Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

10/1/2024

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 –

“Providence has hidden a charm in difficult undertakings, which is appreciated only by those who dare to grapple with them.” —Anne Sophie Swetchine (1782-1857), known as Madame Swetchine, was a Russian mystic, born in Moscow, and famous for her salon in Paris.

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 –

• A healthy body supports the best your mind can deliver: Aspire is a Lifestyle Education Program overseen by our medical director, Andy Nish MD. The World Health Organization defines patient empowerment as “a process through which people gain greater control over decisions and actions affecting their health.” 88% of our population is metabolically dysregulated, with high blood sugar, insulin resistance and inflammation. You can do something about that. We can show you how by providing knowledge, wisdom and tools to insure your wellbeing. Next course begins Tuesday October 8th at 6:30pm. You can sign up at Aspiretowellness.co The Culture Buzz interview with Tim McCoy, Director of Lifestyle Education: https://archive.org/details/tim-mc-coy-director-of-lifestyle-education.-healthy-to-life-aspire-to-wellness-o
• Local Film Teams Endeavor To Make Short Horror Films: On Fri Oct 4, filmmaking teams will gather at the Fleur Cinema to kick-off the 48 Hour Horror Film Project in Des Moines. They will draw their film genres out of a hat and find out the required character, prop and line of dialogue which must be included in their final short horror film. With only 48 hours to write, film, and edit – they will rush to get their completed short films uploaded to 48 servers by 7:30 Sunday evening. There are still a few team spots open for the event at https://www.48hourfilm.com/desmoines/horror. Submitted films will be screened for the public at the Fleur Cinema on October 14 & 15. The films will be evaluated by a panel of judges and the Best Films will screen as part of The Best of Horror Screening and Costume Contest on October 31, also at the Fleur. Tickets are available at the Fleur Cinema box office or on their website starting on October 4. https://fleurcinema.com/
• The Food Dude Abides, Part Deux: Regional cultural icon Jim Duncan has his finger firmly on the pulse of all things culinary and food. His “Food Dude” postings in the Cityview e-newsletter, Daily Umbrella, provide daily insights for culinary exploration and food shopping savings. The newsletter is free, the advice and content – priceless. https://www.thedailyumbrella.com/

PS – If you’d like to hear what Jim and his culinary compatriot, George Formaro, share through their weekly KFMG show, The Kitchen Insider, tune into their show Saturdays at 10 AM, or find archived episodes listed under “Kitchen Insider” through a partnership with The Culture Buzz at: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

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

11:00 AM – Diana McClain Smith provides one of the most important and thought-provoking books that boldly and frankly shares how we can all unite to make this a better country. Remaking the Space Between Us: How Citizens Can Work Together to Build a Better Future for All is timely, inspiring and essential reading for us all, and Diana shares the motivation behind writing this well-researched life resource. “Looking for ways to build a better America? Read this book! Remaking the Space Between Us lays out the responsibility we have as citizens and patriots to create opportunities for all, not just some.” — Deval Patrick, former Governor of Massachusetts https://www.remakingthespace.org/

11:18 AM – Professor John Long distills a career as a scientist, paleontologist and passionate appreciator of sharks into a masterpiece book, The Secret History of Sharks: The Rise of the Ocean’s Most Fearsome Predator. Reading more like a captivating novel than a meticulously researched book, John shares some insights into the fascinating world of sharks he has devoted a significant part of his career to. “Will keep you on the edge of your seat from its first page to its last page.” — Jared Diamond, Pulitzer Prize–winning author of Guns, Germs, and Steel https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/714624/the-secret-history-of-sharks-by-john-long/

11:34 AM – The comparative study of city versus country in ”City Kids,” from her epic album, HAYSEED, is one of the bounty of musical gems that Susan Werner has created. Enjoy this delightful dose of dissing.

11:37 AM – Salvatore Marici reads “Appetizer for Two” from his collection, Swish Swirl & Sniff.

11:39 AM – Past Iowa Poet Laureate Debra Marquart reads “What Pete Dexter Said” from her collection, The Horizontal World: Growing Up in the Middle of Nowhere. https://debramarquart.com/

11:42 AM – 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.

