A Place for Food & Friends

An Interview at the Skylark Café

NESTLED IN THE CHARMING SMALL TOWN of Leslie, Arkansas, just off of Highway 65, stands Skylark Café. What may seem like nothing more than another pit stop on a busy journey through the Ozarks is actually a quaint, family-style gem with a beautifully crafted menu and even more thoughtful dessert choices. You know you’re home and among friends when you see that bright turquoise exterior and step through the front door. We were honored to sit down with owner Joy Ellis to discuss her plans for the future, what it’s like running a business and family, and how to make the most of what we’re given.

ISSUE 18 PRE-ORDERS ARE NOW OPEN

FOR MORE THAN FIFTEEN YEARS, Deitra Magazine has been dedicated to celebrating independent artists, musicians, writers, photographers, designers, and creative voices who continue to make meaningful work on their own terms.

Today, I am excited to officially announce that pre-orders for Issue 18 are now available.

A FIELD FULL OF LIFE

INSIDE SPRINGFIELD’S EARTH DAY MUSIC FEST

A PLASTIC-FREE, COMMUNITY-POWERED FESTIVAL led by local musician Molly Healey returns for its 5th anniversary, raising nearly $100,000 for environmental causes and inviting you into something real.

Wilco Returns to Springfield After Two Decades

ASK ANY CASUAL WILCO LISTENER about the band's connections to Springfield, Missouri, and you're not going to hear about the gold record that hung on the late, great, Lou Whitney's wall in The Studio — a Springfield institution that contributed to their double album, Being There, in 1996. Instead, you'll likely hear about the last time the band appeared in southwest Missouri, and the 20 years that had them playing practically everywhere else around the globe.

Shylah Ray: Singing as Prayer, Living as Art

A RADIANT FORCE AT THE intersection of soul and sovereignty, Shylah Ray Sunshine channels music as medicine. Her voice moves between prayer and power—bridging worlds of Neo-Soul, R&B, Jazz, and spirit-led performance. In this conversation with Deitra Magazine, she opens up about healing through sound, motherhood, and the art of living unapologetically in rhythm with creation. 

The Wheelhouse’s Recipe for Success:

A New Menu, New Location, and New Team

Photo by Mikle Kelly

FOR MORE THAN A DECADE, one of Springfield, Missouri’s own and favorite food trucks, Wheelhouse, has been bringing Thai and Mexican fusion cuisine to the city’s ever-growing food scene. Through the years since its conception in 2012, the food truck now turned brick and mortar has faced its challenges, but through new ownership, a new menu, new location, and a talented brigade, the Wheelhouse has solidified itself as a revamped staple in Springfield’s culinary landscape.

Co-owner Lijah Sparlin and other team members of the Wheelhouse sat down with Deitra Magazine to give us the details on these implemented changes, as well as their culinary backgrounds and passions for what is to come.

Mike Hall: Expression Without Consequence

MIKE HALL IS AN INSTRUMENTAL BASSIST who uses a distinct creative approach to his music that involves a blend of harmonics, two handed tapping, slap, pop and flamenco techniques. 

Classically trained on the upright bass, Hall went on to form a band which played alongside several pop rock groups such as Blondie and Joan Jett, and he is now striking out on his own with his unique brand of solo instrumental songwriting. 

His sound is reminiscent of Victor Wooten, but with more emphasis on a melodic, ethereal, atmospheric vibe. His original songs tell a sweeping story, much like looking at a landscape painting. He uses his instrument as an orchestra, and creates unique melodies on the bass that set his musical style apart, landing himself on our radar of artists to watch. 

Hall's music puts us in a good head space, and would be the perfect backdrop to a writing or study session, or even cinematic films, and his growing catalog of stellar cover songs are worth the watch on his YouTube channel. In this interview, Mike Hall shares his intricate songwriting process as well as his thoughts on staying inspired during difficult times, and ultimately choosing self-expression over fear of striking out on his own.

Anna Wolf: Life in Metaphors

I'VE BEEN OBSESSING OVER Anna Wolf since she first sent me her music a few years ago. I love her alternative sound, and I get excited to see anything she releases. She recently dropped a new single that I'm enamored with, entitled "Mother," and I think Anna is a master at vocal delivery, songwriting and music production. She can sound like a lot of different singers all in the same song, but "Mother" is especially a masterpiece of production. 

The Vogts Sisters: Old Mountain Music

THE VOGTS SISTERS ARE an Americana-Folk duo from the midwest with soft, haunting voices fluttering together in perfect harmony over their special blend of ethereal, finger-picking goodness. The sisters compliment each other in an otherworldly way, their harmonies unexpected and seamless. They've got something special, and their latest album is the perfect one to add to your forest-wandering playlist. Each and every song on the album is impeccably arranged, produced and performed. There's not a single skip, each track teaming with its own unique magic that brings the entire body of work together in a beautiful way. The sisters are self-taught musicians, but they sound like old souls who've been singing for decades, evoking a peaceful spirit of American folk and Appalachian roots. We love the simplicity and mystical feeling of the arrangements, the smooth harmonies at times tugging at our heart strings, luring us in to listen to the next track. 

WD-HAN: Music is Modern Magic

WD-HAN BEATS THE ODDS, focusing on making a positive impact on people's lives through music, they say. The band is made up of two married couples; lead singer Spencer Barnes, guitarist Cal Henry, percussionist Lea Barnes, and band manager Marjorye Henry. WD-HAN aims for emotional depth in their songwriting, which does exist in their repertoire with songs like the piano-driven, harmony-rich crooner ballad "Places." But when you click play on their track, "Monkey," you're going to instantly know why we're obsessed. Their sound vibrates with high-energy songs, ranging from scuzzy garage rock to trad-blues stompers. You'll think you're listening to an unreleased White Stripes b-sides record during the Indie Aughts, and we're quite honestly salivating for more. Read on for our exclusive interview with frontman Spencer Barnes.