Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
9/15/2026
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 –
“It has always been easy to hate and destroy. To build and to cherish is much more difficult.”
– Queen Elizabeth II (1926-2022) Elizabeth II was Queen of the United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms from 6 February 1952 until her death in 2022.
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 –
Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret. “What, like it’s hard?” Broadway’s 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/
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 Sun Sep 20 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. 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 Sun Sep 20 from 1-3 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 or call the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
https://terracehill.iowa.gov/events/victorian-photocollage-program
AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse.
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Mon Sep 21, and Tue Sep 22. Roles for 8 and up. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Questions about auditions should be directed to Derek Phelps, Playhouse volunteer and production manager, dphelps@dmplayhouse.com. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Thru Sep 20. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/broadway/wicked
Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Thru Sep 27. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Thru Oct 4.
https://dmplayhouse.com/events/come-from-away/
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – This Sun Sep 20. Preview New Works Lab at Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Director of Community Engagement Davida Williams shares insights into two new programs Iowa Stage has been developing to enhance Central Iowa’s performing arts scene. New Works Lab and their new 24-Hour Play Fest offer new ways to connect with cutting edge theatre.
11:14 AM – Celebrated jazz pianist Lee Shaw departed this mortal plane in 2015, but her legacy continues in a bounty of recordings. She performed in Des Moines twice, and interviews with this forthright legend about those two shows can be found in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library. Here is the incomparable jazz pianist Lee Shaw with “Lonely Town” from “Live at Reutlingen.”
11:21 AM – Richard Lefkowitz captures the vibrant essence of life in 1970s Los Angeles with his brilliantly conceived and crafted novel, Welcome to Fabulous Angeles: The Rock ‘n’ Roll Adventures of a Wayward Westside Town. Listen as Richard delivers wonderful glimpses into this story’s origins.
“What a fun glimpse into one of the most iconic intersections of time, space, and music through the lens of a young LA native. Lefkowitz will leave you reminiscing on the highs and lows of growing up with his thoughtful elucidation of the firsts of adolescence. A must-read for any rock ’n’ roll fan or LA enthusiast!”
—Colin Willard, Studio Manager, Shangri La Studios
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11:36 AM – Tom Murphy is a brilliant wildlife photographer, with a special gift of capturing the essence of America’s bison. His photography anchors one of the most beautifully captivating books of its kind to ever be produced, Yellowstone Bison: Return of the Last Wild Herd. Tom shows that he is a scholar about bison behavior and history, infusing every image he produces with a rare depth of impact. This book is offered through the Center of the West to support their nonprofit efforts for preservation and history.
“Tom Murphy’s photography in “Yellowstone Bison” brings a spiritual connection to viewers, drawing them deeper into understanding the cultural significance of this great megafauna. To savor every image that Murphy includes in this book is to delve into a greater appreciation of this uniquely American symbol.”
– The Culture Buzz
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https://store.centerofthewest.org/
12:00 PM – Julie Gammack, Founder and Producer of one of the nation’s most immersive and comprehensive writers’ retreats, shares news about the 2026 Okoboji Writers’ & Songwriters’ Retreat Sep 27-30. From national leaders in a variety of industry realms – writing, publishing, producing, and more – gather in a congenial camaraderie for a few days of immersive, creative joy.
“I will move forward with confidence and more assertively promote my own company. I will finish my book. I now have an agent to pitch it. A reason to keep going and get it in its best form.”
– An OWR IV survey respondent
“I’ve been going to writers’ conferences for decades. I learned more in three days here than all the ones I’ve attended before – and they were great, too!”
– Ann H, first-time participant
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https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/
12:18 PM – Susan Bahary is a world-renowned sculptor. She shares the journey into her national campaign to recognize service animals with a significant and appropriate memorial. She shares the journey and reason behind erecting the National Service Animals Memorial.
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https://nationalserviceanimalsmonument.org/
12:33 PM – Susan Werner talks about her sassy EP, “Florida La La La.”
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12:37 PM – Poet Robert Trammel reads “Data” from his recent collection, Return of the Naked Man.
