Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

6/4/2024

From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning independent radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content. – John Busbee for The Culture Buzz
The Culture Buzz Archive Library – https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts
2015 Iowa History Award for published magazine story, “Last Full Measure of Devotion”
2018 – voted Best Local Talk Radio Show
Cityview Magazine “Center Stage” columnist
Little Village Magazine “Contact Buzz” columnist www.TheCultureBuzz.com (this site is currently under renovation – apologies for any inconvenience.)
Quote of the Week – “Exclusion is always dangerous. Inclusion is the only safety if we are to have a peaceful world.” – Pearl S. Buck (Pearl Comfort Sydenstricker Buck) was an American writer and novelist. She is best known for The Good Earth, the best-selling novel in the United States in 1931 and 1932 and which won her the Pulitzer Prize in 1932. This quote was in A Bridge for Passing (1962)
Newsletter content: Special Cultural Headline news I. Guests on this week’s show; II. Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa); III. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa); IV. Auditions and other Opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa); V. Planning ahead; VI. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa); VII. Best-sellers, life resource books, Greater Des Moines performing arts organizations, Central Iowa indie book stores, cultural exploration resources, health & welfare resources

Iowa Flash Buzz –
First Friday – Mainframe Studios Fri Jun 7, 5-8 PM. The doors will be flung wide open for all to visit the Heartland’s epicenter of arts, culture and great experiences. Five floors of artist and organization studios await cultural adventurers in this free, family-friendly happening. Amee Ellis will be the premiere of Amee Ellis’ This Place in My Hands, a photography exhibit in the 4th Floor Gallery. Closing Reception / Artist Talk: Wed., June 26, 6-8 PM. https://www.mainframestudios.org/events-archive/first-friday
Widening the Circle – Hurley & Dancers and Fellow Travelers Performance Group show at DanzArts
Jun 8 & 9, 7 PM, at Des Moines DanzArts Studio (2150 Delavan Dr, Ste 8, WDM). Suggested donation $10/20. Don’t miss this great opportunity to see two professional dance companies in one place! Choreography by Cynthia Adams, Julie Betts, Kathleen Hurley, and Lisa Lewis. Dancers: Cynthia Adams, Julie Betts, Elizabeth Ferreira, Kathleen Hurley, Lisa Lewis, Paula McArthur, Natalie Nease, & William Schneider. Live music by The Motofingers (guitar family duo of Anna and Kun Nong).
· June 8 Facebook event: https://facebook.com/events/s/widening-the-circle/1719753898764729/
· June 9 Facebook event: https://facebook.com/events/s/widening-the-circle/1081110503412624/
Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure!
The perfect opera event for the whole family! Looking for an enriching musical activity that’s fun for the whole family? Then join us for the Picnic & Puccini Family Opera Adventure in Indianola on Fri Jun 7 at 10am or Sat Jun 8 at 10am!
The adventure begins with a performance of the children’s opera, Sid the Serpent Who Wanted to Sing. Then after a picnic sack lunch, a tour of the Blank Performing Arts Center will lead explorers on a guided tour of the theater with stops into the costume shop, wig and make-up departments, orchestra pit and even onto the stage!
Tickets are $15 per person (includes sack lunch). Order your tickets by June 5 online at desmoinesmetroopera.org/picnic or by calling 515-961-6221.

Okoboji Writers Retreat adds major musical focus to immersive event
Make plans to attend the 2024 Okoboji Writers’ Retreat and its newest addition, the Okoboji Songwriters Retreat. Critically acclaimed, with attendees often returning for more, this event will be held at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and the Presbyterian Camp at Lakeshore Center, which is adjacent to Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa.
The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, will now feature workshops for songwriters on topics ranging from ‘Storytelling through Song,’ ‘Nashville Bound,’ ‘’Collaboration,’ and ‘The Business of Being a Musician.’ To learn more about the event: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/

Dining tip from food expert, Jim Duncan – Pizza on the Prairie
Jim Duncan has been writing about the food and arts scene for decades and has accumulated more knowledge than the Library of Congress on our region’s offerings (perhaps a bit of hyperbole, but well deserved). Each weekday, he posts tips on where to explore Iowa’s food wonders in the e-newsletter, Daily Umbrella, through Cityview. Enjoy this great Cultural Adventurer tip: Pizza on the Prairie at the Wallace Farm combines brick oven pizza with toppings straight from the garden, sides, desserts, a signature cocktail, and live music. Bring your own lawn chairs. Space is still available for June 7, 14, 21, 28 and July 5 plus a new Pizza Jazz Brunch on Sunday, June 16. https://wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie/

