamison, known for his soulful voice and captivating lyrics, has been a staple in the local music scene for years. His journey as a musician has been marked by numerous performances and collaborations, showcasing his versatility and passion for music. A Musical Journey Anthony Michael Jamison, also known as A.M. Jamison, has a rich history in the music industry. He has been involved in various musical projects and has earned a reputation for his heartfelt songwriting and dynamic performances. Jamison’s music often explores themes of love, lo...

This weekend is a pivotal one for the future of Red Cherry Alley, and we’re thrilled to share what’s in store! 🎤 Friday, July 12: Join us for a very special performance on our mini stage. Our magazine founder and circulation manager, Dangerous Doug Harper, will be performing the Intimate Songwriter Performance Series at the Nevada Tobacco and C-Store next door to the alley at 8pm. This is the event that Doug has worked tirelessly to make happen for 30 years. We may not have the big stage in the alley completed yet, but the vibe is exactly where it’s supposed to be. Doug has designed his show to fit on any stage, big or small, and he’s ready to prove how great the show can work on our stage, just as he did recently at Caplinger Mills. Doug’s energy is at an all-time high, thanks to becoming a TapTunes artist, the release of “The Very Best of Dangerous Doug Harper” on Tap Tunes Music Cards, the digital release of his “Fresh!, New!, Now! EP”, and the making and release of his new 11-son...

From the heartland of America, in the small town of Willard, Missouri, a star was born. Kayleigh Rose Amstutz, known professionally as Chappell Roan, has been making waves in the music industry with her unique blend of 1980s synth-pop and early 2000s pop hits. Her music, described as “campy”, is heavily influenced by drag queens, adding a layer of theatricality and flamboyance to her performances. Roan’s journey to stardom began at the tender age of 17 when she uploaded an original song, “Die Young”, to YouTube. This caught the attention of Atlantic Records, leading to her signing a contract with them shortly thereafter. In 2017, she released her debut EP, School Nights. Her 2020 single “Pink Pony Club”, marked a stylistic departure from her early releases and played a significant role in her initial rise to prominence. However, the journey was not always smooth. In a surprising turn of events, Roan was dropped from Atlantic Records the same year she released “Pink Pony Club”. But this...

Dangerous Doug Harper, a name that resonates with the rhythm and soul of Nevada, Missouri, has been a cornerstone of the local music scene. His recordings, a testament to his musical prowess, have been largely produced in his hometown, unbeknownst to many. There are several recording studios tucked away in the corners of Nevada, hidden gems that have been instrumental in shaping the local music scene. Among these, two studios have been particularly significant in Harper’s musical journey - Point Lookout Recordings, run by Jason Moomaw in El Dorado Springs, Missouri, and the Armadillo Sound Studio, once managed by his brother. The Armadillo Sound Studio, once located in the old FM radio station building at 129 N. Main Street, Nevada, MO, holds a special place in Harper’s heart. It was here that some of his most memorable tracks were recorded, contributing to a unique music mix that has become synonymous with his name. When one listens to the full band recordings of Dangerous Doug Harper...