Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
7/29/2025
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 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 –
“I must study politics and war that my sons may have liberty to study mathematics and philosophy. My sons ought to study mathematics and philosophy, geography, natural history, naval architecture, navigation, commerce, and agriculture, in order to give their children a right to study painting, poetry, music, architecture, statuary, tapestry, and porcelain.”
—John Adams (1735-1826), the second President of the United States, serving from 1797 to 1801. He was a Founding Father, a diplomat, and a lawyer before becoming president.
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 –
First Friday at Mainframe Studios
This Fri Aug 1, Mainframe Studios and its bounty of creatives opens their doors for the best in cultural adventurism. Free, family-friendly destination from 5-8 PM. This event will feature multiple special exhibitions including a group showcase by Artists of Mainframe Studios exploring various forms of movement in the creative process as well as art that is designed to move. Mainframe in Motion will spotlight the often unseen stages of creation – from early sketches, compositions and color experiments, highlighting both the final product and the process that shapes each piece.
Additional galleries will feature installations by special guests Ballet Des Moines and Uplifting Puppet Co; Hidden Thoughts by Linda Lewis, and Rural Imaginarium a group showcase by Creston Arts, an organization dedicated to enriching lives of Southwest Iowans.
Guests can also enjoy open studios, delicious food and beverages, a make + take shadow puppet lab and performances by Brant Bollman of the Uplifting Puppet Co., an Open Book experience by CultureALL featuring Kelsey Bigelow and Abena Imhotep; and a drop in movement sessions led by Michael Tomlinson, Manager of Artistic Operations at Ballet Des Moines.
https://www.mainframestudios.org/events#calendar-d2b22f53-09cf-4e8b-a403-1f79feee9017-event-433c9bb6-1c87-4719-8aae-a7733b0b60b1
Several shows to entice Central Iowans –
· Des Moines Performing Arts. Parade. Jul 29-Aug 3. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/parade
· Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Anastasia the Musical. Thru Aug 3. https://carouseltheatre.org/anastasia-the-musical/
· Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Spongebob Musical. Thru Aug 3. https://www.dmyat.org/spongebob
· Urbandale Community Theatre. Hello, Dolly!. Thru Aug 3. https://www.urbandaletheatre.com/
JAZZ IN JULY
Tue Jul 29 finale:
5:30-7:15 PM: The Trumpethood outside on EMC Plaza Stage
7:30-9:00 PM: Motown Jazz inside on Theater Stage
https://hoytsherman.org/event/jazz-in-july-2025-night-4/
Public Service Announcement
Trump shut down America’s LGBTQ+ suicide and mental health hotline, but CANADA opened a US toll-free number to theirs…so our citizens can get help anytime, at no cost.
1-877-330-6366
Kindness & empathy have no borders. Please share this information with those who care.
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Tiffany D. Jackson, author and filmmaker, delivers a captivating new perspective into the world of Cape Cod in her new thriller, Blood in the Water. Listen as she shares glimpses into this wonderful middle school novel – something that anyone of any age will enjoy.
“Jackson once again proves her brilliance at weaving suspense, heart, and truth into a story that refuses to let go… A masterful middle-grade mystery that challenges, entertains, and lingers long after the final page.”
— School Library Journal, starred review
https://www.writeinbk.com/
11:18 AM – Mardell Hogan Plainfeather worked with scholar Barbara Loeb in crafting Mardell’ mother’s stories into an entrancing collection of deeply resonating tales from Lillian Bullshows Hogan. This a lyricism and artistry that transcends, Mardell and Barbara capture the voice and magic of Lillian as she recounts a life that spanned the entire 20th century.
“This fascinating book is part autobiography, part history, part memoir, part cultural guide, and part poetry. . . . Loeb and Plainfeather made the wise decision to adopt an ethnopoetic approach to the reminiscences, thus preserving not only Lillian’s words but also the rhythm and structure of her speaking. This choice elevates the book. The stories themselves are interesting, but the preservation of oral performance lends an intimate and important cultural feel to the work.”