I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Mark your calendars for Jun 9-15. Two of the creative dynamos behind the successful summer arts immersive experiences, Art Week Des Moines, lead a lively conversation about their 10th anniversary year Jun 9-15. Teva Dawson and Rachel Buse provide insights into the wonder, art, and cultural adventures awaiting those visiting the sites for this year’s festivities. https://artweekdesmoines.com/
11:16 AM – In one of the most honest and informative memoirs ever shared on this show, artist Claudia Marseille shares her life journey, giving us a deep and candid understanding of Claudia’s experiences. But You Look So Normal: Lost and Found in a Hearing World rightfully earned Claudia the Gold Medal for First Book from the Independent Publisher Book Awards, and she shares glimpses into her brilliant story that will resonate with all readers. “Marseille is a clear, expressive writer . . . this is an elegantly written memoir that raises awareness and will empower others.” – Kirkus Reviews https://claudiamarseilleauthor.com/
11:32 AM – Mark your calendars for Jun 9-15. Brant Bollman, artist, activist, actor, puppet-maker, helms Uplifting Puppet Co. out of Oskaloosa, Iowa. He builds and performs giant street puppets (that he calls ‘Uppets’) for parades. Brant is one of this year’s Art Week Des Moines Artist Fellow, working with the residents and businesses in the Drake/Dogtown Neighborhood as he lantern making by participants for the Magic of the Night Parade. https://artweekdesmoines.com/2024-art-week-fellows/ https://www.facebook.com/upliftingpuppets/
11:45 AM – Mark your calendars for Jun 9-15. For Art Week Des Moines 2024, Jo Allen brings his photographic artistry to bear in his interactive project in the Drake/Dogtown Neighborhood. This “beacon of inclusivity” will create an experience to celebrate all humans, with a primary focus on fostering a safe space where LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC individuals are embraced and loved for exactly who they are. https://artweekdesmoines.com/2024-art-week-fellows/ https://jtallen01b475.myportfolio.com/welcome
12:00 PM – Opening this Friday. Iowa Stage Theatre Company will present Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical Jun 7-16. Director Emily Davis is joined by cast member Craig Peterson to share glimpses into this thought-provoking show. https://www.iowastage.org/melancholyplay
12:14 PM – Opening this Friday. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? begins a two-week run at the Ankeny Community Theatre. Listen as veteran regional actors Becky Scholtec and Nicholas Root share their thoughts about performing dream roles in this iconic Broadway drama. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
12:27 PM – Mark your calendars for Jun 9-15. Art Week Des Moines 2024 is just around the corner Jun 9-15. This immersive and inspirational journey into five Des Moines communities is anchored by Fellow artists, one developing their own arts experience at each of the sites. Brittany Brooke Crow will share her captivating wheat paste collage celebrating the people and history of the Columbus Park Neighborhood, and shares insights into how she researched and will create this special mural. “Art Week Des Moines has become a signature event for Des Moines, weaving community, history, and creativity into captivating experiences for everyone to enjoy. For families, creatives, and cultural adventurers, this is a ‘must-do” week to enjoy.” – The Culture Buzz https://artweekdesmoines.com/2024-art-week-fellows/ https://brittanybrookecrow.com/
12:41 PM – At Beaverdale Books Jun 11, 6:30 PM. Martin Sneider shares insights about Amy Unbound, the sequel to Shelf Life, the first of his five-book series. Listen as Martin shares insights into this series and the inspiration behind its creation. “Martin Sneider has a wonderful gift for capturing relationship dynamics in career-driven worlds. Captivating and vibrant, Amy Unbound continues what promises to be a delightful five book journey.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.martinsneider.com/

