The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

By John Busbee

11/10/2026

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 –

“Luck is for the prepared mind.”

– Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) a French chemist, pharmacist, and microbiologist renowned for his discoveries of the principles of vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization, the last of which was named after him.

CNA - Quitline Iowa [Tobacco] (Nov. 2026)

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 –

Musical Feast II – a pre-Thanksgiving Show

A Sunday funday to support KFMG Community Radio. Sun Nov 15, 3-7 PM at xBk, 1159 – 24^th 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

AUDITIONS. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Harriet the Spy. Nov 14. https://www.dmyat.org/harrietthespy

Tallgrass Theatre Company. POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Thru Nov 22. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/

CAP Theatre. Something Rotten Jr. Thru Nov 22. https://www.captheatre.org/something-rotten-jr/

CALL FOR ENTRIES – Polk County Heritage Gallery. Greater Des Moines Exhibited 2027. Thru Fri Nov 20. Application – https://pci.jotform.com/form/262864204609157

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

II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

11:00 AM – Starting the show off with a musical bang – Susan Werner singing “City Kids.”

“Vulnerability has rarely been so witty or concise in modern song.”

– Boston Herald

https://susanwerner.com/

11:03 AM – Christopher Micklos draws from the graphic, kitschy genre of mid-twentieth century horror films for his novel, Tick Town. Outlandish, absurd…and absolutely enjoyable. Listen as Christopher shares his origin story about this escapist read.

“The giant bugs are back with a gruesome vengeance! Lovers of the kind of monstrous plague the Guy N. Smith tradition loosed upon the world should find much to relish in this book.”

– Ramsey Campbell, Horror Legend

https://christophermicklos.com/

11:23 AM – Zack Rogow, poet, playwright, translator, educator, delivers a wonderful lyrical journey with his new collection, The Kama Sutra for Senior Citizens and Other Poems on Aging. Listen as the delightful creative shares glimpses into his back story and this new adventure.

“Zack Rogow’s poems prove that wit and agility of attitude are what carry us, no matter our age. I love this book for its reassuring frankness, subtlety and genial intelligence about any subject it takes up; a mind … always at the heart of loving and delight. This book isn’t just for seniors, it’s for anyone who wants to feel—in language used at a masterful pitch—what it is to be fully alive.”
— Tess Gallagher

https://www.zackrogow.com/

11:43 AM – In Alyson Gerber’s The Liar’s Society: A Secret Escape, she delivers Book 3 of a most engaging middle grade book. Alyson’s gift for storytelling will captivate all ages.

“Clear out your day, because this is the type of book you’re going to want to devour in one sitting. Multiple mysteries, a mysterious secret society, family drama, deception, skullduggery and plenty of surprise twists. What more could you possibly ask for?”

— Stuart Gibbs, New York Times bestselling author of the Spy School series

https://www.alysongerber.com/

12:00 PM – James Grady delivers another tour de force with Shadows on Sidewalks. Listen as he shares peeks into this masterwork of suspense and adventure.

“Grady’s unforgettable novel features a presciently cynical protagonist who must outwit the minds of an amoral family. Grady’s latest work is skillfully executed. It features all the hallmarks of a modern-day noir novel, brimming with smart dialogue, femmes fatales, and the shady dealings of the wealthy and powerful.”

— Library Journal

http://pegasusbooks.com/authors/james-grady

12:16 PM – In Surrender, Jennifer Acker captivates with her story about a woman who retreats from academic life in New York City to manage a family goat farm in New England and falls unexpectedly in love. Jennifer shares insights into this novel’s origins.

“Jennifer Acker’s splendid new novel Surrender provides what I crave from all stories: vividly drawn characters worth spending time with, a richly rendered place for them to inhabit, and the kinds of impossible choices that the real world too often offers all of us.

—Richard Russo, author of Empire Falls and the North Bath “Fool” novels

https://www.jenniferacker.com/

12:31 PM – Musician Jen Chapin returns to the show after a much-too-long hiatus to share the new realms that her career has carried her. Her new project is Anything Goes, and How Did We Get Here? Listen as Jen provides wonderful insight about her career and this latest manifestation of music.

