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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

3/8/2022

From the dynamic MainFrame Studios Building at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning independent radio station KFMG-LP 98.9 FM, bringing you music, literature & cultural news from the American Heartland and beyond.
― John Busbee for The Culture Buzz
2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts
Podcasts of past interviews may be found at www.TheCultureBuzz.com and https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

Quote of the Week

“I like good, strong words, that mean something.”  — Louisa May Alcott (1832-1888), an American novelist, short story writer, and poet best known as the author of the novel Little Women and its sequels Little Men and Jo’s Boys.

Newsletter content:

  1. Guests on this week’s Wednesday edition
  2. Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa)
  3. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa)
  4. Auditions and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities
  5. Planning ahead
  6. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa)
  7. Best-sellers, life resource books, Greater Des Moines performing arts organizations, Central Iowa indie book stores, cultural exploration resources, health & welfare resources

Special Cultural Headline News:

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa
  • Terrace Hill Tours of this National Historic Landmark resume in March. All visitors are required to make a reservation at least 48 hours prior to the desired tour time by calling 515-281-7205. Admission is $5 for adult guests ages 13+ and $2 for guests ages 6-12. Admission is free for children ages 5 and under. Tours last approximately one hour and begin in the Carriage House. terracehill.iowa.gov

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Jeff Stein, noted historian and broadcast professional, pens a 3-part series for Iowa History Journal beginning with the new issue just release. “Making Waves: Centennial in Iowa Radio Stations” is a compelling, story-filled series which Jeff will provide some glimpses into. http://iowahistoryjournal.com/
  • 11:16 AM – Tony Roth bursts onto the thriller series scene with his engrossing Trigger Point, where genre fans can embrace the adventures of a new protagonist, Nicholas Ford. “Riveting and authentic. If you thought Casino was good, you won’t be able to put this book down.” – David B. B. Helfrey, Esq. https://nicholasfordbooks.com/
  • 11:30 AM – Carousel Theatre of Indianola prepares for its next production, the powerful award-winning show, Next to Normal, running Mar 18-27. Cast members Alison Beuchler (as Diana Goodman) and Sam Sides (as Henry) provide insightful glimpses into the importance of experiencing this show. https://carouseltheatre.org/
  • 11:42 AM – G. Wayne Miller, author of The Toy Wars, Kid Number One and Blue Hill, returns to lead an engaging chat about his powerful new novel, Traces of Mary. Wayne brings his always engaging and lively viewpoint to this conversation, as this story touches on issues near and dear to the author’s heart.“G. Wayne Miller brings a Renaissance diversification to any project in which he’s engaged, whether a new book, a television series, a film, or a stimulating discourse on pop culture. Thoughtful and detailed in his work, anyone who connects with it will benefit. Traces of Mary draws the reader into a fascinating story, triggering thoughtful reflection.”  – The Culture Buzz http://www.gwaynemiller.com/
  • 12:00 PM – Over the past several years, Hoyt Sherman Place and its Theatre have grown into an Iowa cultural gem. This multi-faceted gem boasts a world-class art collection, a masterful restoration of a 19th century residence, a storied performing hall with magnificent acoustics, and more. CEO Robert Warren shares a brief overview of this destination, inviting cultural adventurers and lovers of great shows to learn more. https://hoytsherman.org/
  • 12:10 PM – The incomparable jazz pianist and composer Kenny Werner has captured in his two books inspiring guidance and understandings of a philosophy that he has developed over his life and career. Beneficial to all, Becoming the Instrument and Effortless Mastery & Meditations, are two essential books for anyone on a journey of self-improvement and understanding.“What Kenny Werner has distilled from his experience and expertise into his two books is nothing short of miraculous. He has concisely condensed his keen insights, connecting many dots, into content which is not only very readable, but truly inspirational.” – The Culture Buzz https://kennywerner.com/
  • 12:30 PM – Robert Dilenschneider is a success strategist who has spent a lifetime helping countless others also succeed. His latest is the updated The Public Relations Handbook, is an essential guide to anyone in any public situation who needs to best navigate the waters of public relations. https://www.dilenschneider.com/index.php
  • 12:44 PM – Dinitia Smith leverages her special gifts of great writing into her new book, The Prince. A contemporary re-telling of Henry James’ The Golden Bowl, The Prince is the story of an illicit love affair between two members of a wealthy family, that threatens to tear it apart. Dinitia graciously provides wonderful glimpses into this story and its creation during this special conversation.“Beautiful, elegant, and delicate at the sentence level, and wholly satisfying as a present-day story, this book’s true delight is how, in both a literary and an emotional sense, the past informs the present, and the present informs the past—like a Mobius strip lovingly crafted by a Swiss watchmaker.” —Lee Child, bestselling author and 2020 Booker Prize judge http://www.dinitiasmith.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre (Des Moines Community Playhouse) presents the stage version of the classic children’s book, Charlotte’s Web, thru Mar 20. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/charlottes-web/
  2. CAP Theatre in Altoona presents a Spring Break experience: Red vs. the Wolf. Spring Break Laughternoon performances are live theatre with suggested ages 3 years old to adults! Performances are Saturdays, March 12 and 19, at 2pm and typically run 60 minutes with no intermission. captheatre.org 
  3. Des Moines Performing Arts. Rent the 25th Anniversary Final Tour. Mar 11 & 12. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/rent/
  4. Ames Town & Gown. Acclaimed, award-winning Merz Piano Trio returns “live” this time Tue Mar 22 at 7:30 PM. Tye Recital Hall, Estes Music Hall, Iowa State University. Extra event: Master Class, Monday, March 21, 2022, at 6:30 p.m.. Tye Recital Hall, Estes Music Hall, Iowa State University
  5. Carousel Theatre of Indianola presents Next to Normal. Nominated for 11 Tony Awards, winner of 3, this powerful rock musical delves deeply into issues of mental health. Mar 18-27. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=196
  6. Des Moines Symphony. Beethoven meets Shostakovich under the guest baton of maestro Jahja Ling in this brilliant package of orchestral power. Mar 19 & 20. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/symphony-beethoven-shostakovich/
  7. Des Moines Performing Arts. Hadestown. The national tour of this winner of eight Tony Awards comes to Des Moines. Mar 22-27. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/hadestown/
  8. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Long Day’s Journey into Night by Eugene O’Neill opens Mar 25. A play about addiction and the resulting dysfunction of the family, Eugene O’Neill’s autobiographical play Long Day’s Journey into Night is regarded as his finest work. https://www.iowastage.org/long-days-journey
  9. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Singin’ in the Rain finally makes its pandemic-delayed return to the John Viars Theatre, and the community is eagerly awaiting to see this brilliant musical. Opening Mar 25, this beloved show was fortunate enough to have several key members of that COVID-derailed show two years ago audition and reclaim their roles. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/singin-in-the-rain-2/