II. Performance Arts
1. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. The Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical. Jun 7-16. https://www.iowastage.org/melancholyplay
2. Ankeny Community Theatre. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Jun 7-16. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
3. Des Moines Metro Opera – 2024 Festival Season. The Barber of Seville, Salome, Pélleas & Mélisande and American Apollo presented in repertory. Thru Jul 21. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/2024season/
4. CAP (Class Act Productions) Theatre. Disney Frozen Jr. Thru Jun 9. https://www.captheatre.org/main/disneys-frozen-jr/
5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Play That Goes Wrong. Thru Jun 16. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-play-that-goes-wrong/
6. Civic Music Association – Belin Quartet. This great outdoor free concert tradition continues in partnership with Salisbury House and Gardens each Tue thru Jul 13. In case of inclement weather, the performance will move inside the Temple downtown. https://civicmusic.org/belin-quartet-summer-2024/
7. Des Moines Performing Arts. ANTS. Free family-friendly interactive performances at 6 metro sites. Jun 12-15. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/stomp-2024/
8. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Camelot. Jun 13-15 at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
9. Java Joes CoffeeHouse (Ankeny). Younger Than Springtime Cabaret. Jun 15. https://www.facebook.com/events/951005323000776
10. Des Moines Performing Arts. STOMP! Jun 21-23. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/stomp-2024/
11. Pyramid Theatre Company – Stoner Theatre. The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body. Jun 22-30. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-black-feminist-guide/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Polk County Hertiage Gallery – Rick Miller Retrospective. Thru Jun 21. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
2. Olson-Larsen Galleries – Annual Landscape Show. Opening reception Jun 7, 4-7 PM. https://olsonlarsen.com/show/olson-larsen-galleries-annual-landscape-show-2024
3. Moberg Gallery. Sarah Grant – New Directions. Opening reception with artist Fri Jun 14. https://moberggallery.com/
Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites
1. Des Moines Art Center. 2 Re-connect with old favorites on exhibit from their permanent collection. Explore the constantly changing exhibits, from staff-curated to international, always ready to stimulate the imagination and senses. Always open (except holidays), always free. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/
2. Brunnier Art Museum. Ames. 2 This is the flagship for the University Museums, a treasure trove of visual arts immersion on the Iowa State University campus, which includes the Christian Petersen Art Museum, The Farm House Museum, the Anderson Sculpture Garden and the Art on Campus Collection. https://www.museums.iastate.edu/visit/brunnier-art-museum
3. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
4. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
5. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Des Moines 2 I added this destination for its unique value as a “living gallery,” where the constantly changing floral exhibitions entice and delight. https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/
6. Heritage Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
7. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
8. IN Tandem Arts & Authors. 1,2 Des Moines. https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
9. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
12. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
13. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
14. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
15. Ritual Café. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
16. Slow Down Coffee Shop. Des Moines. 2 https://www.theslowdowndsm.com/
17. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure/
1Visit these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.
2Check website for current exhibitions.

IV. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities – “The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· Auditions – Ankeny Community Theatre. Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Jun 17 & 18, 6:30; Callbacks if needed Jun 19. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/8203vanya-and-sonia-and-masha-and-spike.html
· Additional volunteer opportunities abound – with the seasons ramping up, now is a great time to explore how to find other ways to engage with Central Iowa theatre companies. Assistance is always welcome, from costume and set building, to ushering, to back stage crew, find a short-term commitment that will be immensely gratifying.

Check the websites of the theatre companies listed below to consider a wide range of volunteer opportunities.
1. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
2. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
3. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
4. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
5. Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
6. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
7. Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
8. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
9. Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
10. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
11. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
12. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

V. Planning ahead
Momentum Art Program.
We have created a Community Art Project around belonging called Hands of Hope. It will have its grand opening reception as part of our Community Support Advocates HeadQuarters Grand Opening on June 25th from 4-6pm in West Des Moines. There will be food, music, art and more. I really hope you can make it. teamCSA.org
Des Moines Art Center
UPCOMING EXHIBITION – Iowa Artists 2024
b. Robert Moore
Jun 22 – Oct 20, 2024 in the Linda and Tom Koehn Gallery. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/iowa-artists-2024/
Ames Public Library
Swift Youth Writers – Free Creative Writing Workshop, Jun 24-28, Grades 6-12. 10 AM – 12:30 PM. Sponsored and presented by the Ames Writers Collective. https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/event/swift-youth-writers-workshop-49130
Okoboji Writers Retreat adds major musical focus to immersive event
Make plans to attend the 2024 Okoboji Writers’ Retreat and its newest addition, the Okoboji Songwriters Retreat. Critically acclaimed, with attendees often returning for more, this event will be held at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and the Presbyterian Camp at Lakeshore Center, which is adjacent to Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa.
The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, will now feature workshops for songwriters on topics ranging from ‘Storytelling through Song,’ ‘Nashville Bound,’ ‘’Collaboration,’ and ‘The Business of Being a Musician.’
To learn more about the event: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/

VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Amy Lillard. A Grotesque Animal & Exile in Guyville. Jun 5, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books – Chloe Angyal. Pointe of Pride. Jun 7, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books – Noah Gittell. Baseball: The Movie. Jun 10, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books – Varsity Cinema (1207 – 25th Street) A. Ashley Hoff. With Love, Mommie Dearest: The Making of an Unintetional Camp Classic. Jun 10, 7-10 PM. The movie discussion will take place at the Varsity Cinema (1207 25th St, Des Moines, IA 50311) on Monday, June 10, 2024, at 9:15PM. Please note: there will be an admission charge if you would like to see the movie which begins at 7:00 p.m. Use promo code DMPL to purchase a discounted ticket! Check https://varsitydesmoines.com/ for purchase and further details.
5. Beaverdale Books – Martin Sneider. Amy Unbound. Jun 11, 6:30 PM.
6. AViD Author Series – Central Library – Jasmine Gillory. Drunk on Love. Jun 13, 7 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books – Luke Rolfes. Sleep Lake. John Gallaher. My Life in Brutalist Architecture. Jun 14, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books – Kelli Lagi. Early Cuts. Marilyn Baszcynski. Daughter, while I’m still here. Jul 17, 6:30 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books – Storytime. Jun 20, 10 AM.
10. Beaverdale Books – Kelsey Bigelow, Poet & Host. Open Mic Poetry Night. Jun 21, 7 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books – Elaine Cooper. American Revolution Series: Love’s Kindling, Winter’s Ravage, Chiseled on the Heart, Scarred Vessels. Jun 22, 2:30 PM.
12. Beaverdale Books – Sarah Becan. Let’s Make Bread. Jun 23, 2:30 PM.
Recurring bookstore events –
1. Beaverdale Books – Hunter’s Classics Book Club (2nd Tue, 7:00 PM); Beaverdale Book Browsers Club (2nd Thu, 6:30 PM); Urbandale UCC Book Club (3rd Thu); Books and Bonbons (3rd Thu, 7:00 PM); Environmental Book Club (3rd Sat); Mystery Book Club (4th Tue, 7:00 PM)
2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
3. Dogeared Books – Dog-Eared official book club (one Thu/month, 10-11 AM); Between the Covers (one Sat/month, 7-8 PM); Women from Other Words book club (one Mon/month 5-6 PM); Translation book club (one Fri/month, 7-8 PM); Books & Beverages – the book club experience without the commitment (one Thu/month, 6-7 PM)
4. Capital City Pride – Book club meets every other month, rotating to different independent book stores. For titles being read and dates, locations, visit: https://www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-book-club

VII. Beaverdale Books provides Bestseller Lists on their website, including a parade of Iowa-authored books to consider. Many Iowa authors also have recordings archived in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library (https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz). https://beaverdalebooks.com/news/
March bestsellers are:
1. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*
2. Broadlawns: A Century of Caring, Jean Logan*
3. The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, Sarah McCammon
4. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, Erik
Larson
5. Baseball Spy, Scott Reister*
6. The Women, Kristin Hannah
7. For Love of the Broken Body, Julia Walsh*
8. An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, Doris Kearns Goodwin
9. My Father Called Us Monkeys: Growing Up Mexican American in the Heartland, Mario Duarte*
10. Unmatched: Caitlin Clark’s Remarkable Journey, From Her Iowa High School Career to Breaking
Collegiate Records and Captivating the Nation, Des Moines Register*
*Iowa Author!

