Friday, April 26, 2024

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

3/22/2022

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

“There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature – the assurance that dawn comes after night and spring after winter.” — Rachel Carson (1907-1964) an American marine biologist, author, and conservationist, in The Sense of Wonder (1965 – published posthumously). Carson’s award-winning The Sense of Wonder remains the classic guide to introducing children to the marvels of nature.

Newsletter content:

  1. Guests on this week’s show
  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
  • Olmsted 200 Week: Celebrating Parks for All People
    The Des Moines Founders Garden Club is the catalyst for a collaboration with Des Moines Parks & Recreation, Des Moines Waterworks, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Des Moines Public Library in presenting a wonderful array of immersive programming from March 26-April 1. Join the nation in honoring the legacy of Fredrick Law Olmsted on the 200th anniversary of his birth. All activities are open to the public. https://www.dmfoundersgc.org/olmsted-200-week/
  • 2022 AViD Author Series Continues with NY Times bestselling author Angeline Boulley (Fire Starter’s Daughter) at the DSM Book Festival in Capital Square this Sat Mar 26 at 5:00 PM. https://www.dmpl.org/attend/featured-programs/AViD
  • DSM Book Festival: From 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, Capital Square (400 Locust Street) in the heart of downtown Des Moines will be come alive with dozens of authors, workshops, activities and more for book lovers, the curious, families and adventurous souls. Check out the full lineup at https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – DSM Partnership’s Placemaking Manager Jerrica Marshall provides an overview of the packed schedule for the 2022 DSM Book Festival Sat Mar 26 in Capital Square in downtown Des Moines. “The DSM Book Festival is one of the most thoughtfully and thoroughly executed literary and engagement events ever conceived. Truly ‘something for everyone,’ this free community event offers Central Iowans the opportunity to experience experts from NY Times bestselling to local authors, as well as engaging professionals in related areas of literature and more.”
    – The Culture Buzz https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/
  • 11:15 AM – Appearing this week. Dawnie Walton’s debut novel, The Final Revival of Opal and Nev, has been receiving well-deserved high praise. She will be a headliner at this year’s DSM Book Festival, and shares insights into her captivating novel. “This novel is so good, I want to rent a velvet-swagged amphitheater and gather a large audience to blare through a microphone just how much I like it…Befitting her name, Opal is a complex, shade-shifting idol, not so much sparkling as iridescent…[Dawnie Walton] has conjured an entire oeuvre of lyrics, licks and liner notes that is backdrop for some of the most pressing political issues of our era, or any era. The story Sunny “tells” using the tools of journalism is propulsive, often funny and thought-provoking. Like the best fiction, it feels truer and more mesmerizing than some true stories. It’s a packed time capsule that doubles as a stick of dynamite.”—NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW https://www.dawniewalton.com/
  • 11:21 AM – Appearing this week. Another headliner, as well as part of this year’s AViD Authors Series, is Angeline Boulley, whose Fire Starter’s Daughter is a scintillating debut that is taking the literary world by storm. Listen as Angeline provides marvelous insights into her book.
    “Hitting hard when it comes to issues such as citizenship, language revitalization, and the corrosive presence of drugs on Native communities, this novel will long stand in the hearts of both Native and non-Native audiences.” – Publishers Weekly Starred Review https://angelineboulley.com/
  • 11:37 AM – Appearing this week. Iowan Dan Hunter may live in another part of the country, but his legacy remains strong in Iowa. His wit and humor are more vibrant than ever, and Pandemic Panacea: Laughing through Quarantine is a wonderful excursion off the tension path into a blissful land of charming diversion. Dan will present at Artisan Gallery 218 on Mon Mar 28 in Historic Valley Junction.
    “Dan Hunter’s wit always runs several paces ahead of the norm, blazing a trail for audiences to follow – laughing all the while. ‘Pandemic Panacea: Laughing through Quarantine’ gives us a blissful reprieve from reality, and our laugh muscles a well-deserved workout.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.artisangallery218.com/exhibitions-copy
    https://itascabooks.com/pandemic-panacea-laughing-through-quarantine/
  • 12:00 PM – Opening this week. Preview conversation about the Des Moines Community Playhouse’s eagerly anticipated musical, Singin’ in the Rain, with Stephanie Schneider (“Kathy Seldon”), who also serves as the show’s intimacy director. This beloved musical opens Fri Mar 25. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/singin-in-the-rain-2/
  • 12:11 PM – Opening this week. Iowa Stage prepares to open its next show Fri Mar 25 as they again do what they uniquely do so well: produce a brilliant script from the pantheon of best classics. This time, Long Day’s Journey into Night takes center stage as Eugene O’Neill’s masterful exploration into a family’s dysfunction is unveiled. https://www.iowastage.org/long-days-journey
  • 12:38 PM – Opening this week. Three key members of the Des Moines Founders Garden Club have spearheaded the successful development of a week of exceptional programming as part of the national “Olmsted 200 Week: Celebrating Parks for All People.” Listen as Kathleen Jones, Jane Flanagan, and Loulou Kane lead a lively introduction to the excellent opportunities to experience to profound impact that Frederick Law Olmsted had on American green spaces. “Over the decades of my involvement in Iowa’s cultural development, few projects have been as impressive as the Des Moines Founders Garden Club’s ‘Olmsted 200 Week: Celebrating Parks for All People.’ Collaborating with four major metro organizations – Des Moines Parks & Recreation, Des Moines Waterworks, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden, and Des Moines Public Library – to develop an enticing and informative slate of public immersion has set a new gold standard for creating great public programming.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.dmfoundersgc.org/olmsted-200-week/
  • 12:44 PM – Appearing this week. One of the national celebrities presenting during the Des Moines Founders Garden Club’s “Olmsted 200 Week” is celebrated author Justin Martin, whose work Genius of Place: The Life of Frederick Law Olmsted, will anchor the programming on Tue Mar 29 at the Waveland Golf Course Lodge. This free event does have limited seating, so visit the website to make your reservation. “Exhaustively researched and clearly written, this volume should become the standard for students of both history and design.” – Landscape Architecture https://justinmartin1.com/

