Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
9/29/2026
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 –
“That is part of the beauty of all literature. You discover that your longings are universal longings, that you’re not lonely and isolated from anyone. You belong.”
– F. Scott Fitzgerald (1896-1940) an American novelist, essayist, and short story writer.
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 –
Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11.
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CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4. https://www.captheatre.org/the-cap-radio-hour-live-3/
About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11. https://abouttimetheatre.com/
First Friday at Mainframe Studios. One of the Heartland’s most enticing and stimulating open house cultural events. https://www.mainframestudios.org/events#calendar-d2b22f53-09cf-4e8b-a403-1f79feee9017-event-d77c7ff3-c10d-4401-a512-bf8da34f2c07
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Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/bluebird-improv
The Science Center of Iowa (SCI)
SCI will celebrate Latino Heritage Month with ¡Ciencia para todos!, a free community event bringing science, culture and families together on Sat Oct 3, from 5-8 p.m.
https://www.sciowa.org/programs-and-events/special-events/ciencia-para-todos/
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
2026 Jordan House Heritage Jubilee
The Jordan House is the destination for the West Des Moines Historical Society’s 2026 Jordan House Heritage Jubilee, Sat Oct 3. From 1-4 PM. https://www.wdmhs.org/heritagejubilee/
Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 6-11. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/temple-comedy/hold-on-to-your-butts
Beaverdale Books. Deborah Svec-Carstens. Toward the Light: A Year in Paris. Mon Oct 5, 6:30 PM. https://beaverdalebooks.com/events/
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 – Opens this Friday. CAP Radio Theatre debuts with Poe’s Darkest Tales Oct 2-4. This progressive youth company, ages 7-17, works in concert with parents and board members to create innovative, appealing programming. Its Radio Theatre is the latest opportunity for young performers and production people to express their creativity. Listen as Kathy Pearson (Director) and her son, Dez (Asst. Director, Narrator) share insights into this delightful romp into the Golden Age of radio.
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https://www.captheatre.org/the-cap-radio-hour-live-3/
11:14 AM – Lisa Cheek delivers a delightful and thought-provoking journey in The Big Day: Saying I Do, Only to Discover I Didn’t. Listen as Lisa reveals her personal infusion into this captivating read.
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“A hilarious, thoughtful and modern look at marriage, partnership, family, and most importantly—self. I love Lisa Cheek, and after reading The Big Day, you’ll say I do (too).”
–Steven Rowley, author of New York Times Bestseller The Guncle and The Celebrants
11:26 AM – Our Own Worst Enemies: America in the Age of Violent Populismis a powerful, candid understanding by Robert Pape, the nation’s leading expert on political violence diagnoses the gravest threat to American democracy—and how to overcome it. This is a must read for anyone seeking answers to combating this societal squeaky wheel.
“One of the most prominent voices warning about the dangerous climate in the country.” —Vanity Fair
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https://thenewpress.org/books/our-own-worst-enemies/
11:42 AM – One performance only – Sat Oct 3. Des Moines Performing Arts presents the nationally acclaimed comedy group, Bluebird Improv, for one night in its national tour. Listen as company member Brad Morris shares terrific commentary about this group of improv all-stars and their unique brand of improv.
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https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/bluebird-improv
12:00 PM – Opens this Friday. Reefer Madness has achieved a cult-like status akin to Ricky Horror, and Iowa Stage Theatre Company brings this seductive, addictive show to Central Iowa audiences Oct 2-11. Director Michael Tomlinson and cast member Amy Burgmeier (as Sally DeBains) lead a lively discussion about the unique artistic choices made to take this show to a new high.
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https://www.iowastage.org/reefer-madness
12:16 PM – Opens this Friday. The cutting-edge company, About Time Theatre, prepares its next immersive performing arts experience when Building the Wall run Oct 2-11. Listen as cast member Eric Olson shares insights about this powerful show.
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12:30 PM – In Nowhere to Go but Everywhere, Jessica Rao brings a brilliant debut novel for readers to discover. Jessica shares wonderful insights about a piercing coming-of-age novel about the perils and pleasures of learning to chart your own path.
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12:45 PM – Ten Seconds is part of Robert Gold’s compelling Ben Harper thrillers. Robert shares glimpses into this story, and newcomers to this writer will be ecstatic to connect.
“Ten Seconds will keep you up all night.” – Harlan Coben, author of the Myron Bolitar series
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https://www.facebook.com/Robert.Gold.Books
III. Performance Arts
1. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11
2. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple Series. Alysha Brilla. Oct 2.
3. About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11.
4. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3.
5. CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4.
6. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 6-11.
7. Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Thru Oct 4.
8. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1.
9. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1.
10. Comedy Xperiment. Oct 16-17. https://tallgrasstheatre.thundertix.com/events/236874
11. Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES Oct 23-24, 7 PM.
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
12. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27.
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Exhibitions –
· 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. Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Kate Goldman Family Series. Mon Oct 19, 6 PM. 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.