Visual Arts

  1. Des Moines Women’s Club 114th Annual Art Exhibition is calling for artists to participate in their exhibition which runs thru Mar 14. Free and open to the public, this legacy tradition is nestled within the DMWC’s own art collection. https://www.desmoineswomensclub.com/art-exhibition
  2. 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/
  3. Anderson Gallery. Drake University, Des Moines. 2 https://theandersongallery.wordpress.com/
  4. Brunnier Art Museum. Ames. 2 This is the flagship for the University Museums, a treasure trove of many days of visual arts immersion at 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
  5. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  6. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  7. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  8. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  9. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  10. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  11. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  12. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  13. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  14. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
    1Check these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.
    2Check website for current exhibitions.

Auditions, Volunteer, and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities

  1. Ankeny Community Theatre. Workshop. “Directing your Vision” Mar 26, 1:00 – 3:00 pm, meeting virtually/ This session will help find your point of view as an artist/director and how to express it with a unified design concept. Registration deadline is Mar 19.
  2. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Auditions for Calendar Girls Sat Apr 2 1:00 PM. Performance Dates: Jun. 03-Jun. 19, 2022. Cast needs on link. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/calendar-girls/
  3. RJF Creative (Robert John Ford). A workshop production of my new musical “Rolf(e)” will be held in two performances – 2:00pm and 7:30pm – on Sat Apr 16, 2022 at the State Historical Museum of Iowa’s auditorium in Des Moines (600 E. Locust St.). Audition info, production updates, and ticket reservation procedures will be posted at RJFcreative.com. Email questions to RJFcreative@gmail.com.
  4. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  6. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  7. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  8. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  9. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  10. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/auditions.html
  11. Urbandale Community Theatre. (Summer 2022 – Bye Bye Birdie) https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

