Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
6/3/2025From 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 Podcast 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 secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.” – Aldous Huxley (1894-1963), an English writer and philosopher who produced nearly 50 books, including novels, essays, poems, and non-fiction. He’s best known for Brave New World (1932), which depicts a future society where genetics determine social hierarchy. His early novels satirized the 1920s English upper class, while his later works explored moral issues, progress, and the human search for meaning.
Newsletter content:
I. Iowa Flash Buzz – cultural 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 –
Very Special FIRST FRIDAY at Mainframe Studios
Fri Jun 6 holds a special significance as KFMG radio and many affiliates will energize this First Friday as never before. Anchored by Mainframe Studio’s Central Iowa Blues Society, this evening will be filled with music and much, much more.
https://www.mainframestudios.org/first-fridays
2025 Music Under the Stars begins Sun Jun 8
The 2025 Music Under the Stars season begins Jun 8. Five weeks of free, family-friendly and inspiring music presented at Hoyt Sherman Place’s redesigned south lawn and, for the final performance, at the Lauridsen Amphitheatre in Waterworks Park.
https://www.musicunderthestars.org/
Ballet Des Moines Summer STEM Tour
Free family activities and performances including excerpts from Ballet Des Moines’ 24-25 season SEE THE MUSIC.
- Wednesday, June 4: RiverLoop Amphitheatre, Waterloo Center for the Arts, Waterloo
- Saturday, June 7: Downtown Malvern
- Thursday, June 12: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines
- Saturday, June 14: Brucemore, Cedar Rapids
www.balletdesmoines.org/summer
State Historical Society of Iowa – Workshop and Day Camps for students
Explore the myriad of fascinating and engaging activities presented by the SHSI and its experienced and dedicated team members.
https://history.iowa.gov/learn/family-youth-learning/workshops-day-camps
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Susan Werner tickles the ivories and tickles your funny bone with “Florida La La La,” from her EP, THE BIRDS OF FLORIDA. “This woman is great. period.” — Music Row (Nashville) https://susanwerner.com/music/
11:08 AM – Colleen Murphy shares enticing glimpses into this year’s “ultimate pop-up art gallery experience” with an invitation to explore one of Iowa’s most appealing arts adventures as the 2025 Des Moines Arts Festival prepares for its run June 27-29. https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/get-involved
11:22 AM – Musician and composer Bonie James makes his first Iowa appearance on Jun 20 at the venerable Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. Anchored by his 19th album, James’ Slow Burn Tour will be a “don’t miss” immersive experience as the uber-talented artist fills the hall with a masterful musical show. https://hoytsherman.org/event/boney-james/
11:33 AM – In a milestone celebration event, Carousel Theatre of Indianola will hold its 60th Anniversary Celebration Sat Jun 7. Listen as longtime Carousel member and current Board President Randy Stone shares enticing insights into this event. Besides a mixer hour, dinner, entertainment, stories and more, this will include the unveiling of their 61st Season. “Carousel Theatre is a cultural cornerstone for Indianola and the region.” – The Culture Buzz https://carouseltheatre.org/
11:43 AM – National Tour in Des Moines Jun 3-15. Des Moines Performing Arts welcomes the blockbuster musical Hamilton for a two-week run. Listen as Marja Harmon (who plays “Angelica Schuyler”) shares insights into this powerful interpretation of our Founding Fathers and other key historical figures “Set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B, and Broadway, HAMILTON has had a profound impact on culture, politics and education.” https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/hamilton
11:58 AM – Poet David Perkins reads “Where I Do Not Know Where” from his collection, Post-Modern Blues. https://icecubepress.com/2021/09/20/post-modern-blues-2/
12:00 PM – Opening this Friday. Iowa Stage Theatre Company taps the experience and directorial expertise of Todd Buchacker for their next production, Torch Song. Listen as Todd is joined by Co-Artistic Director Davida Williams to share glimpses into this bold, energized reimagining of Harvey Fierstein’s original trilogy into a two-act gem. Running Jun 6-15. https://www.iowastage.org/torch-song
12:12 PM – Opening this Friday. Once Upon a Mattress – Youth Edition is the next captivating offering from CAP Theatre. Cast members Grayce Wanner (“Winnifred”) and Sydney Rowley (“Queen Aggravain”) are joined by Director Michael Beasely to share insights into this exceptional youth organization and this show. Running Jun 6-15. https://www.captheatre.org/once-upon-a-mattress-youth-edition/
12:25 PM – Chris Pavone delivers his latest powerful novel with The Doorman, anchored with a unique aspect of NYC culture. Listen as Chris shares glimpses into how this story came to be. “A kaleidoscopic portrait of New York at a singularly strange moment . . . With its laser-sharp satire, its delicious set pieces in both rich and poor neighborhoods—a co-op board meeting, a Harlem food pantry and more—and its portrait of a restive city torn apart by inequality, resentment and excess, THE DOORMAN naturally invites comparison to The Bonfire of the Vanities . . . But Pavone’s humor is more humane, his sympathy for the characters’ struggles and contradictions more acute. With his eye for absurdity and ear for nuance, he seems as if he’s writing not from some elevated place high above the city, but from within it.” —The New York Times https://www.chrispavone.com/