· AUDITIONS. Les Misérables. Des Moines Playhouse. Sun Nov 1, 6 PM. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
· AUDITIONS. The Lifespan of a Fact. Des Moines Playhouse. Mon Nov 9, 6 PM. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
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
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 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
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble – UNDER THE BIG TOP
Contact: Richard Thimmesch, Executive Director,
executivedirector@ciwe.org or 515-991-8653
Christian Carichner, Artistic Director and Conductor, cbc@iastate.edu
WHEN: Sunday, October 11, 2026 at 3 p.m.
WHERE: Staplin Performing Arts Center
3650 Woodland Ave.
West Des Moines, IA 50266
The fun begins before the concert with special pre-concert activities for kids and families. It’s a wonderful opportunity to bring the whole family, enjoy some hands-on fun, and get into the circus spirit before the music begins.
ADMISSION: FREE
TICKETS: Tickets are Free. Available at https://www.ciwe.org/under-the-big-top/
Beyond the Mic: Des Moines Conference Gives Iowa Youth a Voice and a Future:
Award-winning voiceover artist Jessica Trinidad and Zuli Garcia of Knock and Drop Iowa will host BEYOND THE MIC, Iowa’s first voiceover conference on October 10 in Des Moines, offering Iowa’s youth free access to professional coaching, career guidance, and hands-on voiceover experience. EVENT DETAILS: Beyond the Mic: Voiceover and Creative Careers Conference. Sat Oct 10, 1 to 3 PM at Mainframe Studios, 900 Keosauqua Way, Des Moines, Iowa. The Beyond the Mic Voiceover conference was created to support, uplift, empower, and inspire the next generation of artists to build a career through voiceover, acting, public speaking, writing, and storytelling. It will provide emerging and underserved artists with access to professionals who have built successful careers in the creative industry.
christina@ptmediagroupdsm.com.com, (515) 303-0093.
Daughters of Norway Presents Annual Taste of Norway
Contact: Ann Hanigan-Kotz, Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge president, echo2960@yahoo.com
Lee Ann Bakros, Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge communications, leeannbakros@gmail.com, 515-822-4842
Daughters of Norway–Eva Nansen Lodge presents Taste of Norway, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines. The popular annual event features Scandinavian baked goods, lefse demonstrations, and artisans. A Scandinavian café also has baked goods and coffee for sale, and a fiddle duo will play Norwegian folk songs.
Daughters of Norway members will have popular, traditional sweets for sale such as kringla, lefse, kransekake, krumkake, rosettes, spritz, almond bars, and more. Lodge member Kay Sacquitne will demonstrate lefse making. Fiddlers and lodge members Lynne Flater and Cindy Prior will play Norwegian folk tunes throughout the event.
Items decorated with the Scandinavian art of rosemaling and ornaments featuring nisse, a Scandinavian household spirit, will be featured. Jewelry makers, master wood carvers, and textile artists will have their wares for sale. Handmade crafts for sale include tote bags, mobiles and wind spinners, candles, soaps, jams and jellies, Christmas décor, stained glass ornaments, kitchen items, magnets and coasters, crib sheets, pet bandannas, and books.
Daughters of Norway is a national organization of women who wish to preserve the Norwegian heritage, maintain among members a knowledge of the history, culture and language of Norway; and build a strong support system and bond of friendship within the sisterhood. Eva Nansen is the only Iowa chapter, located in Des Moines. Cultural programs are held the first Tuesday of most months. For more information on Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge 46, visit www.daughtersofnorway.org/lodges/list-of-lodges/eva-nansen/
For more information on Taste of Norway, visithttps://www.facebook.com/DaughtersofNorwayEvaNansenLodge
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
Broadway Cabaret – Sondheim Tricks andTreats.
Announcing my amazing cast for Sondheim Tricks and Treats! Don’t miss this wonderful tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim! 12 amazing guest artists! Oct 25, 5-8pm
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GLzEuJBwp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
The Invitational Art Fair, taking place November 6-7, 2026, at the historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The event will be open to the public on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $5 and may be purchased online. Tickets will be $8 at the door. Tickets are available now at www.theinvitational.org.
An online artist gallery featuring participating artists is currently available at www.theinvitational.org.
Musical Feast II – a pre-Thanksgiving Show
A Sunday funday to support KFMG Community Radio. Sun Nov 15, 3-7 PM at xBk, 1159 – 24th Street, Des Moines. Hosted by Chip Albright and Ron Sorenson. Dartanyan Brown, Joe Knser, Brian Joens, Kat Darling, Get Off My Lawn.
https://wl.eventim.us/event/musical-feast-2-a-pre-thanksgiving-show-free/705014?afflky=xBkLive
VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Warren Haddock. Least of These, Virtually Any Man. Thu Oct 1, 6:30 PM.
2. Des Moines Central Library. Fall Author Series. William Kent Krueger. Fri Oct 2, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Keri Mangis. The Essential Ingredient: Remaking Ourselves in Times of Crisis. Sun Oct 4, 2 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Deborah Svec-Carstens. Toward the Light: A Year in Paris. Mon Oct 5, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books. Open Mic Poetry Night – Kelsey Bigelow Emcee. 7 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books. Hannah Soyer. Dreams in Which I’m Almost Human: A Memoir. Mon Oct 12, 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