Performance Arts

  1. 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. Thru Mar 27. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=196
  2. 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/
  3. 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
  4. Des Moines Gay Men’s Chorus. “You are Enough” Spring Concert. Fri Mar 25, 7:30 p.m. Sheslow Auditorium / Drake University (2507 University Avenue). Tickets: dmgmc.org
  5. 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/
  6. Ankeny Community Theatre. The powerful show, Aura, runs Apr 1-10. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/aura.html

Visual Arts

  1. Anderson Gallery. Drake University, Des Moines. 2 51st Annual Juried Student Exhibition, juried by Mitchell Squire. Mar 27-Apr 15; oening reception & Awards Sun Mar 27, 1-3 PM. https://theandersongallery.wordpress.com/
  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. 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
  4. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  5. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  6. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  7. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  8. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  9. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  10. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  11. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  12. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  13. 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. ArtFest Midwest Applications for ArtFest Midwest 2022 close in less than 2 weeks. Fine art creators are invited to apply by Mar 25. https://www.artfestmidwest.com/how-to-apply
  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. DMACC Celebration of the Literary Arts – Mar 24 @ 2:00 PM. Paul Harding, Adam Haslett.
  2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Mar 25 @ 7:00 PM. director of the Iowa Writer’s Workshop) Lan Samantha Chang presenting The Family Chao in conversation with Drake’s Carol Spaulding-Kruse. 505 E. Grand Ave, Des Moines’ Historic East Village.
  3. DSM Book Festival – Mar 26: Featured authors:  10:00 AM. Imbolo Mbue, Author of “Behold the Dreamers” and “How Beautiful We Were”; Noon. Dawnie Walton, Author of “The Final Revival of Opal & Nev”; 3:00 PM. Stephanie Land, Author of “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Way to Survive”; 5:00 PM. Angeline Boulley, The Firekeeper’s Daughter (AViD Series). https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/attend/authors. Local authors include Diane T. Holmes, author of Two Sisters’ Secret.
  4. Artisan Gallery 218 – Mar 28, 6:30 PM. Dan Hunter, Pandemic Panacea: Laughing through Quarantine

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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