Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
8/11/2026
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 –
“Correct what you can; learn from what you can’t”
– Toni Morrison (1931-2019) from “God Help the Child.” She was an American novelist and editor who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1993. The first African American woman to receive the honor, Morrison was recognized for her novels that “give life to an essential aspect of American reality” with “visionary force and poetic import”.
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 –
Penguin Project – Des Moines Playhouse. Finding Nemo Jr. Aug 13-16. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/penguin-project-finding-nemo-jr/
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Community Jazz Center Big Band – Goodstock 2
Music of the CJC Big Band with Guest Singers. Sun Aug 16, 2 PM. Free admission. Groovy attire encouraged. First Presbyterian Church Dallas Center, 1204 – 13th Street. A portion of donations benefit Food Pantry of Dallas Center.
Ankeny Community Theatre. August: Osage County. Thru Aug 16. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
CALL FOR ARTISTS EXTENDED. Polk County Heritage Gallery – “By the Blade: Defining Collage.” Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit of traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready. For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes! Submissions will be open thru Aug 17. The exhibition will be on view Sep 30 — Nov 5.
https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#new-page
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“In the Loop” with Hurley & Dancers on Friday, Aug. 21, 6-8 pm at Des Moines DanzArts, 2150 Delavan Drive, #8, in WDM. Drop in to peruse a gallery of dance, both live and captured, enjoy tapas and drinks, and make your own dances on the spot! $5-10 suggested donation price. For more information, email hurley.kathleen@gmail.com
Cemetery Tours – Civil War History Tour by Jeff Kluever
Sat Aug 15, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Ave.
https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R216.php
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Special guest of honor Dinah Englund joins the 2026 Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards, the regional celebration of performing arts named after her mother. Listen as Dinah shares personal memories from her visit with her mother to the 2016 Cloris Awards, and how special this year’s ceremony is to her.
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https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/
11:17 AM – Tim Reuben makes a stunning debut with this thriller, Tequila. This immersive adventure follows the Ramirez family through three generations.
“A family saga with a woman at the heart of the matter is always appealing. That Tim Reuben, in his novel Tequila, offers us a love story, legal drama, and surprising plot twists, makes it all the better. His lead female character, Maria Ramirez, as CEO of RAM, a luxury spirits powerhouse, is unforgettable. We root for her from the start as she fights for justice in a world of untruths, cruelty, and cartels.”
—Susan Shapiro Barash, author of Estranged: How Strained Female Friendships Are Mended or Ended
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11:30 AM – The Cloris Awards will be a special event this year as this awards ceremony honors the 100th birthday of its namesake with its guest of honor, Dinah Englund, Cloris’ daughter, business manager, confidante, and lifelong best friend. Listen as Mary Bricker, one of the evening’s hosts, and Marketing Director Laura Jordan share tantalizing updates about this free and open to the public celebration of our community’s performing arts.
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https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/
11:46 AM – In this beautifully crafted historical reflection, Shannon McKenna Schmidt covers the barrier-breaking efforts of Lady Bird Johnson in You Can’t Catch Us: Lady Bird Johnson’s Trailblazing 1964 Campaign Train and the Women Who Rode with Her. In her irresistible telling, Shannon highlights a memorable moment from the 1960s.
“An exhilarating and important read. All aboard the Lady Bird Special! This is one ride you won’t want to miss.”
—Denise Kiernan, New York Times bestselling author of The Girls of Atomic City and
Obstinate Daughters
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https://www.shannonmckennaschmidt.com/
12:00 PM – Opens this Thu Aug 13 thru 16. The Des Moines Playhouse again collaborates with The Penguin Project as it presents this year’s show, Finding Nemo Jr.Leading a lively conversation about this production is Musical Director Sarah Jorgenson, Artist Eli Zimmerman (as Gill), and Mentor Liam Jorgenson. The Penguin Project is a national program that partners with local community theatres. It creates opportunities for young artists with special needs and a dedicated group of peer mentors to participate onstage in theatre and share their creative talents. ASL, closed captioning, and audio description will be provided at each performance.
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https://dmplayhouse.com/events/penguin-project-finding-nemo-jr/
12:13 PM – Backed by a career of successful negotiations, Peter D. Johnston leverages his experience into a captivating and insightful book, Negotiating with Trump: Lessons on Power, Influence, and Dealing with Extreme Bargainers.
“TIMELY, EXCEPTIONAL…AN INHERENTLY FASCINATING READ FROM START TO FINISH.”
-MIDWEST BOOK REVIEW
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https://negotiatingwithtrump.com/
12:30 PM – The Blockchain Syndromeparlays Robbie Bach’s deep understanding of the tech world with his penchant for storytelling. This thriller is riveting.