Here are some great Iowa author titles to consider adding to your library:
· The Long Way Back, Nicole Baart*
· The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History, Darcy Daugherty Maulsby*
· Baking Blue Ribbons: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Competitions, Kay Fenton Smith* and Carol McGarvey*
· Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe, Abena Sankofa Imhotep*
· The Leora’s Letters Dexter Trilogy, plus What Leora Never Knew Joy Neal Kidney* (4 books, each sold separately)
*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.
Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

Life Resource books worth your consideration –
1. Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Food-First Plan to Optimize Your Mental Health. Dr. Georgia Ede. Combine the surprising truth about brain food with the cutting edge of brain metabolism to achieve extraordinary emotional, cognitive, and physical health. “This book is an invaluable resource and guide for anyone looking to enhance their health and life through the thoughtful integration of nutrition.” – David Perlmutter, MD https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mind
2. Happy AF: Simple Strategies to Get Unstuck, Bounce Back, and Live Your Best Life.
Beth Romero. Fresh, insightful, and grounded academic research, this cheeky, no-nonsense manifesto offers practical strategies and easy-to-follow exercises for flexing your happiness muscle and maximizing your potential — essentially laying out the blueprint for how to be happy AF and live your best life. “A sharp, sometimes witty, often helpful map for pointing your life in the direction of happiness.” – Kirkus Reviews https://bethromeroauthor.com/
3. The Island of the Four Ps: A Modern Fable about Preparing for Your Future. Ed Hajim. Ed shares his wealth of experience, challenges and success, distilling it with a clarity and appeal that will benefit everyone desiring great advice through this allegorical telling in planning their future. “This wonderful fable draws on the hard-won life lessons of fabled financier Ed Hajim. … For those on a similar quest, let Ed be your guide through reading this allegorical tale. It informs and inspires.” —Mark Zupan, President, Alfred University https://www.edhajim.com/
Check out insightful interviews in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
Performing Arts & Cultural Organizations
Please check in advance regarding any scheduled performances, exhibitions, museum visits, etc.
Ankeny Community Theatre – www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com; Facebook: Ankeny Community Theatre
Ballet Des Moines – https://www.balletdesmoines.org/
Carousel Theatre of Indianola – www.carouseltheatre.org; Facebook: Carousel Theatre Indianola
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble – https://www.facebook.com/CentralIowaWindEnsemble/
Civic Music Association – https://civicmusic.org/
Class Act Productions – www.captheatre.org; Facebook: CAP Theatre
Des Moines Community Playhouse/Kate Goldman Theatre – www.dmplayhouse.com; Facebook: DMPlayhouse
Des Moines Metro Opera – https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/
Des Moines Performing Arts/Temple Theater/Stoner Studio Theater –
featuring an eclectic mix of Broadway national tours, symphony, music and more www.desmoinesperformingarts.org; Facebook: Des Moines Performing Arts
Des Moines Symphony – https://www.dmsymphony.org/
Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre – www.dmyat.org; Facebook: DM Young Artists Theatre
Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre – featuring an eclectic mix of music, comedy, dance and more https://hoytsherman.org/calendar/events/#all
Iowa Shakespeare Experience – www.iowashakespeare.org; Facebook: Iowa Shakespeare Experience
Iowa Stage Theatre Company – www.iowastage.org; Facebook: Iowa Stage Theatre Company
Pyramid Theatre Company – www.pyramidtheatre.org; Facebook: Pyramid Theatre Company
Science Center of Iowa – https://www.sciowa.org/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sciowa
Tallgrass Theatre Company – www.tallgrasstheatre.org; Facebook: Tallgrass Theatre Company
Urbandale Community Theatre – www.urbandaletheatre.com; Facebook: Urbandale Community Theatre
Greater Des Moines/Central Iowa Independent Book Stores:

The Culture Buzz encourages you to visit your local independent book store regularly. Check these sites, as their calendars are always filled with enticing activities and news.
1. Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
2. Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.com/
3. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction. https://readinginpublic.com/
4. Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
5. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
6. Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
7. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
8. Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
9. Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
10. Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City. https://www.prairielights.com/

