leslietucker

On Repeat: New Bands Worth Knowing

One of the things I’m most excited about going forward with Sundays on Q92.9 is carving out space to spotlight bands that deserve more love!  The ones quietly (or loudly) building something special, putting out music that hits, and telling stories that feel a little too relatable in the best way. So enter,  ON REPEAT: New Bands Worth Knowing!

This week I am spotlighting: MAGNOLIA PARK

Magnolia Park has been on my list for a while. I stumbled onto them the way a lot of us find new music now,  through social media, rabbit holes, and following bands I already loved. But it wasn’t just the algorithm doing its thing. It was their sound, their visuals, and the way their songs tell full-on stories that pulled me in and made me stay.

The First Song That Hooked Me: 

The first Magnolia Park song that really grabbed me was “10 For 10.”
And honestly? I think I knew within the first listen.

https://youtu.be/dKKfVPfOwZ4?si=GM0IH0SIAgeu4GJI

I’m a sucker for background vocals that scratch that very specific part of your brain,  the kind that feel comforting and chaotic at the same time. “10 For 10” does that perfectly. It’s one of those songs you throw on when you need something relatable, but not hopeless, heavy, but still holding onto a little light. Some of the lyrics hit like a punch to the chest and then it spirals, self-sabotage, burnout, financial stress, losing who you used to be,  all the stuff nobody really prepares you for, but almost everyone feels at some point.

Another day, another breakdown
My bank account got me stressed out
I’m not okay, my car just broke down
Why can’t things ever just work out?

“10 For 10” hits hard because of its unflinching honesty. The band says it’s about those moments when everything piles up, mentally, emotionally, financially, and all you can do is try to get through it. The lyrics hit like a punch to the chest, exploring self-sabotage, burnout, financial stress, and losing sight of who you once were. It’s messy, human, and completely real, the kind of song almost everyone can relate to at some point.

The Song We’re Playing on Q92.9 Right Now: “SHALLOW”

If you’ve been listening to Q92.9 lately, you’ve heard “SHALLOW.”
The band calls it a “crashout song,” and honestly… that checks out.

https://youtu.be/g9Oty97D6vA?si=VOzYCJJr6Y9cRfjS

“SHALLOW” is off Magnolia Park’s latest studio album VAMP, which is a huge moment for them. And VAMP isn’t just an album, it’s a whole world. Characters. Storylines. A bigger picture that rewards you if you really sit with it. If you love albums that feel cinematic and intentional, this one’s worth diving into. Lyrically, “SHALLOW” lives in the space of realizing a relationship isn’t what you thought it was, intense, addictive, and ultimately empty. It’s about recognizing that the only time the love feels real is in the dark, behind closed doors, when the truth can be avoided. And then comes that moment of clarity, seeing it for what it is, even when it hurts.

Your love is so shallow
It’s time to cut you off
And leave you in the shadows

The band has described this song as confronting emotional dependency, knowing something is bad for you, but struggling to walk away anyway. It’s raw, explosive, and painfully self-aware… which might be why it hits so hard.

What’s Next: “Chasing Shadows”

Over the last month, Magnolia Park has been teasing their next release, “Chasing Shadows,” which dropped November 18, 2025 , and if the title alone tells us anything, it’s that they’re not done exploring the darker corners of emotion and identity.

https://youtu.be/VF5OGyRrBsM?si=5f-7kOnlViHnBelR

If “10 For 10” was the hook and “SHALLOW” was the crash, “Chasing Shadows” feels like the next chapter, and I’m genuinely excited to see where they take us next.

Why Magnolia Park Matters

Magnolia Park is one of those bands that makes you feel seen without pretending they have all the answers. Their music doesn’t sugarcoat the mess, it sits in it, examines it, and somehow turns it into something you can scream along to in your car and feel a little less alone afterward. That’s exactly the kind of band I want to spotlight here. If you haven’t gone down the Magnolia Park rabbit hole yet, this is your sign. Start with “10 For 10,” crank “SHALLOW,” check out “ LIAR” and “FELL SOMETHING” so feel something toward this band. And if you’re ready for a deeper dive, let VAMP pull you into its world!

More band spotlights like this are coming,  and trust me, I’ve got a list!

- Casey

by leslietucker

Countdown Your Way: NYE Celebrations Across the 417

New Year’s Eve looks different for everyone, and that’s the fun of it. Some of us are chasing little ones who won’t make it past noon. Some of us are polishing our boots or heels for a midnight toast. And some of us just want a spot with good drinks, killer tunes, and a reason to start 2026 feeling alive.

We scouted the 417 for celebrations that actually make memories, not just another night on the calendar. While free rides home were scarce this year (bummer), there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate safely, loudly, and memorably. Whether you’re popping balloons at noon, singing karaoke until 1:30 a.m., or dancing your way into the new year, here are six ways to ring in 2026 the Q way.

🪐 Noon Year’s Eve at The Discovery Center

📍 438 E St Louis St

Got little humans who are strict about bedtime? This one’s for you.
Kick off 2026 with a high-energy dance party and a balloon drop featuring over 4,000 balloons. Explore the Discovery Center’s latest exhibit, Fire Station 3.14, created with the Springfield Fire Department, and start your year with laughter, fun, and a little chaos (the good kind). Proof you don’t need to stay up late to make memories.

• Dance party: 10 a.m.

• Balloon drop: 12 noon

• Included with admission | Free for members

🐠 Noon Year’s Eve at Wonders of Wildlife

📍 500 W. Sunshine St., Springfield

Another gem for families, or anyone who loves a festive start without caffeine jitters.
Enjoy a countdown and ball drop inside the Great Barrier Reef, plus crafts, interactive activities, and a full day exploring the aquarium. Unique, hands-on, and downright memorable—this is New Year’s Eve done right for the daytime crowd.