“The Blockchain Syndicate is a nonstop thriller filled with rich characters, turnstile plot twists, and powerful human emotions. But it also highlights an existential threat to our country. The budget deficit and the financial risks it poses are a real and present danger to America’s future. Tamika Smith is more than just a U.S. senator and a thriller heroine. She represents the leadership we need to end the financial roulette game we are playing.”
—Ron Christie, former Special Assistant to President George W. Bush; Adjunct Professor, McCourt School of Public Policy, Georgetown University
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https://theblockchainsyndicate.com/
12:44 PM – Buckle up for a wild reading ride as Rob Tonkin brings his earlier life into sharp, crazy focus in his masterful memoir, Asshole: A Memoir of Trauma, Truths, and Transformation.
“A poignant exploration of the lasting effects of abuse.”
-Kirkus Reviews
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III. Performance Arts
1. Ankeny Community Theatre. August: Osage County. Aug 7-16.
2. Penguin Project – Des Moines Playhouse. Finding Nemo Jr. Aug 13-16.
3. “The Melodies That Made Us,” Aug. 21-23, Urbandale High School. Urbandale Community Theatre’s cabaret features a few greatest hits from its 30 years on stage.
4. The Cloris Awards. Aug. 30, Sheslow Auditorium. 5 PM social hour; 6 PM awards ceremony. Local actors Mary Bricker and Micheal Davenport co-host the 11th annual ceremony that celebrates local theater, a century after its namesake made her first entrance. Special guest of honor is Dinah Englund, Cloris Leachman’s daughter.
5. Tallgrass Theatre Company – Auditions for POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive are August 31st with callbacks on September 1st! One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. *NOTE: the role of Harriet has been pre-cast.* 6 women-ages 21 and up. For more info and to sign up to audition,head to https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/.
6. Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Sep 2-20.
7. Des Moines Symphony. “Unity – American Mosaic & West Side Story.” Sep 26-27.
8. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. 110 Stories. Sep 10-13.
9. Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Sep 11-27.
10. Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Sep 11-Oct 4.
11. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Rewired Live with Vanessa McNeal. Sep 11.
12. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11
13. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple Series. Alysha Brilla. Oct 2.
14. About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11.
15. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3.
16. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1.
17. CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4.
18. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 4-11.
19. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1.
20. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27.
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Exhibitions –
· Polk County Heritage Gallery. The Friday Group – Ron Dinsdale, Elizabeth Engler, Jim Engler, Tom Murphy, Nancy Prizant, Jeff Rider, Denise Wicker. Thru Sep 24. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#new-page
· Des Moines Art Center. Christine Rebet, “Sound of Time” thru Aug 23. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/christine-rebet/
· Des Moines Art Center. Artists Around a Table, “Artmaking and Merrymaking, 1927-1952” Thru Aug 30. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/artists-around-a-table/
Call for Artists –
· Polk County Heritage Gallery – By the Blade: Defining Collage. Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon. We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready. For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes! Submissions will be open Jul 27-Aug 10. The exhibition will be on view Sep 30-Nov 5.
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
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
10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines.
12. Mainframe Studios. https://www.mainframestudios.org/events
13. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2
14. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 Presents six exhibitions each year.
15. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2
http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
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.
V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –
“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· AUDITIONS. Tallgrass Theatre Company. POTUS or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Mon Aug 31, callbacks on Sep 1. One four-letter word is about to rock 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. When the President unwittingly spins a PR nightmare into a global crisis, the seven brilliant and beleaguered women he relies upon most risk life, liberty, and the pursuit of sanity to keep the commander-in-chief out of trouble. NOTE: the role of Harriet has been pre-cast. 6 women-ages 21 and up. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
· 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.
· Polk County Heritage Gallery – By the Blade: Defining Collage. Iowa artists are invited to submit up to five original collaged creations for an exhibit selected by juror Alyss Vernon. We are looking for: traditional collage on paper, canvas, or panel, 3D assemblage and sculpture, textiles, installation art, experimental video and other media. All submitted works must be original and exhibition-ready. For this exhibition, the definition of collage is being widened to welcome works that are not just cut with a blade and pasted to a substrate. Think broadly. Anything that has been re-contexualized goes! Submissions will be open July 27 — August 17. The exhibition will be on view Sept 30 — Nov 5
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.
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. The Ingersoll. https://www.theingersoll.com/
13. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
14. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/
VI. Planning ahead
Ingersoll LIVE
Presented by Bankers Trust, will feature two stages of live music on August 29. The neighborhood block party takes over the 2800 block of Ingersoll Avenue from 3-10 p.m. with family-friendly entertainment, local food and drinks and community vendors.
