The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

By John Busbee

12/30/2025

From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning indie radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content.

Quote of the Week –

“And now we welcome the new year. Full of things that have never been.”

– Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), René Karl Wilhelm Johann Josef Maria Rilke, known as Rainer Maria Rilke, was an Austrian poet and novelist. Acclaimed as an idiosyncratic and expressive poet, he is widely recognized as a significant writer in the German language.

Newsletter content:

I. Iowa Flash Buzz – Iowa/Greater Des Moines 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 engagement opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);

VI. Planning ahead;

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

I. Iowa Flash Buzz –

Des Moines Symphony. New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque. Dec 31. https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/new-year-s-eve-pops-cirque/

The Ingersoll. Early show. Napoleon Douglas & His Jazz Orchestra. Dec 31. 12 PM Dinner, 2 PM Show.

https://www.theingersoll.com/events/2025/new-years-lover-napoleon-douglas–his-jazz-orchestra

The Ingersoll. Evening show. The Grand Marquis. Dec 31. 8:30 Dinner, 10:30 PM Show.

https://www.theingersoll.com/events/2025/nye–the-ingersoll-w-the-grand-marquis

First Friday at Mainframe Studios

Bright Beginnings. Fri Jan 2, 5-8 PM.

Picture for 'January First Friday ' event

https://www.mainframestudios.org/events

AUDITIONS – Carousel Theatre of Indianola, The Underpants

Directed by Michael Howland, Jan 5, 6, 7 PM. First United Methodist Church of Indianola, Ashland Avenue door. https://carouseltheatre.org/

Visit one of the region’s great destination attractions:

· State Historical Society of Iowa

· Science Center of Iowa

· Blank Park Zoo

· Des Moines Art Center

· Gold Star Military Museum

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

11:00 AM – Jamie Seitz spins a captivating tale in her latest middle grade/YA novel, The Weight of Water. Filled with page-turning allure, Jamie captures her target age group while delivering a wonderful shared reading experience for adults with their younger family or friends.

https://jamiejseitz.wixsite.com/new1

11:13 AM – Fearless celebrates five years of stories about women who have bravely forged their own paths in careers, community and creativity. Editors Emily Wood and Macey Shofroth provide glimpses into this inspirational collection, bringing greater awareness to the achievements of those featured, and inspiration to countess others.

“Fearless: A Collection of 5 Years of Fearless Stories introduces readers to an amazing group of high-achievers who have forged their paths in a myriad of community-building ways. Business Record Publications is to be cheered for providing the platform to share these stories, and to inspire others to follow in the amazing accomplishments of these women.” – The Culture Buzz

Paperback Fearless: A Collection of 5 Years of Fearless Stories Book

https://fearlessbr.com/

11:30 AM – Pulitzer Prize-winning author Art Cullen dips his pen into the acerbic inkwell to prod our minds and senses of right into action. Time’s a-runnin’ short, and Art pulls no punches in Dear Marty, We Craped in Our Nest: Notes from the Edge of the World.

“The poet laureate of common values and common sense is back to help us make sense of the mess we’re in.”
—Beto O’Rourke, Texas

https://icecubepress.com/2025/05/03/we-crapped-in-our-nest/

11:47 AM – Opening soon. The Des Moines Playhouse Kate Goldman Family Series will present Red Riding Hood: The Other Side of the Story Jan 9-25. Listen as scenic designer Sam Stephen and cast member Joy Mielke-Johnson share wonderful glimpses into this engaging version of the classic Grimm fairy tale. This is a perfect opportunity to engage young ones into the world of reading, live theatre, and great conversation.

https://dmplayhouse.com/events/red-riding-hood/

12:00 PM – Power Pop: Ambitious Upbeat Sounds is the captivating coverage of a special part of the music scene as only the dynamic duo of Clark Williams and Ray Knight could produce. Visually stunning and aesthetically engaging, this is a book every regional musical aficionado needs to own.

“The seductive visual and content allure of Power Pop makes this a stellar contribution of Iowa’s music history. A must-have for anyone who craves rich visualization and tantalizing storytelling.” – The Culture Buzz

https://www.king-baby-productions.com/

12:16 PM – Joyce H. Weiblen is a generous sage with a rare gift for sharing her decades of experiences, knowledge and gratitude in The Joy of Aging and the Generation Gap: Through the Lens of Someone 85. Listen as Joyce shares glimpses into the master work of appreciative living.

“In today’s youth-centric and instant gratification world, the inevitability of aging is often pushed to the fringe of living. Joyce Weiblen gives wondrous attention and gratitude in The Joy of Aging and the Generation Gap, helping anyone of any age to understand this unstoppable fact of life. With sharp wit, warm wisdom, and bold honesty, she unpacks how ageism, societal expectations, and rapid technological change affect how we see ourselves and how others see us as we age.” – The Culture Buzz

https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/861542-the-joy-of-aging-and-the-generation-gap

12:32 PM – Available to preorder prior to Feb 10 release. In Should Have Told You Sooner, Jane Ward spins a captivating tale that will resonate deeply with its readers. Listen as Jane gives some peeks into the evolution of this story.

“Ward’s writing style is sharp but also tender, with a knack for making small domestic details shimmer with meaning. Should Have Told You Sooner is…a book that ties personal identity to memory, regret, and the relentless need for truth, while reminding us that silence in families can echo across decades.”

