Coda Concert House Presents is a registered Non-Profit Corporation in the State of Missouri, and is federally recognzied as a 501 (c)(3) public charity.
Small towns like Joplin, Missouri are often passed over by nationally touring musicians in favor of larger venues, more convenient routing, and more potential revenue. We aspire to support a live music culture in Joplin, presenting artists in a respectful, non-smoking, listening room atmosphere – focusing on artists that might not perform in this community without our efforts.
Our guiding values are diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and joy--- employing the arts to unite, energize and inspire us to create the change we need to see in the world. Bringing the arts to life in ways that matter and make a difference.
Our Mission? To provide a welcoming, non-profit, performance space in Joplin, Missouri, & resources that will help career, nationally-touring, musicians thrive.
We embrace a diverse array of genres including, but not limited to, Appalachian, Americana, Blues, Bluegrass, Celtic, Cajun, Country, Singer-Songwriter, Traditional, Jazz, & Zydeco.
Meet Our Board of Directors
All of our Board Members are products of Joplin Schools, have strong life-long ties to the community, and serve without compensation.
Mark Vavra
VICE-PRESIDENT A 1975 graduate of Joplin’s Memorial High Scool, Mark worked for Liberty Utilities for 39 years as a Substation Electrician Foreman, retiring in 2019. He served as Vice-Chairman on the board of the Joplin Chapter of Ducks Unlimited.
Jeff Morrow
PRESIDENT A graduate of Missouri Southern State University with a degree in Marketing, Jeff has strong ties to the local music community. During his 10 years of employment at Downstream Casino, he assisted in show production that brought major artists to the region like B.B. King, ZZ Top, & Willie Nelson. His experience as a house concert host w/ 100% of the proceeds to the artists, makes Jeff the perfect leader for our non-profit.
Merrill Shank
SECRETARY A 1980 graduate of Joplin High School, Merrill served as President of his company, Shank Farms, Inc. for over 20 years. An avid concert photographer, Merrill documents festivals, blues cruises, and major performers all over the midwest.
Jamie VanWey
TREASURER As a small-business owner in the food services industry for over a decade, Jamie brings strong leadership to a key position in our organization. She’s also served on the Board for non-profits such as Kaveman’s Kids. Among her many charitable pursuits, Jamie maintains the Garden for Youth at the Fair Acres Family YMCA in Carthage, Missouri.
Mike Jarvis
MEMBER A 1977 graduate of Joplin High School, Mike Jarvis has a long history in business and public service. In his late 30’s, he stepped aside from a very lucrative position as Store Director for Wal-Mart to fulfill a childhood dream to be a Firefighter - a position he held in Carthage, MO from 1996-2001. More recently, he owned & operated the Marketing firm, MAJ Consulting. Mike currently serves as Vice-Chairman on Duenweg Christian Church’s Board.
What We Do
Our short term focus is hosting performances in the home of our President, Jeff Morrow, in Joplin, Missouri. Jeff was preliminarily granted a 2 year (renewable) special use permit by the City of Joplin in December, 2022.
As our support grows, we plan to enrich and educate the community through the presentation and support of live music through concerts presented at houses, churches, and other venues.
We aspire to support other charitable goals in collaboration with musicians, such as fundraising events for nonprofit initiatives, scholarship funds, etc.