Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
10/20/2026
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 –
“We are stardust brought to life, then empowered by the universe to figure itself out – and we have only just begun.” – Neil deGrasse Tyson an American astrophysicist, author, and science communicator.
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 –
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
Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1. https://www.dmyat.org/
Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret – “Sondheim Tricks and Treats”
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
Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/final-act-ensemble-halloween-show/
Des Moines Symphony. Beautiful Monsters – John Williams & Symphonie Fantastique. Oct 31-Nov 1. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged! Dress up and join us for a night of music, monsters, and Halloween fun! https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/beautiful-monsters-john-williams-symphonie-fantastique/
Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Thru Nov 1. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/junie-b-jones-in-boo-and-i-mean-it/
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Sam Koltinsky continues to share the legacy of Jay N. “Ding” Darling with America and the world. He will be premiering his new documentary soon, “Finding America’s Darling.” Listen as Sam shares new insights into the life of this two-time Pulitzer Prize winning conservationist and cartoonist.
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https://jayndarlinglegacycenter.org/
11:18 AM – Kimbery Blaeser, Native American Writer, Photographer, and Scholar, also served as the Wisconsin Poet Laureate. Here she reads her “On the Dignity of Gestures.”
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11:20 AM – Opens this Fri Oct 23. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre presents The Addams Family School Edition Oct 23-Nov 1. Listen as cast members Stella Hogan (Morticia) and Mia Boettcher (Ancestor) lead a lively discussion about their production.
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11:35 AM – A Culture Buzz favorite, Susan Werner never fails to delight with her musical mastery and wit, this time with “(I Wish for You a) Cataract” from her recent album.
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11:41 AM – Claribel A. Ortega is a gifted storyteller, drawing legions of young readers – and, older readers who love a great story – into her Witchlings series. She shares backstories about this series and her latest, The Sea Witch Prophecy, Book 5.
“Inventive. Magical. An absolutely charming tale with its heart rooted in the friendships we make and keep.”
— J.C. Cervantes, bestselling author of The Storm Runner series
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https://www.claribelortega.com/
12:00 PM – Two shows only – Oct 23 & 24. Ballet Des Moines conjures a captivating trilogy of ballets in their seasonally appropriate Ghost Stories. Artistic Director Eric Trope shares excellent insights into this show that will appeal to a broad of performing arts enthusiasts.
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https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
12:18 PM – Gregg Olsen and Morgan Olsen are a marvelous father-daughter creative team in their first collaboration, Ordinary Wife: The True Story of America’s Forgotten Serial Killer. Listen as they share glimpses into their research and the book.
“In this compulsively readable work of true-crime storytelling, the father-daughter writing team, Gregg and Morgan Olsen, bring the chilling story of the “Black Widow” murderess Lyda Southard vividly to life. Combining meticulous scholarship with the narrative drive of a first-rate thriller, they transform a little-known case into an unforgettable portrait of one of America’s most fascinating female serial killers.”
– Harold Schechter, author of Murderabilia: A History of Crime in 100 Objects
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12:34 PM – Just released – at Beaverdale Books Thu Oct 22, 6:30 PM. Debra Landwehr Engle is a celebrated bestselling author, writing mentor, teacher of A Course in Miracles, retreat facilitator, and executive director of Story Summit. Her new book released at #1. She brings a truly unique perspective on writing and life to her readers and mentees and has created a masterwork life resource for any and all writers with her The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy. Debra shares excellent tastes of this gem of a resource here.
“’You can live your fears or your miracles,’ this book is saying, ‘and it really is a choice.’ For everyone out there choosing ‘miracle,’ here is your road map and here is your guide. Put your trust in Debra Engle, and you’ve just made your first miracle choice.”