Cultural Exploration Resources:
The Culture Buzz will begin including carefully vetted but comprehensive listings where you can do some advance online exploration before scheduling destinations in the region. These are two great websites to know about:
1. The Culture Buzz – John Busbee and associates encourage cultural adventurers through the comprehensive overview of what The Culture Buzz delivers. An archive library of favorite interviews is on the website, and all recent interviews can be found at The Culture Buzz Podcast Library – https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
Website – http://www.TheCultureBuzz.com/
2. Gentle Guide to Theater – Timothy Rose renews his insights and information about the Central Iowa theatre scene with his new website. This site is anchored by the most navigable, informative calendar of upcoming things theatrical in this region. www.gentleguidetheatre.com
3. Center Stage – This Cityview monthly column covers feature stories about Central Iowa’s theatre scene. Distributed throughout the region and available online. Current column: https://www.dmcityview.com/center-stage
4. Cityview – Central Iowa’s monthly printed and continually updated online resource to all things happening in your community, from arts & culture, to music, to civic and political discourse, to fascinating columnists and stories. Cityview is the reliable source for keeping you informed and engaged in the Greater Des Moines community and beyond. https://www.dmcityview.com/
5. Des Moines Arts Festival (https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/) and Bravo Greater Des Moines (https://bravogreaterdesmoines.org/) – have joined forces to provide resources, support and networking for individual artists (DMAF) and cultural organizations (Bravo). For artists and organizations seeking to gain the training, information and resources for success, check out www.artswork.art, https://iowaartistdirectory.org/home/, https://www.artswork.art/cbc
6. Axios – Des Moines – this free, weekday newsletter is a quick-read, reliable Greater Des Moines news resource by two veteran news journalists, Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta. https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines
7. Art Week Des Moines – this annual, community/neighborhood celebration of the arts happens in several Greater Des Moines communities during the week leading up to the Des Moines Arts Festival. Planning, engagement and more happen throughout the year, and a diversity of input is welcomed and embraced by this initiative. https://artweekdesmoines.com/
8. dsm Magazine – Central Iowa’s gateway to arts, culture and more in a stunning, visual format. https://dsmmagazine.com/ dsm’s CultureCast podcast features interviews with cultural leaders, artists and musicians.
9. ia Magazine – Built upon the success of its Central Iowa counterpart, this annual gem brings enticing cultural news from across the state. https://iapublication.com/
10. Contact Buzz – This column covers crossroads between creativity and culture, and is offered in the new Des Moines edition of Little Village magazine. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
11. Little Village magazine. This Des Moines edition of the iconic Iowa City monthly brings a progressive voice to Central Iowa readers. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
12. 900Views Podcast. An exploration of arts and community with Host Pat Boddy. Based out of Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines, 900Views provides a platform for glimpsing the creative work and lives of the Midwest’s cultural producers and influencers. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/900views-pat-boddy-RCELj1xc7Wh/
13. Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center is this region’s source for a decades-established advocacy group for jazz, and established jazz professionals guiding and nurturing next generations of jazz musicians and fans. http://dmcommunityjazzcenter.org/
14. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
15. Bryan Farland, for many years, single handedly puts together the most comprehensive list of live and streaming music in Iowa. Bryan reaches out two ways, https://www.facebook.com/TheListDSM and farlanbr@dsmlivemusic.com

Resources to help, support and guide during any challenges you or someone you care about may be experiencing:
COVID Iowa Recovery: 800-775-9276 https://covidrecoveryiowa.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 988 or info@nami.org
United Way 211: Dial 211, text ZIP code to 898211 or visit 211iowa.org
CICIL: #CICILServes COVID-19 Hotline: (866) 44-CICIL
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
LGBT National Talkline: (888) 843-4564
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center: dmpcc.org
Broadlawns 24/7 Crisis Team: (515) 282-5752
Your Life Iowa Help Line: (855) 581-8111
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to crisis counseling
Online Mental Health Crisis Chat: iowacrisischat.org
MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health Clinic: 515-643-9030.
Prelude Behavioral Services (substance treatment): 515-262-0349
Instead of 911 – Des Moines area
*Domestic Violence: 515.286.3600 Polk County Crisis & Advocacy
*Poison Control: 800.222.1222
*Mental Health Crisis: 515.282.5752 Broadlawns Crisis Team
*LGBTQ+ Abuse: 866.488.7386
*Sexual Assault: 515.243.7386
Children & Families of Iowa
*Veteran Crisis: 800.273.8255 press1 Veterans & Their Families Health Crisis Line
*Child Abuse/Neglect: 800.422.4453
National US Child Abuse Hotline
Animal Abuse/Neglect: 515.284.6905
Des Moines Animal Control
*open 24/7

As always, I appreciate news and information from you out there in the cultural trenches and am ready and willing to pursue a story or interview to share with my audiences.

Creatively yours, John Busbee
C: 515-707-1532