— Literary Titan

https://www.janeaward.com/

12:46 PM – Mark Lage is a gifted photographer, and a passionate fan of Iowa’s music scene. This combination developed into one of the most stunning and comprehensive coffee table books capturing Iowa’s music history. Bold, special access photography with stellar notes will be discovered, savored and deeply appreciated in Mark’s Iowa Musicianship.

“There are rare, very rare, moments in publishing times when a masterful photographer has the trust and access and motivation to capture a decades-long history of a music scene. Mark Lage achieves this in his masterwork, Iowa Musicianship, a book anyone would, and should, proudly display in their home and office.” – The Culture Buzz

https://www.marklagephoto.com/

III. Performance Arts

1. Des Moines Symphony. New Year’s Eve Pops: Cirque. Dec 31. https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/new-year-s-eve-pops-cirque/

2. The Ingersoll. Early show. Napoleon Douglas & His Jazz Orchestra. Dec 31. 12 PM Dinner, 2 PM Show.

https://www.theingersoll.com/events/2025/new-years-lover-napoleon-douglas–his-jazz-orchestra

3. The Ingersoll. Evening show. The Grand Marquis. Dec 31. 8:30 Dinner, 10:30 PM Show.

https://www.theingersoll.com/events/2025/nye–the-ingersoll-w-the-grand-marquis

4. AUDITIONS – Carousel Theatre of Indianola, The Underpants

Directed by Michael Howland, Jan 5, 6, 7 PM. First United Methodist Church of Indianola, Ashland Avenue door

https://carouseltheatre.org/

5. Des Moines Playhouse/Kate Goldman Family Series. Red Riding Hood: The Rest of the Story. Jan 9-25. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/red-riding-hood/

6. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple. Amythyst Kiah. Jan 9. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/latt/amythyst-kiah

7. Des Moines Performing Arts. Six: The Musical. Jan 13-18. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/broadway/six

8. AUDITIONS: Des Moines Playhouse. Crazy for You. Jan 19. https://dmplayhouse.com/auditions/crazy-for-you/

9. Des Moines Performing Arts. Charlie Berens: The Lost and Found Tour. Jan 24. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/charlie-berens-the-lost-and-found-tour

IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

Exhibitions –

· Heritage Art Gallery. Stephanie Brunia Photography “Name One’s Heart” Thru Dec 31.

· Moberg Gallery. Scott Charles Ross, “The Earth Talks,” thru Jan 3.

· Moberg Gallery. Holiday Feature. “The Art of Dr. Seuss,” thru Jan 31

· Des Moines Art Center. Aliza Nisenbaum “Dia de los Muertos,” thru Jan 11.

· Des Moines Art Center. Manuel Álvarez Bravo. Collaborations, thru Jan 18.

· Olson Larsen Galleries. “The Animal Show,” thru Jan 31.

· Des Moines Art Center. Camille Henrot. Thru Mar 29.

· Des Moines Art Center. Bill Owens. “Work and Leisure,” thru Apr 19.

· Moberg Gallery. Jeff Fleming. “The Milky Way,” thru Feb 6.

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.²https://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 Moines²I 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. Slow Down Coffee Shop. Des Moines. ²

https://www.theslowdowndsm.com/

16. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure. Des Moines. ²https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure/

¹Visit these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.

²Check website for current exhibitions.

V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –

“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)

· AUDITIONS: Carousel Theatre of Indianola. The Underpants. Jan 5-6.

· AUDITIONS: Des Moines Playhouse. Crazy for You. Jan 19.

· AUDITIONS: Des Moines Playhouse-Kate Goldman Family Series. Polkadots: The Cool Kids Musical. Feb 16.

· AUDITIONS: Tallgrass Theatre Company. For Peter Pan on her 70^thBirthday. Feb 23.

· AUDITIONS: Des Moines Playhouse. Noises Off! Mar 23.

· Additional volunteer opportunities abound – 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 out these theatre companies to consider a wide range of engagement 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 Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition

9. Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/

10. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/

11. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/

12. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/

13. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

VI. Planning ahead

Greater Des Moines Exhibited 2025(ish)

Jan 25, 2026 to Feb 12, 2026 with an opening reception on Thursday, Jan 8 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. This event is free and open to the public. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided.

This is a fantastic opportunity for Des Moines area artists to get their fantastic works displayed in a unique space located in downtown Des Moines!

#PCHG #LocalArt #LocalArtists

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

1. Beaverdale Books at Izaak Walton League. Neil Hamilton. Through Nature’s Lens: Do We Really Love Our Water and Land. Tue Jan 6, 6:45 PM.

2. Beaverdale Books. Capital City Pride Book Club. Wed Jan 21, 6-7 PM.

3. Beaverdale Books at Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Beronda L. Montgomery. When Trees Testify: Science, Wisdom, History, and America’s Black Botanical Legacy. Wed Jan 21, 6:30 PM.

4. Beaverdale Books. Josiah Hesse. On Fire for God. Thu Jan 22, 6:30 PM.

5. Beaverdale Books. Robert Stack. Silent No Longer: Advancing the Fight for Disability Rights. Mon Jan 26, 6:30 PM.

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

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

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. The Little Book, Des Moines (Highland Park District).

https://www.thelittlebookdsm.com/

4. Shelf Love DSM, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood).

https://shelflovedsm.com/

5. Nos Books, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://www.nosbookstore.com/

6. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction.

https://readinginpublic.com/

7. Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/