12:40 PM – Opening this Friday. Ankeny Community Theatre continues its well-received trend of challenging its production members and community with bold shows – classics, premieres and more – with their A Streetcar Named Desire. Listen as Director Charissa Hamel and Brooke Guinn (“Blanche”) provide glimpses into the production process and what will make this an exceptional experience in the intimate confines of the ACT theatre. Running Jun 6-15 https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/a-streetcar-named-desire/
12:52 PM – Chad Elliott shares his poetry, reading “Ringgold County” from Rumble & Flash. “This multi-faceted artist amazes in all creative realms. Rumble & Flash is an immersive response to his poetic muse, and a gift to us all.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.chadelliott.net/books.html
12:54 PM – Bookending this show with a closing Susan Werner song, “Iowa” is a gem from the sparkling treasure chest of her noteworthy album, HAYSEED. “Susan Werner, a clever songwriter and an engaging performer, brings literacy and wit back to popular song.” — The New Yorker https://susanwerner.com/music/
III. Performance Arts
1. About Time Theatre Company – at The Haunt Speakeasy. Squeamish. Thru Jun 6-7. www.AboutTimeTheatre.org
2. Des Moines Performing Arts. Hamilton. Thru Jun 15. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/hamilton-2025/
3. Class Act Productions (CAP Theatre). Once Upon a Mattress – Youth Edition. Jun 6-22. https://www.captheatre.org/
4. Ankeny Community Theatre. A Streetcar Named Desire. Jun 6-15. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
5. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Torch Song. Jun 6-15. https://www.iowastage.org/torch-song
6. AUDITIONS – Ankeny Community Theatre. A Perfect Rendezvous: The Musical. Jun 8 & 9, 6:30 PM.
7. Tallgrass Theatre Company – annual outdoor musical at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater. Anything Goes. Jun 13-15. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
8. Broadway Cabaret – Miscast Duos. Sat Jun 21 at 1 PM at Java Joes in Ankeny, 127 N Ankeny Blvd. https://www.facebook.com/events/s/miscast-duets/656713903724777/
9. Des Moines Metro Opera Summer Festival 2025. Jun 27 and 29 marks the opening performances of The Flying Dutchman in Indianola for another exceptional trio of operas. This nationally hailed operation draws fans from across America to Central Iowa. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/2025season/
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Polk County Heritage Gallery – Iowa Exhibited
One of this dedicated group’s signature exhibitions runs thru Jun 26 in the Beaux Art magnificence of the former Des Moines Post Office lobby in the Polk County Building.
https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
Des Moines Art Center – “Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa”
“Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa” showcases a selection of the rich holdings of Haitian Art in the Waterloo Center for the Arts’ collection—the largest public collection of Haitian Art in both Iowa and the United States. Thru Sep 7. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/light-within-ourselves/
V. 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.
VI. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –
“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· AUDITIONS – Ankeny Community Theatre for A Perfect Rendezvous: A Musical. Sun Jun 8, 6:30 PM; Mon Jun 9, 6:30 PM.
https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-the-perfect-rendezvous-the-musical/
· 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. About Time Theatre Company. https://abouttimetheatre.com/shows/
2. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
3. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
4. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
6. Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
7. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
8. Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
9. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
10. Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
11. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
12. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
13. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
14. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/
VII. Planning ahead
Broadway Cabaret – Miscast Duos
Sat Jun 21 at 1 PM at Java Joes in Ankeny, 127 N Ankeny Blvd.
https://www.facebook.com/events/s/miscast-duets/656713903724777/
JAZZ IN JULY
Hoyt Sherman Place is excited to announce their free concert series, Jazz in July, is back for 2025 with four total performance dates! Concerts are scheduled for Tuesdays, July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29. For the first three weeks, openers will perform at 5:30 PM and headliners will perform at 6:30 PM, all outside on the lawn. On July 29, music will start outside at 5:30 PM and move inside to the theater at 7:30 PM.