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https://www.brickroadpoetrypress.com/robert-tremmel-return
12:42 PM – International bestselling author Emma Grey shares the origin story about her newest novel, Start at the End. This riveting page-turner further enhances her status as one of the best writers to spin a tale, capturing the complex and nuanced elements of human interaction.
“Equal parts tender, hilarious, and achingly perceptive, Start at the End broke my heart, and then swiftly put it back together again. I laughed, I ugly-cried, I absolutely loved it!”
– Pip Drysdale, author of The Close-Up
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III. Performance Arts
1. 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/
2. Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Thru Sep 20.
3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Thru Sep 27.
4. Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Thru Oct 4.
5. 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.
6. Des Moines Symphony. “Unity – American Mosaic & West Side Story.” Sep 26-27.
7. Iowa Storytellers Project
Presented by Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation in partnership with Des Moines Register – “Voyages” – Tue Sep 29 – 7 PM. hoytsherman.org.
8. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11
9. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple Series. Alysha Brilla. Oct 2.
10. About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11.
11. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3.
12. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1.
13. CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4.
14. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 4-11.
15. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1.
16. Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:00PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:00PM
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE. Featuring the world premiere Nevermore inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly, Ghost Ballads by Adriana Pierce, eerie excerpts from Giselle, plus a Thriller of an appearance.
https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
17. 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
· 12th Annual Art Harvest Tour. Sep 26-27, 10Am-5PM. This scenic opportunity to visit artist galleries and explore a diverse array of regional artists in the Des Moines River Valley area is enticing. https://www.facebook.com/artharvesttour/
· 55th Octagon Art Festival
Sun Sep 27, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm, Main Street, downtown Ames
The Octagon Center for the Arts is proud to present the 55th Annual Octagon Art Festival. 90 artists from 7 states and all over the Midwest will fill Main Street in downtown Ames with artistic creations. www.octagonarts.org
· Friday, October 9th from 5pm – 8pm for the opening reception of Human Experience during Valley Junction Gallery Night.
Featuring six Midwestern artists whose works express different facets of being human. While some of the artists use their own body as a stand-in for broader metaphors, you’ll see others tap into the tradition of art historical tableau paintings contrasted with nostalgic + contemporary scenes of everyday life. https://olsonlarsen.com/
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. 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/
VI. Planning ahead
The Sherman Hill Historic Home Tour returns Sept. 26 and 27 for its 50th celebration.
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, October 10, 2026, 1:00-3:30 PM
Everyone is invited to an afternoon of hands-on learning and fun at the 2026 Jordan House Heritage Jubilee Saturday, October 3. From 1-4pm, visitors will have the opportunity to:
- Hear the toe-tapping tunes of the Weary Ramblers on the Jordan House porch,
- Walk in the footsteps of history during an Underground Railroad experience,
- Make a wreath and learn how to use natural materials to dye fabric from the Polk County Master Gardeners,
- Learn about Indigenous music and storytelling with Native Pride dance and drum crew,
- Crush apples and taste the fresh cider, churn butter, make a rag doll and much much more!
https://www.wdmhs.org/heritagejubilee/
GHOST STORIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:00PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:00PM
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE
Featuring the world premiere Nevermore inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly, Ghost Ballads by Adriana Pierce, eerie excerpts from Giselle, plus a Thriller of an appearance.
https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
Announcing my amazing cast for Sondheim Tricks and Treats! Don’t miss this wonderful tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim! 12 amazing guest artists! Oct 25th 5-8pm
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GLzEuJBwp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. West Des Moines Library. Shadley Grei. Before Closure. Tue Sep 15, 7 PM.
2. Central Library. Eloisa James. The Last Lady B. Tue Sep 15, 7 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Ari Weinzweig. Why Democracy Matters: A Deep Understanding of Democracy in Our Everyday Lives. Thu Sep 17, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Rebecca Janni. Branch. Mon Sep 21, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books at the Franklin Event Center. Jodi Picoult. Hollow Bones. Wed Sep 23, 6:30 PM. Ticketed event.
6. Beaverdale Books. Jaime Zollars. Maybe Monsters. Thu Sep 24, 4:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books. John Henkels. The Alabama Prophet. Fri Sep 25, 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).
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