The Studio One Stage will feature a fresh lineup of talent and expertly curated musical performances thanks to a partnership with Iowa Public Radio. Acts include:
· 5:00 p.m.: Rutabaga
· 6:30 p.m. 28 Days Later
· 8:00 p.m.: YOUNGER
On the Mediacom Main Stage, don’t miss:
· 6 p.m.: Faculty Lounge
· 8:30 p.m.: Bad Friends
Local dance groups – including The Isiserettes Drill & Drum Corps – will be performing on the street throughout the event. To see the full entertainment line-up and schedule, visit: www.theavenuesdsm.com/ingersoll-live-2026/
Cemetery Tours
https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R216.php
Civil War History Tour by Jeff Kluever
Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Ave.
- Saturday, August 15, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
Glendale Cemetery Historical Tour by Ganesh Ganpat
Glendale Cemetery – 4909 University Ave.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
- Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
Woodland Cemetery Historical Tour by Archie Cook
Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Ave.
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00-3:30 PM Golf Cart-Assisted Tour
- Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00-3:30 PM
DES MOINES PERFORMING ARTS LAUNCHES NEW FLEX PACKAGE FOR THE 2026-27 WELLMARK BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD FAMILY SERIES
Five family-friendly productions take the stage this season – plus a brand-new
flexible ticket package that lets families build their own lineup and save
DES MOINES, IA – Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) today announced the lineup for the 2026-27 Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield Family Series, bringing five imaginative productions to DMPA stages. This season also introduces a new way to buy tickets: Families can now choose any two or more shows to build a custom package and save up to 10%, replacing the traditional set-package model.
“The Wellmark Family Series returns with a fantastic lineup and more flexibility than ever,” said Karoline Myers, director of education at DMPA. “Every family is unique, and the memories they make together should be too. Our new Flex Package gives families the freedom to build an experience that’s right for them while celebrating something every family values – the chance to be together in a safe, joyful environment.”
The 2026-27 season includes exciting titles and characters like:
2026-27 Wellmark Family Series Lineup:
- Velveteen, A New Musical
Saturday, Oct. 17. 2026, Civic Center
The magical Velveteen, A New Musical places a modern-day spin on The Velveteen Rabbit. - Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE
Friday, Nov. 6, 2026, Civic Center
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE is the first-ever live touring show starring the beloved Fraggles. - The Cat in the Hat – Live on Stage!
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2027, Civic Center
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat Live on Stage! brings laughs, surprises and a bit of delightful disorder. - Tales of the Sun and Moon
Saturday, March 6, 2027, Temple Theater
Tales of the Sun and Moon is a world premiere from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, featuring celestial myths and legends from cultures around the world. - What Do You Do With a Problem?
Saturday, April 10, 2027, Civic Center
What Do You Do With a Problem? is a dance theatre adaptation of the bestselling children’s book of the same name.
The 2026 Bio-Sanctuary Contest
AgArts announces our 2026 Bio-Sanctuary Contest featuring $1,000 (first prize) and $500 (runner-up prize). We are seeking writing—poetry or non-fiction, 500-word maximum. Along with your writing, submit 1-3 excellent photos that document the specific bio-sanctuary that you’ve enhanced or created. Winners will be published in The Blazing Star Journal and Emerging Voices Substack page. Deadline: Oct 1, 2026. Entry fee: $10
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https://www.agarts.org/agarts-announces-the-2026-bio-sanctuary-contest/
VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Melissa Koch. Stone by Stone: A Rock’s Journey Through Time. Wed Aug 12, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books. Celebrate Bookstore Romance Day. Sat Aug 15, 10AM-5PM. Free chocolates.
3. Beaverdale Books. Andrea Uptmor. The New People. Mon Aug 17, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Quinlan and Quentin Riser. Eden’s Money Magic: Learning About Finances. Tue Aug 18, 4 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books. Debra Landwehr Engle, Julie Gammack. You and Your Memoir: A Preview of the Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat. Fri Aug 21, 6:30 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books. Eliza Jabore. Backstabbers. Sun Aug 23, 2 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books. Rustin Larson. Hamburgers on Election Night. Wed Aug 26, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books. Skye Perryman. Ordinary People, Extraordinary Times: How to Reclaim Your Power, Fight for Freedom and Reimagine Democracy. Sat Aug 29, 4 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).
5. Nos Books, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://www.nosbookstore.com/
6. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction.
7. Indie Authors Book Expo, Historic Valley Junction. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
8. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola.
http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
9. Dog-eared Books, Ames.
https://dogearedbooksames.com/
10. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown.
https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
11. Book Vault, Oskaloosa.
https://bookvault.indielite.org/
12. Pella Books, Pella.
13. Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City.
https://www.prairielights.com/
Thank you for your cultural adventurism,
John Busbee for The Culture Buzz