Planning ahead

  1. Rain – A Tribute to the Beatles, Apr 2, 2022, presents The Best of Abbey Road Live! https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2021Rain/
  2. Des Moines Performing Arts enthusiastically prepares for a 2022 filled with the Best of Broadway as the Willis Broadway Series returns to this revered Des Moines stage. Check out the upcoming lineup of Broadway’s best, and make plans. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/?s=all&f=all&v=grid
  3. The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat – Sep 19-21, 2022. This has become the must-attend event for writers to learn and network. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/the-okoboji-writers-retreat/
  4. Now available, Susan Werner is offering her full catalog of albums, plus bonus tracks (demos and unreleased songs), and live concert video footage. A perfect gift for yourself, for Susan Werner fans, and anyone who simply savors the magic of one of America’s musical gems. https://susanwerner.com/music/

Between the covers — author events worth noting:

  1. Beaverdale Books – Mar 9, 6:30 PM. Lin Thompson, The Best Liars in Riverview
  2. Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore (Marshalltown) – Mar 11, 10A-4P. Anita Hinkeldey McVey, Because He First Fed Us: Ordinary Meals – Extraordinary Messages
  3. Stepping Stones Christian Bookstore (Grinnell) – Mar 12, 10A-4P. Anita Hinkeldey McVey, Because He First Fed Us: Ordinary Meals – Extraordinary Messages
  4. Central Library – Mar 17, 7:00 PM. Brad Meltzer, The Lightning Rod (AViD Series)
  5. Beaverdale Books – Mar 21, 6:30 PM. Brett Bloemendaal, Fishing for More
  6. DSM Book Festival – Mar 26, 5:00 PM. Angeline Boulley, The Firekeeper’s Daughter (AViD Series)
  7. Artisan Gallery 218 – Mar 28, 6:30 PM. Dan Hunter, Pandemic Panacea

Beaverdale Books provides their Top Ten sellers list, updated each month. Updated hours: Sun/Mon: CLOSED; Tue — Fri: 10:00 — 5:30; Sat: 10:00 – 5:00, http://beaverdalebooks.com/ 515-279-5400.
Top Ten sellers in our store last month — see what everyone’s reading!

  1. The Overnight Guest, Heather Gudenkauf*
  2. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brené Brown
  3. The 1619 Project: A New Origin Story, Nikole Hannah-Jones*
  4. Maus, Art Spiegelman
  5. The Lincoln Highway, Amor Towles
  6. Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America, Beth Hoffman*
  7. It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover
  8. Firekeeper’s Daughter, Angeline Boulley
  9. Love You, Hug You, Read to You!, Tish Rabe
  10. I Must Betray You, Ruta Sepetys

* Iowa author

Life Resource books worth your consideration:

  1. Don’t Feed the Elephant! Overcoming the Art of Avoidance to Build Powerful Relationships is a fully digestible and sage guide in how to eat that elephant – one bite at a time. By Sarah Noll Wilson of SNoW Co. https://sarahnollwilson.com/elephants/
  2. Becoming the Instrument: Lessons on Self Mastery from Music to Life is the masterful follow-up to Kenny Werner’s seminal Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within. The wisdom packed between the covers of this gem will enlighten each and every time you delve into it. https://kennywerner.com/
  3. The Exceptional Professional: What You Need to Know to Grow Your Career is an info-packed gem from Callista Gould. https://cultureandmanners.com/ 
  4. How to F*ck Up Your Startup: The Science Behind Why 90% of Companies Fail – and How You Can Avoid It. Kim Vhidkjaer captures his mistakes and successes in a compelling handbook for startup success. https://kimhvidkjaer.com/

Check out The Culture Buzz’s insightful interviews for these and other authors’ interviews at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

Performing Arts Organizations:
Please check in advance regarding any scheduled performances, exhibitions, museum visits, etc.

Greater Des Moines Independent Book Store Happenings:
The Culture Buzz shares many authors and their books with its audiences. We encourage you to visit your local independent book store regularly. The folks at these destination locations know books, and welcome the chance to help anyone connect with titles and subjects they seek. Check these sites, as their calendars are always filled with enticing activities and news.

