Drury University community unites in support of Queen City Shout Festival for Arts and Poverty Relief

SPRINGFIELD, Mo., March 24, 2025 — Drury University students, faculty, and staff are demonstrating their commitment to community engagement through active participation in the 14th annual Queen City Shout (QCS) festival, taking place during the final week of March 2025. The university’s involvement highlights Drury President Dr. Jeff Frederick’s vision for meaningful community engagement while supporting the festival’s dual mission of celebrating the arts and alleviating poverty in Springfield.

*David Harrison ’59, Drury Poet Laureate and current Missouri Poet Laureate, reading to his audience at the QCS Poetry Reading in Olin Library.*

The university’s participation began with a special poetry reading event on Friday at the Sunderland Lyceum in Olin Library, organized by Rex Ybañez, University Writer/Editor and QCS Committee Chair. The evening featured performances by the local poetry group The Bards of Moon City alongside Drury students, faculty, and alumni. The night culminated with a special set from David Harrison ’59, who serves as both Drury Poet Laureate and Missouri Poet Laureate.

Drury’s involvement extends throughout the festival week with musical performances by:

Rex Ybañez performing with two bands: Death Jackets at Ruthie’s Off C-Street on Thursday, March 27, from 9:00 – 10:00 p.m., and Unessential Jane at the same venue on Saturday, March 29, from 9:30 – 10:30 p.m.
The Shandies, featuring Drury Director of Music Therapy Dr. Natalie Wlodarczyk, performing at Hold Fast Brewing on Saturday, March 29 from 8:00 – 9:00 p.m.
D’Acoostix, featuring Professor Thomas Russo (Art & Art History Department and Associate Dean of Study Abroad), playing at Hold Fast Brewing on Sunday, March 30 from 3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Additionally, Taylor Stevenson, Drury Theatre Technical Director, will be doing live painting at four of the five music nights on the schedule. Stevenson will paint three nights at Tie & Timber (March 27, 29-30), and Friday, March 28 at Lindbergs.

Eddie Gumucio, Founder and Director of Queen City Shout, originally established this initiative in 2012, which has transformed it from a small gathering of local musicians into a week-long celebration of creativity spanning multiple venues throughout Springfield. He has partnered with local businesses, educational institutions like Drury University, and countless artists, exemplifying the power of grassroots organizing and creative problem-solving in building a more compassionate community.

“Queen City Shout is deeply grateful for the consistent support and ongoing creative contributions of Drury’s community over the years,” Gumucio said. “The university’s involvement has enriched our community with diverse artistic expressions and fostered a culture of collaboration and social impact.”

QCS has raised over $100,000 in the last 13 years, distributing funds to six local nonprofits: Harmony House, OACAC, KVC Missouri, The Kitchen, Community Partnership of the Ozarks, and Isabel’s House.

All of QCS’s arts programming will continue through March 31 at venues including Tie & Timber, The Royal, Lindberg’s, Moon City Pub, Ruthie’s Off C-Street, Mother’s Brewing Company, and Hold Fast Brewing. Wristbands and week passes can be purchased at any venue or online at www.eventbrite.com/e/queen-city-shout-festival-tickets-1251818044469.

For a full schedule of performances, visit www.queencityshout.com.

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Media Contact: Cris Belvin, Director of University Communications & Media Relations | (417) 873-7392 | gbelvin@drury.edu