“brilliant…soulfully poetic urban folk music.” – NPR

https://www.facebook.com/JenChapinMusic/

https://www.jenchapin.com/

12:46 PM – The Nov-Dec 2026 issue of Iowa History Journal is available, and Jeffrey Stein joins the conversation to provide glimpses into his marvelously celebratory cover story about Iowa’s 180^th birthday.

https://iowahistoryjournal.com/

III. Performance Arts

1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. POTUS, Or Behind Every Great Dumbass Are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive. Thru Nov 22.

https://tallgrasstheatre.org/

2. CAP Theatre. Something Rotten Jr. Thru Nov 22. https://www.captheatre.org/something-rotten-jr/

https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/star-spangled-salute-to-veterans

3. AUDITIONS. Harriet the Spy. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Nov 14.

https://www.dmyat.org/harrietthespy

4. 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 –

· CALL FOR ENTRIES – Polk County Heritage Gallery. Greater Des Moines Exhibited 2027. Thru Fri Nov 20. Application – https://pci.jotform.com/form/262864204609157

· “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

http://www.2aulimited.com/

5. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Des Moines²I 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

https://kavanaughgallery.com/

10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. ^1,2 kunzlerstudios.com

11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines.

https://www.lizlidgett.com/

12. Mainframe Studios. https://www.mainframestudios.org/events

13. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines.²

https://moberggallery.com/

14. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.^1,2 Presents six exhibitions each year.

https://olsonlarsen.com/

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. ²https://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. 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.

https://www.dmyat.org/

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

Reservations are $50 per guest + processing fee charges.

10:30 am seating:

https://thholidayteamorning.eventbrite.com

2:00 pm seating:

https://thholidayteaafternoon.eventbrite.com

Musical Feast II – a pre-Thanksgiving Show

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 20^th @ 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

Umeri Choir Invites Public to Free Christmas Concert at St. Ambrose Cathedral

Des Moines, Iowa – Celebrate the joy and wonder of the holiday season at Umeri’s festive Christmas concert! Umeri (pronounced OOO-meh-ree) is the popular Drake University alumni choir led by Dr. Aimee Beckmann-Collier. The Lessons, Carols, & Reflections of Christmas is planned for Friday, Dec. 4 at 7:30 p.m. Enjoy harmonious voices with a brass quintet and other instrumentalists in the intimate setting of St. Ambrose Cathedral (607 High St., Des Moines).

VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:

1. Beaverdale Books. Lori Erickson. Travels with the Muse: A Creative Pilgrimage. Wed Nov 11, 6:30 PM.

2. Beaverdale Books. A. Rose. Nothing but a Speck of Light Left in the Dark. Fri Nov 13, 6:30 PM.

3. Perry Public Library. Poetry on the Prairie. Perry, Iowa as part of Art on the Prairie. Sat Nov 14, 10 AM – 5 PM and Sun Nov 15, 10:30 AM – 4 PM.

4. West Des Moines Public Library. Kelly Crull. The Chick-0-Saurus. Sat Nov 14, 10:30 AM.

5. Beaverdale Books. Scott Samuelson. To Taste: On Cooking and the Good Life. Mon Nov 16, 6:30 PM.

6. Drake University, Sussman Theater. Stephan Pastis. Pearls Jubilee. 6:30 PM.

7. Beaverdale Books. Marc Dickinson Aaron Narigon, Erik Ullestad, and Melinda Wichmann. A Very Special Hayseed Christmas. 6:30 PM.

8. Beaverdale Books. Christine Goertz, DC, PhD. Take Your Back Back: Whole Health Healing for Low Back Pain. Wed Nov 18, 6:30 PM.

9. Beaverdale Books. Laura Rowley. The Glassmaker’s Secret: A Winter Solstice in Estonia. Fri Nov 20, 6:30 PM.

10. Beaverdale Books. Michelle Gillitzer. I Always Knew We Were Meant for You. Sun Nov 22, 2 PM.

11. Beaverdale Books. Bryon Dudley. Noiseflower. Mon Nov 23, 6:30 PM.

12. Beaverdale Books. Shawn Gude. American Socialist: The Life and Legacy of Eugene V. Debs. Tue Dec 1, 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).

https://shelflovedsm.com/

5. Nos Books, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://www.nosbookstore.com/

6. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction.

https://readinginpublic.com/

7. Indie Authors Book Expo, Historic Valley Junction. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/