―Jeff Arch, Oscar-nominated screenwriter for Sleepless in Seattle
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III. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1. https://www.dmyat.org/
2. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/junie-b-jones-in-boo-and-i-mean-it/
3. 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
4. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/final-act-ensemble-halloween-show/
5. Des Moines Symphony. Beautiful Monsters – John Williams & Symphonie Fantastique. Oct 31-Nov 1. Halloween costumes are highly encouraged! Dress up and join us for a night of music, monsters, and Halloween fun! https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/beautiful-monsters-john-williams-symphonie-fantastique/
6. AUDITIONS. Harriet the Spy. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Nov 14.
https://www.dmyat.org/harrietthespy
7. Des Moines Symphony will perform Nov. 21-22 at the Des Moines Civic Center. When conductor Joseph Giunta was studying the score, he thought it called for dancers — and so he called them. Ballet Des Moines will perform with the orchestra, with new choreography by artistic director Eric Trope. The full program, called “Renewal: Four Seasons & Bolero,” also includes Vivaldi’s year-round classic and Ravel’s propulsive “Bolero.”
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Exhibitions –
· “By the Blade: Defining Collage,” through Nov. 4, Polk County Heritage Gallery. Nearly 50 local and guest artists reveal the medium’s range of subjects and materials.
· “Luis Jiménez: The Mythic Southwest,” through Dec. 18, Iowa State’s Christian Petersen Art Museum, Ames. See a collection of drawings and prints from the sculptor (1940-2006) whose larger-than-life works include the famous “Blue Mustang” at the Denver airport.
· “Artists on Fire,” through Jan. 10, Des Moines Art Center. The print gallery is a hot spot for prints, drawings and photos that explore fire literally and conceptually through flame, smoke, Greek gods and depictions of hell.
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. 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.
· AUDITIONS. Harriet the Spy. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Nov 14.
https://www.dmyat.org/harrietthespy
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
Terrace Hill Holiday Teas
Experience the time-honored Central Iowa tradition of the Holiday Teas at Terrace Hill, the Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark. Guests will enjoy tea and elegant savory and sweet treats in the historic rooms of Terrace Hill adorned for the holidays.
This year’s tea will be held on Monday, December 7, 2026, with two times available: a morning tea from 10:30 am-12:00 pm and an afternoon tea from 2:00-3:30 pm. Advance registration is required, and registrations will close once capacity is reached.
Reservations are $50 per guest + processing fee charges.
10:30 am seating:
https://thholidayteamorning.eventbrite.com
2:00 pm seating:
https://thholidayteaafternoon.eventbrite.com
Proceeds from this event benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the sole non-profit organization that supports necessary conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill. Contact: Alex Lindsley, Terrace Hill Communications & Event Coordinator Alex.lindsley@governor.iowa.gov | 515-281-7205
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
STAYIN’ ALIVE: One Night of the Bee Gees, the ultimate tribute to the brothers Gibb, is coming to The Hoyt Sherman Place on Friday, November 20th @ 7:30PM – See press release below and for show information and tickets, info visit: https://www.ticketmaster.com/stayin-alive-one-night-of-the-bee-gees-des-moines-11-20-2026/event/06006382BDD4C36E
VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
7. Beaverdale Books. Ken Chester. Two-Hour Entrepreneur: Build a Real Business in Two Hours a Week. Tue Oct 20, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books. Sister in Crime – Iowa. Wed Oct 21, 6:30 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books. Debra Landwehr Engle. The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy. Thu Oct 22, 6:30 PM.
10. Beaverdale Books. Andy Douglas. Strength for What Lies Ahead: Restoring Balance in a Time of Crisis. Mon Oct 26, 6:30 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books. A Panel of Weird Writers. Iowa Weird, Volume 2. Wed Oct 28, 6:30 PM.
12. Beaverdale Books. Mike Pace. Pace on Poetry: A Preview of Poetry Palooza. Thu Oct 29, 6:30 PM.
13. Beaverdale Books. Ryan T. Pozzi. The Mess that Made Them: How History’s Greatest Artists Failed, Floundered, and Made Something Brilliant Anyway. Sun Nov 1, 2:30 PM.
14. Beaverdale Books. Nancy Post. Reframe: From Automatic Reactions to Intentional Living. Mon Nov 2, 6:30 PM.
15. Beaverdale Books. Heather Mylan-Mains. Unwrapping Forgiveness. Tue Nov 3, 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