12:00 PM – Opening this Friday. Iowa Stage Theatre Company continues its season celebrating women with Witch, a play by celebrated playwright Jen Silverman (with ties to the Iowa Writers Workshop). Listen as Director Maggie Schmitt and Assistant Director Brittny Rebhun share insights into this captivating production. “Witch is utterly spellbinding… superb… intelligent.” – LA Daily News https://www.iowastage.org/witch

12:15 PM – One night only – Oct 5. 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 Best Actor 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/

12:23 PM – Opening Oct 4. Witch was Jen Silverman’s final step prior to graduating from the celebrated Iowa Playwrights Workshop at the University of Iowa. She has not looked back since, with the current Broadway opening of her play The Roommate, and a production of her captivating play, Witch, opening Oct 4 at Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Listen to their insightful understanding of this play, based on a Jacobean play from centuries ago, and how it not only has relevance today, but was almost prescient in its content. https://www.iowastage.org/witch

12:40 PM – Spoken and written poet Kelsey Bigelow reads “Today I Choose Life.” https://www.kelkaybpoetry.com/

12:41 PM – Historian Jeff Bremer’s A New History of Iowa is a masterpiece work, bringing new perspectives on Iowa’s history anchored in a rich tradition that few fully realize about what Iowans endured, achieved, and aspired to. With meticulously researched content, Jeff guides us through a wealth of this state’s history with a storyteller’s penchant for captivating his readers. “With his impressive scope, brisk pace, and unparalleled knowledge, Bremer has produced the new standard in Iowa history. Readers meet the farmers, politicians, activists, immigrants, and everyday people who have made Iowa what it is today and simultaneously learn how Iowa history connects to themes, people, and events that extend well beyond the state’s borders. A New History of Iowa is, quite simply, a masterclass in state history.” — Andrew Klumpp, editor, Annals of Iowa, State Historical Society of Iowa

III. Performance Arts

• Opening Friday. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Witch. Oct 4-13. https://www.iowastage.org/witch
• Ankeny Community Theatre. Arsenic and Old Lace. Thru Oct 6. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
• One night only. 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/
• Civic Music Association. Celebrating its 99th Season. Aaron Diehl & Brandon Patrick George: GRAMMY-Nominated Pianist & Flutist! Tue Oct 8 – Songs of Black America. Wed Oct 9 – An Evening of Ragtime & Harlem Stride. https://civicmusic.org/brandon-patrick-george-and-aaron-diehl-songs-of-black-america-october-2024/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. Broadway Karaoke. Oct 12, 7 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. Back to the Future: The Musical. Oct 15-20. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/back-to-the-future/
• Des Moines Playhouse. Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors. Oct 18-Nov 3. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/dracula/
• Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Peter and the Star Catcher. Oct 25-Nov 3. https://www.dmyat.org/
• CAP (Class Act Productions) Theatre. Anastasia – Youth Edition. Oct 25-Nov 10. https://www.captheatre.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Second City’s 65th Anniversary Tour. Oct 29-Nov 3. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/second-city-2024/
• Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 29, 7:30 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/

IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

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

• 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/
• 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
• The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
• 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
• 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/
• Heritage Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
• IN Tandem Arts & Authors. 1,2 Des Moines. https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
• Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
• Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
• Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
• Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
• Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
• Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• Ritual Café. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
• Slow Down Coffee Shop. Des Moines. 2 https://www.theslowdowndsm.com/
• 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)

• 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.

• Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
• Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
• Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
• Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
• Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
• Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
• Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
• Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

V. Planning ahead

The Des Moines Public Library Foundation holds its annual Iowa Author Awards Oct 10, 6 PM

This year’s fundraiser for DMPL programming will feature:

• Lyz Lenz, New York Times bestselling author whose writing has appeared in The Washington Post, the Columbia Journalism Review, The New York Times, and other publications. Her latest book, This American Ex-Wife, published this year, was an instant New York Times best seller. She hosts the This American Ex-Wife Podcast.
• Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey, is an author, performer, and producer. He has published two books, Look, Black Boy, and Heart Notes, released two albums, and produced a short film. He is the winner of several slams across the United States, and curates a community of spoken word in Iowa City through his high school program, IC Speaks, and producing events like the Mic Check Poetry Fest.
• Carol Roh Spaulding is a writer and professor living in central Iowa. A California native and granddaughter of Korean immigrants, she has taught at Drake University since 1996, where she offers courses in writing and American literature. Since 2014, she has directed the Drake Community Press. In 2022, she received the Flannery O’Conner Award for the Short Story from University of Georgia Press, selected by Lori Ostlund.
• The event will also celebrate Tim Hickman and Frank Vaia as the 2024 “Friend of Literacy” recipients.

