Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

9/17/2024

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 Iowa History Journal 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 

 

Quote of the Week –

“The wave of the future is not the conquest of the world by a single dogmatic creed but the liberation of the diverse energies of free nations and free men.” – John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963), often referred to as JFK, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination in 1963. He was the youngest person elected president.

 

Newsletter content:

I. Iowa Flash Buzz – news of the week

II. Guests on this week’s show;

III. Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);

IV. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);

V. Auditions and other Opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);

VI. Planning ahead;

VII. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);

VIII. Best-sellers, life resource books, Greater Des Moines performing arts organizations, Central Iowa indie book stores, cultural exploration resources, health & welfare resources

 

I. Iowa Flash Buzz –

Octagon Art Festival
Sun., Sep 22, 10 am – 4 pm, Main Street, downtown Ames. The Octagon Center for the Arts is proud to present the 53rd Annual Octagon Art Festival. There will be plenty for art enthusiasts of all ages to experience in downtown Ames on Sunday, September 22 from 10 am – 4 pm. 85 artists from all over the Midwest will fill Main Street in downtown Ames with artistic creations.    www.octagonarts.org

Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival 
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Latino community at Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival on September 21st-22nd at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. This celebration is the only two-day Latino Heritage festival in Iowa featuring a wide range of activities, including Latin musical performances, cultural booths representing various Latin American countries, art exhibits, and Latin food vendors.    https://www.latinoheritagefestival.org/

All-Iowa Writers’ Conference – featuring Harry Smith, NBC journalist
The 12th All-Iowa Writers’ Conference will be held on Sat Sep 21. This is one of our biggest with former CBS and NBC journalist Harry Smith headlining our conference. Smith, a Central College grad, is returning to his alum mater to teach a class and will be our opening speaker at 9 a.m. Also speaking will be Phil Hester, a comic book artist and author from North English. Joining them will be Leigh Michaels, Misty Urban, Jackie Haley and Zachary Michael Jack.    http://www.ourfrontporchbooks.com/2024-conference-presenters.html

Beaverdale Books Hosts First Stop on National Banned Wagon Tour
Penguin Random House Launches Expanded Banned Wagon Tour to Protect the Freedom to Read. As book bans continue to rise across America and with Banned Books Week on the horizon, the Banned Wagon—powered by Penguin Random House and in partnership with Unite Against Book Bans (UUAB), Little Free Library, and First Book—is hitting the road during Banned Books Week on September 22nd for its second tour, visiting nine libraries and bookstores in communities across the Midwest and the South being impacted by book banning and censorship. Its first stop will be Beaverdale Books, located at 2629 Beaver Avenue in Des Moines, on Sunday, September 22 from Noon to 4:00 p.m. During the Banned Wagon’s four hour stop in Des Moines, local advocates will be available to answer questions. Here’s a schedule of speakers who will be joining us:

• 12:30 p.m.: Daniel Gutmann, fourth grade teacher, public school advocate, and educator plaintiff – PRH v. Robbins
• 1:30 p.m.: Sam Helmick, past president, Iowa Library Association, president-elect, American Library Association, bookmobile librarian, Iowa City Public Library.
• 2:00 p.m.: Sara Parris, Founder and President, Annie’s Foundation
• 3 :00 p.m.: Christy Hickman, General Counsel, Iowa State Education Association — Senate File 496, Censorship, and the Politicization of Our Public Schools.

Attendees will also receive resources from UABB about how to take action to protect the right to read in their communities. To learn more, please visit https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/banned-books/.

The Food Dude Abides
Consider this your best tip of the day. One of the region’s cultural icons, Jim Duncan, has been penning culinary reviews, tips and news for decades. He is a top source for discovering new dining venues while also getting great deals in grocery shopping. Each weekday, his “Food Dude” postings in the e-newsletter, Daily Umbrella, from the fine folks at Cityview, provide daily insights for culinary exploration and food shopping savings. The newsletter is free, the advice and content – priceless. https://www.thedailyumbrella.com/

 

II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

11:00 AM – Amy Sarig King’s middle school book will get all ages thinking about its topic as Attack of the Black Rectangles will resonate with all audiences wishing to have an all-encompassing exploration of the country’s recent proliferation of book censorship.   “King empathetically tackles the intersections of multiple sensitive topics—mental health, patriarchy and sexism, war’s realities, whitewashed history—while educating readers on the power of protest and the benefits of living with grace.”   —Publishers Weekly   https://www.as-king.com/

11:20 AM – The Des Moines Symphony prepares for a major concert event Oct 5 when Best Actor in a Musical Tony Award winner Santino Fontana (for his role in Tootsie, along with the same award for Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award) headlines the evening.   “Santino Fontana’s smart and empathetic performance is always winning.” – BroadwayWorld   https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/santino-fontana-with-the-des-moines-symphony/