  1. Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
  2. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
  3. Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
  4. Artisan Gallery 218, 218-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines (select author events), http://www.artisangallery218.com/
  5. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
  6. Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
  7. Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City. https://www.prairielights.com/

Cultural Exploration Resources:
The Culture Buzz will begin including carefully vetted but comprehensive listings where you can do some advance online exploration before scheduling destinations in the region. These are two great websites to know about:

  1. The Culture Buzz – John Busbee and associates encourage cultural adventures with a comprehensive overview of what The Culture Buzz delivers. Included is an archive library of favorite interviews. http://www.TheCultureBuzz.com/
  2. Center Stage – This Cityview monthly column provides insights into Central Iowa’s theatre. Distributed throughout the region and available online. Current column: https://www.dmcityview.com/center-stage
  3. Cityview – Central Iowa’s monthly printed and continually updated online resource to all things happening in your community, from arts & culture, to music, to civic and political discourse, to fascinating columnists and stories. Cityview is the reliable source for keeping you informed and engaged in the Greater Des Moines community and beyond. https://www.dmcityview.com/
  4. dsm Magazine – Central Iowa’s gateway to arts, culture and more in a stunning, visual format. https://dsmmagazine.com/ dsm’s CultureCast podcast features interviews with cultural leaders, artists and musicians. https://dsmmagazine.com/culturecast/
  5. ia Magazine – Built upon the success of its Central Iowa counterpart, this annual gem brings enticing cultural news from across the state. https://iapublication.com/
  6. Art Beacon Des Moines is Central Iowa’s home for promoting the visual arts. Our calendar of events highlights exhibitions, art talks and calls for art. Subscribe to the Art Beacon Weekly, our online newsletter filled with links to the latest art happenings. Find us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. http://artbeacondesmoines.com/
  7. 900Views Podcast. An exploration of arts and community with Host Pat Boddy. Based out of Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines, 900Views provides a platform for glimpsing the creative work and lives of the Midwest’s cultural producers and influencers. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/900views-pat-boddy-RCELj1xc7Wh/
  8. Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center is this region’s source for a decades-established advocacy group for jazz, and established jazz professionals guiding and nurturing next generations of jazz musicians and fans. http://dmcommunityjazzcenter.org/
  9. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
  10. Bryan Farland, for many years, single handedly puts together the most comprehensive list of live and streaming music in Iowa. Bryan reaches out two ways, https://www.facebook.com/TheListDSM and farlanbr@dsmlivemusic.com

Resources to help, support and guide during any challenges you or someone you care about may be experiencing:

  • COVID Iowa Recovery: 800-775-9276 https://covidrecoveryiowa.org/
  • National Alliance on Mental Illness: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org
  • United Way 211: Dial 211, text ZIP code to 898211 or visit 211iowa.org
  • CICIL: #CICILServes COVID-19 Hotline: (866) 44-CICIL
  • Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
  • LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
  • LGBT National Talkline: (888) 843-4564
  • Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center: dmpcc.org
  • Broadlawns 24/7 Crisis Team: (515) 282-5752
  • Your Life Iowa Help Line: (855) 581-8111
  • Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
  • Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to crisis counseling
  • Online Mental Health Crisis Chat: iowacrisischat.org
  • MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health Clinic: 515-643-9030.
  • Prelude Behavioral Services (substance treatment): 515-262-0349
  • Instead of 911 – Des Moines area
    * Domestic Violence: 515.286.3600
       Polk County Crisis & Advocacy
    * Poison Control: 800.222.1222
    * Mental Health Crisis: 515.282.5752
       Broadlawns Crisis Team
    * LGBTQ+ Abuse: 866.488.7386
    * Sexual Assault: 515.243.7386
       Children & Families of Iowa
    * Veteran Crisis: 800.273.8255 press1
       Veterans & Their Families Health Crisis Line
    * Child Abuse/Neglect: 800.422.4453
       National US Child Abuse Hotline
    * Animal Abuse/Neglect: 515.284.6905
       Des Moines Animal Control
    *open 24/7
     
    As always, I appreciate news and information from you out there in the cultural trenches and am ready and willing to pursue a story or interview to share with my audiences. ♦

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