🍸 Countdown & Cocktails at Vantage Rooftop Lounge & Conservatory

📍 260 E. McDaniel St., Springfield

If your 2026 resolution involves sparkle, style, and savoring every sip, Vantage has you covered.
Sip craft cocktails, nibble chef-curated bites, and soak up live entertainment while counting down in a scene that’s all about energy, anticipation, and a night to remember. Perfect for friends, couples, or anyone ready to enter the new year feeling epic.

🎤 NYE Bash With Friends! Karaoke

📍 1211 W. Battlefield Rd., Springfield

For those who believe the best memories come with a mic in hand. Springfield’s NYE Bash with Friends! includes party favors, a champagne toast, raffles, and prizes, all while belting your heart out past midnight. If you’ve ever wanted to hit those high notes with your crew, this is your night.

• Doors: 6 p.m.

• Party goes until 1:30 a.m.

• Ticket required: complimentary at the bar (while supplies last) or $25 at the door

🎉 Classic’s Yard NYE Party

📍 1900 W. Sunset St., Springfield

New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be just for adults. Classic’s Yard and The Riff are bringing the fun for the whole family. Karaoke, themed party favors, games, face painting, and bites keep everyone entertained while the music flows all night. Bring friends, bring family, and make memories that stick.

🎭 The Mill Masquerade: A New Years Eve Affair

📍 203 E. Mt. Vernon St., Nixa

Want to add a little mystery and a lot of style to your night?  The Mill Masquerade: A New Years Eve Affair is going to be an event NOT to miss. Enjoy themed cocktails from Wisner Bar, desserts from 14 Mill favorites, DJ Miguel spinning hits, a photo booth, and a countdown to remember. Dress up, dance, snap pics, and make this NYE feel like an event you’ll tell stories about all year long. Tickets: $50 per person, VIP table options available.

However You Celebrate…
Whether you’re popping balloons at noon, singing karaoke until the wee hours, or raising a glass at midnight, New Year’s Eve is all about making memories that matter. Plan ahead, celebrate safely, and pick the party that fits your season of life. Here’s to starting 2026 connected, energized, and ready to rock the new year. 🥂

by leslietucker

Winter Prep Tips Your Dad Would’ve Yelled About

Look, I get it, not everyone has a dad around to give you the stink eye while lecturing about winter prep. But I did learn a thing or two from mine (RIP, Dad). And let me tell you… there are some THINGS that just have to get done before winter rolls in. Lucky for you, I’m coming in clutch!

1. Oil Change & Battery Check

Your vehicle is basically your lifeline through snow, ice, and early-morning chaos. Fresh oil, battery charged, and ready for anything. Trust me… nothing ruins a winter morning faster than your car going “nah” in the driveway.

Things to do:

• Schedule an oil change (or do it yourself if you’re brave).
• Check the battery voltage; replace if it’s older than 3–4 years.
• Inspect belts and hoses, because a frozen, cracked hose is never fun.
• Keep a small emergency kit: blanket, flashlight, gloves, and that emergency chocolate bar.

2. Wipers & Windows: Non-Negotiable

Clear sightlines aren’t optional. Replace those sad wipers, top off washer fluid, and clean your windows like your life depends on it… because it kind of does.

Things to do:

• Swap old wipers for winter-grade blades.
• Fill washer fluid with de-icing solution.
• Scrape windows thoroughly and clean mirrors (no one wants to see your panic reflections).
• Keep a handheld scraper and a microfiber cloth in the car, because mornings are short and patience is shorter.

3. Seal Drafts Around the House

Cold air sneaking in through cracks? Kill it. Weather-strip doors, seal windows, check the fireplace damper. Your future self (and anyone living under your roof) will thank you when you’re not paying for a second heating bill just to survive December.

Things to do:

• Walk your house with a candle or incense to spot drafty areas (or just feel the icy sneak attacks).
• Apply weather stripping around doors and caulk windows.
• Inspect attic vents and crawl spaces, mice and cold air love the same entrances.
• Check fireplace and chimney flaps; make sure no snow or critters are waiting to ambush your living room.

4. Animals Need TLC Too

Blankets, jackets, proper shelter, and time limits outside. Your pets and livestock deserve the same care you do. If your dog looks like it’s auditioning for Frozen, it’s time to step up.

Things to do:

• Provide insulated shelter with dry bedding.
• Make sure jackets and blankets actually fit, not just thrown over your animals like sad accessories.
• Monitor outdoor time; short, supervised outings only in extreme temps.
• Keep water unfrozen and accessible, add a little warmth or salt if needed.
• Bonus: bribe them with treats so they’ll forgive your human negligence.

5. Snow & Ice Preparedness

Shovels, salt, a solid plan, because chaos loves a procrastinator. Do the prep now, so later you’re sipping coffee instead of battling an avalanche in your driveway.

Things to do:

• Stock up on ice melt or sand (check expiration dates, yes, it expires).
• Keep a sturdy snow shovel and a small roof rake handy.
• Map out your snow removal strategy: walkways first, driveway next, roof if you like cardio.
• Consider a backup plan: neighbor deals, local plow services, or bribing the teenager with extra screen time.

Follow these tips and consider it me coming in like the dad you need, minus the yelling… well, maybe a little yelling. Your house stays warm, your animals stay safe, and your mornings? A little less like a winter horror story.

by leslietucker