11:39 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Thu Sep 26, 6:30 PM. Nina Lohman’s The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Chronic Pain is a masterpiece exploration of this topic, and a critical read for those coping with their own chronic pain, and anyone who wants to understand what those who suffer this condition face.   “This is not a book about pain—it’s a journey into the heart of it. By taking readers through her own experience placed thoughtfully within the context of literature and science, Lohman’s story will resonate with those living in the land of pain and serve as a primer for those who have not ventured into it—yet.”   —Abby Norman, author, Ask Me About My Uterus: A Quest to Make Doctors Believe in Women’s Pain   https://www.ninalohman.com/

11:44 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Wed Sep 25, 6:30 PM. Shannon K. Evans has written a thought-provoking journey sure to stimulate introspection and consideration. The Mystics Would Like a Word is wonderful, insightful in pulling six fascinating women from history to anchor Evans’ narrative into a captivating read.   “With humor and humanity, Evans guides us all with the particular wisdom of women, welcoming us into a larger, weirder, and more compelling spirituality than we commonly encounter today.”   —K.J. Ramsey, therapist, and author of The Book of Common Courage   https://www.shannonkevans.com/

12:00 PM – In concert Sep 22 at the Temple Theatre, Des Moines IA. Immerse yourself into one of the world’s most alluring Irish trios as Socks in the Frying Pan takes the Temple Theatre stage as part of the Temple Music Series. Front man Shane Hayes delivers a delightful chat about their music and Irish culture.   “Their ‘Socks Sound’ combines virtuosic musicianship with a burning passion for the music and tradition, pitch-perfect harmonies, and a big splash of quick wit and banter.”   https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/latt/socks-in-the-frying-pan

12:13 PM – Opening Sep 27. Ankeny Community Theatre brings the classic story, Arsenic and Old Lace, to their stage, a dark comedy sure to delight all ages…but too young, and you’ll be explaining the poisonings, mayhem and other slapstick larceny to them. Director Dan Chase leads a lively chat about this show.   https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/arsenic-and-old-lace/

12:24 PM – Now available in paperback. Christina Saxman (with co-author Shelly Tochluk) penned a brilliant book sure to generate a wealth of discussions once read. Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life tackles the challenges of racism head-on, and Christina provides glimpses into the rich content of their book.   “In the myriad of recent books centered on Whiteness and antiracism, Being White Today: A Roadmap for a Positive Antiracist Life by Tochluk and Saxman stands at the top of the must-read list. Through humanized narrative, real life examples, and multiple resources, White readers will engage in a life changing journey to becoming, and supporting, an antiracist society.”   — Eddie Moore Jr., PhD, Founder, The White Privilege Conference   https://christinesaxman.com/

12:42 PM – Now available. The new issue of Iowa History Journal is out and it features a marvelous story by historian and superb storyteller, Dennis Spragg. The life of musician Glenn Miller is captured in a two-part cover story series, and Dennis shares glimpses into what this inaugural part of the story is about.   https://iowahistoryjournal.com/

 

III. Performance Arts

1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. It’s Only a Play. Thru Sep 22. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/

2. Des Moines Playhouse. Jersey Boys: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Thru Sep 29. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/jersey-boys/

3. Java Joes Ankeny – Cabaret. TV Musicals Cabaret. Sep 21, 1 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/1186345619240079/?ref=newsfeed

4. Ankeny Community Theatre. Arsenic and Old Lace. Sep 27-Oct 6. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/

Varsity Cinema. Poetry & Film at Varsity Cinema (Poetry Palooza event). Oct 1, 7-8:30 PM: Performance by 3 local spoken word poets (Kelsey Bigelow, Jaleesha Johnson, Sabur Muhammad), Screening of Caleb Rainey’s short film “Willing to Grow,” and a Q&A.

Des Moines Symphony. Santino Fontana, Tony Award-winning Broadway star, headlines this Des Moines Symphony pops concert. Oct 5, 7:30 PM. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/santino-fontana/

 

IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

1. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Polk County Heritage Gallery and Erin Mathisen are proud to present ART/WORK. An exhibition to celebrate the working artist. All around us, contributing to every professional field, art-related or non, are talented individuals also maintaining personal artistic careers. here, the heart of the artist is firmly demonstrated. We recognize the tenacity and devotion it takes to keep one’s practice alive while operating between passions, professions and opportunities. The exhibition will run thru Oct 11. Featured artists include: Ethan Edvenson, Paige Knotts, Jon Lemons, Madison Bishop, Christian D’Cruz, Zoë Violett, Tyler Erickson, Maggie Douglas, Cynthia O’Hern, Matt Niebuhr, Yvette Sutton, Chuck Purviance, Robin Mulvey, Chase Lilleholm, Leah Landrum, Nick LaPole, and Ryan Koning. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#art/work

2. Des Moines Art Center. Hurricane Season – Caribbean Art + Climate Change. Thru Sep 22. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/hurricane-season/

3. Des Moines Art Center. b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory. Thru Oct 20. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/iowa-artists-2024/