https://www.dmpl.org/iowa-author-awards-2024

Historic Valley Junction: Historic Valley Junction’s galleries have come together to showcase new artwork by regional, national and international artists during their annual Fall Gallery Night on Oct 11, 5 – 8 p.m. Admission is free. The Galleries of Historic Valley Junction offer original artwork, custom jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, folk art, and fine art reproductions as well as many one-of -a-kind objects. https://valleyjunction.com/valley-junction-events/fall-gallery-night/

DMPA programming has much more than Broadway shows: All DMPS single tickets on sale now.

Dance Series:

• Hip Hop Nutcracker | November 26, 2024
• Momix: Alice | February 12, 2025
• The Remember Balloons | March 29, 2025
• Chicago Tap Theatre | April 17, 2025

Explorer Series:

• Pink Boots and a Machete | January 21, 2025
• East Meets West: In the Footsteps of Marco Polo | March 11, 2025
• The Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity | May 1, 2025

Family Series:

• Leonardo! A Wonderful Show About a Terrible Monster | November 2, 2024
• Fiesta Con Sonia De Los Santos | February 22, 2025
• The Remember Balloons | March 29, 2025
• Underneath a Magical Moon | April 19, 2025
• 360 All-Stars | April 27, 2025

RHPS returns to Varsity Cinema Oct 31: The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to Varsity Cinema for a very special HALLOWEEN performance on Thursday, October 31 at 10 pm! The film will be accompanied by Des Moines’s only local, live Shadow Cast performance, lip-syncing and dancing along. Prop bags will be available for purchase in-person before the show.

Michael Perry, Wisconsin-based humorist and author, coming to Iowa: Listen to previous TCB interviews at The Culture Buzz Podcast Library.

• 2024 Nov 20 – Knoxville Public Library – (6pm CT)
• 2024 Nov 21 – Marshalltown Public Library – (6pm CT)

Grant Wood legacy shared: Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark, has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit organization to host a free, educational presentation entitled Grant Wood: Artistic Rags to Riches presented by Randy Lengeling, on Thursday, November 7 at 5:00 pm in the Terrace Hill Drawing Room. This is a free program, but advance registration is required as space is limited. Register online at https://terracehillgrantwood.eventbrite.com or contact Allison Wergeland at allison.wergeland@governor.iowa.gov or 515-281-7205.

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

• Des Moines Public Library – Central Branch. Jennifer Berkshire. The Education Wars: A Citizen’s Guide and Defense Manual. Sun Oct 6, 12:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Special Ticketed Event at the Franklin Events Center. Ta-Nehisi Coates. The Message. Mon Oct 14, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. Christopher Brown. A Natural History of Empty Lots. Wed Oct 16, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. Laura Farmer. Catch and Release. Fri Oct 18, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. Melissa Clark-Wharff. We Can Play. Mon Oct 21, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. Mary Swander. The Maverick M.D.: Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez and His Fight for a New Cancer Treatment. Tue Oct 22, 6:30 PM.
• Knoxville Public Library. Chris Jones. The Swine Republic Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality. Thu Oct 24, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. Joyce Rupp. Vessels of Love: Poems and Prayers for the Later Years of Life. Sun Nov 3, 2:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books. R. E. Bellesmith. The Wilderlands. Mon Nov 4, 6:30 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 –

• 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)
• Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
• 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)
• 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. By Any Other Name, Jodi Picoult
2. Replacement Parts, Marc Dickinson*
3. Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just
4. World, Jennifer Harvey*
5. Tell Me Everything, Elizabeth Strout
6. Spiritual Journey to Anti-Racism, Daniel Henderson*
7. Somewhere Beyond the Sea, TJ Klune
8. Paris Lost and Found: A Memoir of Love, Scott Dominic Carpenter
9. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*
10. The Life Impossible, Matt Haig
11. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of the American Food Industry, Austin Frerick*

*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://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
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 –
• 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.

• Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
• Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.com/
• Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction. https://readinginpublic.com/
• Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
• Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
• Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
• Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
• Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
• Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
• 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:

• 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/
• 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
• 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
• 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/
• 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
• 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
• 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/
• 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.
• 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/
• 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/
•  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/
• 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/
• 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/
• Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
• 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