—J. B. Edwards, Choice
https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9780803216136/the-woman-who-loved-mankind/
11:35 AM – Ankeny Community Theatre prepares to offer another world premiere as resident playwright John Claes’ newest show, The Perfect Rendezvous: The Musical, graces its stage. Listen as John and his wife, Anne (who portrays Joanne in the show), share tantalizing peeks into the process and the production.
“Ankeny Community Theatre continues its growth ascension by offering a wonderfully diverse season and even including world premieres. This is exceptionally ambitious for such a volunteer-driven company, and they succeed wonderfully.” – The Culture Buzz
https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
11:47 AM – In what the organizers hope will become an annual tradition, New Hope United Methodist Church (4525 Beaver Avenue, Des Moines) hosts an afternoon of Peace, Love, and Jazz with Goodstock 2025. The seductive sounds of the 60s and early 70s, shades of Woodstock, and incredible performances from the Community Jazz Center Big Band and a cadre of incredible singers will regale at this free event. Donations are gratefully accepted to support Peace Ministries and the Texas Flood Victims Sun Aug 24, Cool stuff begins at 3, jazz and more from 4-6. Listen as CJC ambassador Bob Start, and singers Preshia Paulding and Janet Habick provide some details.
12:00 PM – Des Moines Performing Arts again hosts a Broadway national tour Jul 29-Aug 3 when Parade takes the stage as part of the Willis Broadway Series. This award-winning tour de force will capture its audiences with memorable songs, performances and powerful messages. Listen as Alison Ewing (as Sally Slaton) shares glimpses into this show from her insider perspective.
Winner of the 2023 Tony Award® for Best Revival of a Musical, PARADE has been proclaimed as “a work of art! As commanding as any musical revival to hit Broadway in years” –Deadline
https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/parade
12:13 PM – John Donovan has been a longtime contributor to Iowa’s culture scene, and his newest book takes us on a merry jaunt through his life, Confessions of the Tenth-Smartest Person in the World: (and Other Delusions). Enjoy the glimpses into this book’s origins and content.
https://www.hillsboropublishing.com/
12:29 PM – K. C. Wright and his wife won big on “Wheel of Fortune” and decided to do something different with there newfound largess. These Texans from the “Fort Worth-Dallas” area (since they live in the former) created a complex, compelling treasure hunt that anyone can partake. Listen as K. C. provides a generous glimpse into the process, and how even non-Texans can participate and win.
“Tantalizingly seductive, delightfully participatory – K. C. Wright’s vision of a Texas Treasure Hunt is sure to capture the imaginations and engagement of thousands in a clever game that serves to benefit the discoverer and the State of Texas.” – The Culture Buzz
12:44 PM – Celebrated author Karin Slaughter again captivates her continually growing legions of fans with her lates, We Are All Guilty Here. Listen as Karin shares peeks into this gripping thriller.
“The basic elements of escapist crime fiction: adroit scene-setting, vivid characterization and (crucially) impeccable plotting are studded throughout Karin Slaughter’s 25-year career, and her latest is the author en pleine forme.”
—Financial Times
https://www.karinslaughter.com/
III. Performance Arts
1. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Anastasia the Musical. Jul 24-Aug 3. https://carouseltheatre.org/anastasia-the-musical/
2. CAP Theatre, Altoona. Cap Classic A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Jul 24-27. https://www.captheatre.org/home/a-midsummer-nights-dream-25-cap-classic/
3. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Spongebob Musical. Jul 25-Aug 3. https://www.dmyat.org/spongebob
4. Urbandale Community Theatre. Hello, Dolly!. Jul 25-Aug 3. https://www.urbandaletheatre.com/
5. Des Moines Performing Arts. Parade. Jul 29-Aug 3. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/parade
6. Des Moines Playhouse. Waitress. Thru Jul 27. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/waitress/
7. Ankeny Community Theatre. The Perfect Rendezvous: A Musical. Aug 8-17. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
8. Des Moines Playhouse and The Penguin Project. Honk Jr. Aug 14-17. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-penguin-project-production-of-honk-jr/
9. The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards. Hoyt Sherman Theatre hosts this annual celebration. Aug 24. 5 PM. Free and open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/ina
10. Goodstock 2025. Music of the late 60s/early 70s. Peace, love, and jazz. New Hope United Methodist Church (4525 Beaver Ave) hosts this event, featuring the Community Jazz Center Big Band, and presents a free show, with a cadre of regional great singers, including Tina Haase Findlay and Preshia Paulding. Donations benefit Peace Ministries and the Texas Flood Victims. Sun Aug 24, Cool Activities start at 3 PM, Live jazz 4-6 PM.