4. Olson-Larsen Galleries – R.J. Kern. Divine Animals: Photographs By R. J. Kern. Opening reception Thu Aug 29. See how Kern’s interest in animals, community, photography, and light combine in large and small scale photographic prints and artist books. https://olsonlarsen.com/show/olson-larsen-galleries-divine-animals-photographs-by-r-j-kern

 

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. Des Moines Playhouse. Beauty and the Beast. Sep 23, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/

· Ankeny Community Theatre. White Christmas. Oct 6, 7 PM; Oct 7, 6 PM. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-irving-berlins-white-christmas/

· Des Moines Playhouse. Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Musical. Mon Oct 21. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/

· 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

2024 Art Harvest Tour
Sept. 28-29, 10A-5P. Self-guided tour of 22 artists at 11 unique studio locations. The “ART HARVEST TOUR” is a free studio tour of central Iowa artists held annually the last full weekend in Sept. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and scenery as you visit the studios and galleries of the area’s best artists. In addition to enjoying the studios, you’ll see a much wider selection of the artists’ work, and great prices and specials too. A number of artists will be demoing their work as well. There will be around a dozen stops on the approximately 90-mile loop around the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Several locations will be hosting multiple artists. This lets us include artists without sufficient studio space to host, as well as keeping the number of stops manageable so you can do the tour in an afternoon.   https://www.facebook.com/events/3103032370002661/?active_tab=discussion

AMES TOWN & GOWN’S 75th CHAMBER MUSIC SEASON – INNOVATES, EDUCATES, AND CELEBRATES
Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association’s 75th season is sure to thrill audiences with its combination of internationally renowned performers and local talent! The concert season features five unique concerts that are both exciting and innovative in their programming, Town & Gown has shown that chamber music can be grand in scope, while intimate in scale! Our opening concert will be a CELEBRATION IN SONG, featuring three winners of the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Vocal Competition: Chelsea Guo, soprano/piano; Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano; Joseph Parrish, baritone; and pianist Ye Ik Kwan. The program will feature each of the three singers in art song, with the second half of the concert devoted to operatic arias, duos, and trios. The concert will take place Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. at ISU’s Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall.   www.amestownandgown.org

 

VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:

1. Beaverdale Books. Scott Dominic Carpenter. Paris Lost & Found: A Memoir. Sep 20, 6:30 PM.

2. Franklin Street Library hosts mother/daughter author event. Dr. Stanlie M. James, Practical Audacity: Black Women and International Human Rights, and Reagan E. J. Jackson, and Still True: The Evolution of an Unexpected Journalist, will read excerpts from and discuss their books. Moderated by Mary Lynne Jones. Sat Sep 21, 2 PM, Des Moines IA.

3. Beaverdale Books – Beaverdale Books. Penguin Random House present the Banned Wagon. Sep 22, 12-4 PM.

4. Des Moines Public Library – 2024 Fall Author Series. Austin Frerick. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. Sep 25, 7 PM at Central Library.

5. Beaverdale Books. Shannon K. Evans. The Mystics Would Like a Word. Wed Sep 25, 6:30 PM.

6. Beaverdale Books. Nina Lohman. The Body Alone: A Lyrical Articulation of Chronic Pain. Thu Sep 26, 6:30 PM.

7. West Des Moines Public Library. Ruth Harkin. When My Husband Ran for President……..and Other Short Stories. Thu Sep 26, 6:30 PM.

8. Des Moines Public Library – Central Branch. Jennifer Berkshire. The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual. Sun Oct 6, 12:30 PM.   https://www.dmpl.org/dmpl-fall-author-series

*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.

Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

 

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. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of the American Food Industry, Austin Frerick*

2. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*

3. Pony the Moose, Emily Mitchell*

4. Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just World, Jennifer Harvey*

5. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, Erik Larson

6. Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, Anne Applebaum

7. Growing Older Gracefully: 31 Reflections on Finishing Well, David Classen*

8. Thunder from the Prairie: The Life of Harold E. Hughes, Jerry Harrington*

9. The Women of Swenson Farm, Jeanne Martz*

10. The Women, Kristin Hannah

*Iowa Author!

*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.

Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

 

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. Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them. Bill Eddy. This is Bill Eddy’s insightful and informative guide to meet the challenges that this growing social trend has created.   “Our New World of Adult Bullies is timely! Anyone can be bullied. Bill Eddy explains not only the damaging toxicity and effects of bullying but the psychological understanding of how to stop it. Poignant examples, from history and everyday life, bring it home. This book empowers and offers solutions instead of reactions. Much needed in a time of great divide and polarization.”   —Karyl Mcbride, Ph.D., author of Will the Drama Ever End? Untangling and Healing from the Harmful Effects of Parental Narcissism   https://highconflictinstitute.com/   https://www.unhookedmedia.com/stock/p/our-new-world-of-adult-bullies

2. 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

3. 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/

4. 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