Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
9/1/2026
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 –
“Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.” – Margaret Cousins (1878-1954) Margaret Elizabeth Cousins, known as Gretta Cousins, was an Irish-Indian educationist, suffragist and Theosophist, known for founding the All India Women’s Conference and co-founding the Women’s Indian Association.
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 –
Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival — West Des Moines
Sept. 3-5, 2026 | Valley Junction
The annual Taste of the Junction Multicultural Festival brings a different flavor to Labor Day weekend in West Des Moines. The festival celebrates the people and cultures connected to historic Valley Junction, with live music, food, arts, and cultural programming. There will be everything from line dancing to salsa music and a kid zone.
All events are free and open to the public, while food and drinks are available for purchase.
https://tasteofthejunction.org/
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow
This celebrated immersion into worlds of yesteryear, fantasy, and fun begins a 3-weekend run this Sat and Sun. Each weekend presents a different theme, which is why so many fans flock to the festivities every weekend. Get the details at the website.
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https://sleepyhollowrenfaire.com/
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.
2026-27 Wellmark Family Series Lineup:
- Velveteen, A New Musical. Sat Oct 17. 2026, Civic Center.
- Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE. Fri Nov 6, 2026, Civic Center.
- The Cat in the Hat – Live on Stage! Tue Feb 16, 2027, Civic Center.
- Tales of the Sun and Moon. Sat Mar 6, 2027, Temple Theater.
- What Do You Do With a Problem? Sat Apr 10, 2027, Civic Center.
https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/series/family-series
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Releasing this week. Beth Ricanati MD, presents a perfect panacea for what ails the spirit and soul in her new book, The Braided Prescription: Seven Practices for Living Well from the Ancient Ritual of Making Challah. This gem is a brilliant understanding of how a simple, regular ritual of baking bread can stabilize one’s life.
“An engaging and accessible approach to living a happier, less stressful life.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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11:16 AM – Preview of Tallgrass Theatre Company’s She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Series. Listen as cast members regale us with insights about the show: Audrey Henning (Vera), Ian Williams (Miles/Cube), Uriyah Esch (Ensemble), Isaiah Dale (Ensemble).
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11:28 AM – The new issue of Iowa History Journal brings another delightful and informative dive into Iowa’s diverse history through its award-winning storytelling. Cover story author, Linda Betsinger McCann, shares glimpses into the powerful force that helped Aerica win WW II – Rosie the Riveter.
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https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
11:41 AM – Susan Werner delights with another sassy selection, “(I Wish You a) Cataract” from her new album, EIGHT MORE UNNECESSARY SONGS.
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11:44 AM – One of the region’s signature end-of-summer events happens Sun Sep 13 as PorchFest 2026 delivers a day of diverse music. Listen as founders and producers Dave and Anne Ducharme-Jones share insights into this year’s magnificent lineup.
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12:00 PM – Now through Sep 20. The smash Broadway hit, Wicked, returns for an extended run as Des Moines Performing Arts presents the national touring production. Listen as Tom McGowan (The Wizard) shares wonderful insights into the magic that continues to perpetuate this majestic musical theatre experience.
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https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/broadway/wicked
12:12 PM – Julie Gammack’s vision of an inclusive, vibrant retreat to allow all levels of writers to grow and connect continues its amazing growth with the 2026 Okoboji Writers & Songwriters Retreat Sep 27-30. Experienced national talent to newcomers will experience the power of a truly supportive and growth-oriented experience. Literary agents, authors, Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, memoirists, songwriters, screenwriters, poets, and more fill a roster of enticing appeal.
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https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/
12:30 PM – Preview. The Des Moines Playhouse begins its season with a stellar offering: Come from Away (Sep 11-Oct 4), the brilliant musical capturing the heart and soul of a real experience in Gander, Newfoundland. Listen as Sandy Henry and Dan Kuttle provide glimpses into this show’s brilliant story.
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https://dmplayhouse.com/events/come-from-away/
12:47 PM – Preview. Carousel Theatre of Indianola brings the dynamic story of 9/11to its stage 110 Stories, a powerful series of first-person sharings that will resonate in audiences’ hearts and souls. Listen as director Shawn Pavlik provides glimpses into this powerful show.
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III. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Sep 2-20.
2. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. 110 Stories. Sep 10-13.
3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Sep 11-27.
4. Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Sep 11-Oct 4.
5. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Rewired Live with Vanessa McNeal. Sep 11.
6. Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret. “What, Like it’s hard?” Broadways most difficult songs- big vocal range, comedic timing, emotional depth, speed, and more! They will push their comfort zones and tackle jaw dropping show stopper performances! Sept 20, 12-3pm at TJ’s Bagels 127 North Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, United States, 50023. https://www.facebook.com/events/1608889120906002/
7. DES MOINES PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS FOR ANNIE, SEPT 21
Roles for Ages 8 and up
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo, preferably in the style of the show. It is preferred that auditionees bring sheet music and sing with a live accompanist provided by The Playhouse. Those auditioning may bring an accompaniment track to play from an iPhone or similar device. To learn more, visit www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions. Questions about auditions should be directed to Derek Phelps, Playhouse volunteer and production manager, dphelps@dmplayhouse.com.
8. Des Moines Symphony. “Unity – American Mosaic & West Side Story.” Sep 26-27.
9. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11
10. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple Series. Alysha Brilla. Oct 2.
11. About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11.
12. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3.
13. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1.
14. CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4.
15. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 4-11.
16. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1.
17. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27.
1. 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
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.
Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –
“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· AUDITIONS. ANNIE. Roles for Ages 8 and up.
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions. 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.
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/
2. Planning ahead
Breaking Bread is back!
Breaking Bread returns to Highland Park on Sunday September 20th 1:00-3:00 PM! Enjoy fresh bread baked in the outdoor Highland Park oven as we take over the alleyway by Chuck’s Restaurant on 6th Ave. Bring your dips and spreads to share! Enjoy music provided by Deejay Lizz and art activities. This event is free and all are welcome. Supported by InvestDSM.
Butler Bass’s keynote address, titled “God and Caesar: A Different Path,” will be delivered on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus. This keynote will explore the space between two competing visions of human flourishing and will consider other paths forward as Americans navigate the confusion and vitriol of our current political, cultural, and religious situation.
“Diana has written extensively about the culture and values of the Roman empire in Jesus’s time and the completely opposite values he espoused while living under its oppression,” said Dialogue Series committee member Aimee Beckmann-Collier. “Her speech will focus on the Gospel-based message of non-violence, compassion, and respect for human dignity and its contrast to a political and cultural framework – repeated throughout history – that prioritizes domination, violence, and greed.”
Victorian Photocollage Program
The Terrace Hill Partnership will host a Victorian Photocollage Program Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark.
Join us as we discuss the world of Victorian Photocollage, learn about its history and impact, and then spend time making our own collages to take home. We’ll provide the history and materials; you provide your creativity. And don’t forget some light refreshments while we work.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary restoration and enhancement projects at Terrace Hill.
Reservations are $25 per guest and must be made in advance. The registration fee includes collage materials and refreshments. Space for this event is extremely limited. Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite at LINKHERE, or call the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
Cemetery Tours
https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R216.php
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
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/
3. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Alanna Clutter. Those Coming Back. Wed Sep 2, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books. A Gathering of Writers. Thu Sep 3, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Shelly Johnson. Citizens of the Light. Fri Sep 4, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books at Sheslow Auditorium. Sussman Lecture – Brian Goldstone. There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Tue Sep 8, 7:30 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).
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