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Iowa Quilt Museum hosts a bold show in Winterset
On the south side of the Winterset square, the Iowa Quilt Museum’s current exhibit, “Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions,” features four quiltmakers who share a creative bond. They each bring their own aesthetic to their work, but all use tiny pieces of fabric to create larger patterns. Small pieces come together to tell unique visual stories throughout their work, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces of quilted artwork. The show remains through Aug. 3
https://www.iowaquiltmuseum.org/current-exhibits/
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/
Des Moines Art Center – Exhibition Firelei Báez. The exhibition runs through Sep 12. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/exhibition-opening-firelei-baez/
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 – Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Buried Child by Sam Shepard, directed by Sean Canuso. Tue Aug 12, 6-10 PM. Callbacks (if needed) Wed Aug 13, 6:30 PM. Scheduled via audition form. Actors who cannot make this time may submit a self-tape by 8 PM Aug 12. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
· AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Mon Aug 18, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever/
· AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse. Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Mon Sep 15, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/disneys-frozen/
· 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
Ingersoll hosts ‘ultimate neighborhood block party’
Ingersoll LIVE features live music and family-friendly fun on August 23
Get ready to celebrate at the ultimate neighborhood block party! Ingersoll LIVE, presented by Bankers Trust, will take over the 2800 block of Ingersoll Avenue on August 23 with two stages of live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food and drinks and community vendors from 3-10 p.m.
To see the full entertainment line-up and schedule, visit: www.theavenuesdsm.com/ingersoll-live-2025/
Art on The Avenues opens neighborhood event series
Local artists, neighbors creating all summer with support from Invest DSM
Wonder Week from August 23-29.
https://investdsm.org/2025/05/27/art-on-the-avenues-opens-neighborhood-event-series/
VIII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Bruce A. Weitz. The Pursuit of Citizenship: Past, Present, Promise. Wed Jul 30, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books. Local Author Fair. Winter Austin, Elizabeth Donne, John M. Donovan, Emma Fust, Jackie Reinig. Sat Aug 2, 1-3 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Nicole Terrizzi. Learning in Free Fall. Thu Aug 7, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books – Special Event – Open Mic Poetry Night. Fri Aug 8, 7 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books. Stephanie R. Caffrey. Decoding the Heart, Profiling the Heart Series 1. Tue Aug 12, 6:30 PM.
6. Special Ticketed Event at the Shop DSM – Event Center. Tallgrass – The Des Moines Festival of Ideas. Fri Aug 15, 5:30 PM, Sat Aug 16, 9 PM. This event returns for its third year. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/lyceum-festival-of-ideas/ https://www.lyceummovement.org/tallgrass
7. Beaverdale Books. Laura Kina and Jave Yoshimoto. Word of Mouth: Asian American Artists Sharing Recipes. Fri Aug 15, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books. Elise Wayland. Join Romance writers in conversation. Rivals to Lovers. Fri Aug 22. 6:30 PM.
9. Marshalltown Public Library. Denise Wiliams. Just Our Luck. Thu Aug 28, 6:30 PM.
10. Beaverdale Books – Book Launch. Arbor Sloane. Not Who You Think. Sat Aug 30, 3 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. Judy’s Birdhouse, Anna Zimney*
2. Des Moines Wallscapes Unseen, Jim Zeller*
3. Adopting Grace, Anna Jinja*
4. Seven, David Wolf*
5. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V.E.Schwab
6. Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar, Howard
Megdal
7. Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid
8. Monster in Mount Pleasant: A Story of Murders and Justice, CJ Williams*
9. Big Lake Troubles, Jeffrey D. Boldt
10. Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt
* 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