This free summer program wouldn’t be possible without the help of its premier sponsor, Principal Foundation, as well as expertise from Jazz in July’s Arts Advisor John Krantz.
Patrons are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chairs to spread out and enjoy the music outside. Attendees will be able to purchase food as well as beverages provided by the venue on site. Events will go on, rain or shine. For additional information about Jazz in July, please visit hoytsherman.org.
Cedar Falls Christian Writers Conference
June 12-14, at Riverview Conference Center. The theme of this year’s conference is
“Let His Light Shine.” Novice and experienced writers are welcome to hone their skills and
network with award-winning authors and speakers are featured at this skills-enhancing event.
This year’s keynote speaker is Michelle Rayburn. Michelle has spent over two decades finding
hope in the trashy stuff of life, amusing and inspiring with a blend of humor and biblical
teaching. She has authored nine books—including the Selah Awards finalist Renewed: A 6-
Week Personal or Small Group Bible Study. To register, view the full schedule, learn more about the speakers, or find information about onsite lodging, visit https://www.cfcwc.org/home. For more information about the conference or housing, contact Mary Portzen at cfcwconference@gmail.com
Pizza on the Prairie
This eagerly anticipated and well-attended event begins at the Wallace Farm in Orient. Make reservations for any Friday through July 18 to enjoy a brick-oven pizza made with fresh veggies and local meats.
https://wallace.org/pizza-on-the-prairie/
Chad Elliott at xBK Annex
Americana roots & folk artist Chad Elliott takes the xBk Annex stage on Friday, July 18 for an intimate evening of songs & stories! Check out this revived old firehouse building as it reverberates with the iconic sounds of one of Iowa’s best.
VIII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Central Library – w/Beaverdale Books. Tim Johnston. Distant Sons. Wed Jun 4, 6:30 PM.
2. West Des Moines Public Library. Scott Reister. Baseball Spy. Thu Jun 5, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Barbara Boyle. Pinch Me: Waking Up in a 300-Year-Old Italian Farmhouse. Fri Jun 6, 2 PM.
4. Franklin Avenue Library – Beaverdale Books. Dave Hage & Josephine Marcotty. Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie. Mon Jun 9, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books – Book Launch. Kaira Rouda. Jill Is Not Happy. Tue Jun 10, 6:30 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books – Ann M. Morris. Kwame’s Big Day. Tue Jun 17, 6:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books – Garry Klein. What Happened on the Garden Street Bus. Wed Jun 18, 6:30 PM.
8. Central Library – AViD Author Series, w/Beaverdale Books. Nikki Erlick. The Poppy Fields, The Measure. Mon Jun 23, 7 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books. Rahim Thawer, MSW, RSW. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys. Tue Jun 24, 6 PM.
10. Beaverdale Books. Edward McConnell. Radio Free Pittsburgh. Wed Jun 25, 6:30 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books. CJ Williams. A Monster in Mount Pleasant. Thu Jun 26, 6:30 PM
12. Beaverdale Books. Ann Schreiber. Emily’s Next Chapter. Mon Jun 30 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 –
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/
Current bestsellers are:
1. Horse Lovers: Unpacking the Female Fascination, Karin L. Winegar*
2. Everything Is Mama, Jimmy Fallon
3. People Are Kind, Bill R. Douglas*
4. Mark Twain, Ron Chernow
5. My Friends, Fredrik Backman
6. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer
7. Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins
8. The Emperor of Gladness, Ocean Vuong
9. Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar, Howard
Megdal
10. Fever Beach, Carl Hiaasen*Iowa Author!
* 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. Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. Robert L. Dilenschneider. This successful person has advised countless Fortune 500 companies while also creating resources that can benefit anyone.
“Based on thirty-one iconic historical figures who embodied such qualities of character, Robert Dilenschneider shares these inspirational and insightful stories to benefit others. As before, he succeeds.” – The Culture Buzz https://robertldilenschneider.com/
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. 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 engaging, beneficial allegory. “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
