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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

5/4/2022

 

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 don’t think writers are sacred, but words are. They deserve respect. If you get the right ones in the right order, you can nudge the world a little or make a poem which children will speak for you when you’re dead.” – Sir Tom Stoppard (b. 1937), a Czech-born British playwright and screenwriter.

Newsletter content:

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa
  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:

  • First Friday – Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way
    5:00-9:00 PM. Free and open to the public. Join Mainframe Studios and City Sounds for their annual public piano unveiling. See City Sounds painted pianos before they take their places throughout the city, and vote for your favorite design. If that doesn’t strike a chord with you, we’ve got even more planned: Time/paper/sound exhibit by 25 ISU students; #knowjustice annual exhibition by ArtForce Iowa; open studios on four floors, food and drink by Tangerine Food Company.
    https://www.mainframestudios.org/events/may-first-friday-going-public/
  • Art Week seeking artists – application deadline looms
    Since 2014, Art Week Des Moines has been dedicated to broader participation and support for our local art scene. New this year, the program focuses on neighborhood activations. 
    Concentrating on one neighborhood each day brings art to new and unexpected places with concentrated activity and attention for our artist neighbors. For those interested in exhibiting, organizing, hosting, or making something during art week, share what’s on your mind in your application.
    Note: You can certainly activate near or far from these areas; Art Week Des Moines is still here to lift you up during Art Week.
    Note also: Your entry can be aspirational. Tell us where you think you want to be, and Group will work to connect you with potential venues.
    https://artweekdesmoines.com/submit/

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Lisa Hendrickson’s fascinating historical telling of three generations of strong women in the West will captivate. Burning the Breeze: Three Generations of Women in the American West reads like an action epic, but is based on the real lives of these fascinating women. Listen as she shares some exciting bits that will entice you to read this gem. “The framing of America would have been a fragile structure had it not been for the countless women who blazed trails, making this a more vibrant country. Lisa Hendrickson captures such an extended narrative through three generations of women in America’s West.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://lisahendricksoncommunications.com/about/work/
  • 11:16 AM – After a career as a flight attendant, Ann Hood eventually captured a delightfully illuminating perspective in Fly Girl: A Memoir. She provides that ‘behind the curtain’ understanding and experience of what her life jetting around the world for TWA was about, and we are taken along for a marvelous ride. “…named one of Spring 2022’s “Most Anticipated Books” by Apple Books”
    https://www.annhood.us/
  • 11:31 AM – Young reader and historical author Cheryl Mullenbach’s memorable exploration into one of America’s challenging times is described with appealing clarity in her book, “The Great Depression.” “With her gift of storytelling and her soul immersed in the wonder of history, Cheryl Mullenbach delivers another enticing invitation for young readers to understand the history that impacted their families. ‘The Great Depression’ is another such journey of great insight and clarity.” -The Culture Buzz
    http://www.cherylmullenbachink.com/
  • 11:42 AM – Having created one of the most fascinating and complex heroes in his genre, Robert McCaw brings Koa Kāne into another thrilling case, and delivers another marvelous page-turner in the process. Listen as he shares bits and pieces of Koa, and this latest bestseller, Treachery Times Two. “McCaw ably blends police procedural, espionage thriller, and guilt-ridden personal saga. Readers will look forward to Koa’s further adventures.” — Publishers Weekly
    https://robertbmccaw.com/
  • 11:57 AM – Poet John D. Thompson reads “Avocado Kitchens” from his new collection, Whatever Happened to Baby Boom?
  • 12:00 PM – Girls’ Weekend 2: The Bachelorette Party opened this past weekend. Here is a conversation with its author, Karen Schaeffer, and the world premiere’s director, Kathy Pingel. The show runs through May 15. “Girls’ Weekend 2: The Bachelorette Party will whisk its audiences into a whirlwind of humor, delight and theatrical escapism at its best.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://www.iowastage.org/girls-weekend-2
  • 12:16 PM – Jeff Stein, noted historian and broadcast professional, penned a 3-part series for Iowa History Journal, “Making Waves: Centennial in Iowa Radio Stations.” He continues the conversation about this compelling, story-filled series, giving us a few more glimpses into a fascinating century of radio broadcast history.
    http://iowahistoryjournal.com/
  • 12:32 PM – John D. Thompson chats about his latest collection, the thematic and reminiscent collection of poetry in Whatever Happened to Baby Boom? John has a delightful penchant to capturing the themes he writes about, and this gem is sure to put a smile on the faces of Baby Boomers as well as those who need a better understanding of that monumental era in America.
    https://www.amazon.com/Whatever-Happened-Baby-David-Thompson/dp/1732866546/ref=pd_sim_sccl_2_2/137-3107971-8349704?pd_rd_w=LQ2IV&pf_rd_p=dee70060-7c6d-4721-a321-50a27281cd22&pf_rd_r=AST1W0B5DM3H13NWN5F7&pd_rd_r=2444bb34-5251-4fd7-b393-5e49ac0852eb&pd_rd_wg=s9HWS&pd_rd_i=1732866546&psc=1
  • 12:43 PM – Art Week Des Moines happens towards the end of June, and is a cultural and celebratory immersion into artistic expressiveness and diversity Listen as the two key drivers of this project, Teva Dawson and Rachel Buse, provide glimpses into this event, inviting artists, patrons, and communities embrace this marvelous happening. This year’s event will focus on seven neighborhoods throughout Des Moines. “Art Week Des Moines is, quite simply, a vital component for making great communities better.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://artweekdesmoines.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Girls’ Weekend 2 – The Bachelorette Party thru May 15. https://www.iowastage.org/
  2. Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre (Des Moines Community Playhouse). Pippi Longstocking the Musical thru May 8. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/pippi-longstocking-2/
  3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Tiny Beautiful Things thru May 15. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
  4. Des Moines Performing Arts. HAMILTON is the story of America then, told by America now. Featuring a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway, HAMILTON has taken the story of American founding father Alexander Hamilton and created a revolutionary moment in theatre. May 17 – Jun 5. (Interview with Jared Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr) https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-hamilton/
  5. The premiere staged reading of the new Robert John Ford musical comedy “Rolf(e)” will be presented in two performances (2:00pm & 7:00pm) on Saturday, May 21 at the Iowa State Historical Building auditorium in Des Moines. The reading is free and open to the public, but because seating is limited, I strongly recommend reserving tickets in advance by clicking on the link below. I hope you’ll be a part of the first audience for this show! For more info, visit https://www.robertjohnford.com/rolfe.

Visual Arts

  1. Plymouth Congregational Church Art Gallery. A new, multimedia art exhibition titled FEEL, by American-born artist Jill Wells, will be on display thru July 3 at the Plymouth Gallery, Plymouth Congregational Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave, Des Moines, IA 50312. The opening reception of the exhibition is on Sat May 7, from 6.00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. (CST), free and open to the public.
  2. Artisan Gallery 218. Mary Kline-Misol’s The GAIA Project – A Climate Crisis Dialogue All Gallery Exhibit. Thru Jun 30.https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  3. Des Moines Art Center. Art Exhibit: ‘Immersive’ thru June 5. 4700 Grand Ave., Des Moines. Follow a path from darkened space to darkened space where each one is filled with different combinations of light, color and sound.www.desmoinesartcenter.org
  4. 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/
  5. Brunnier Art Museum. Ames. 2This 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
  6. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  7. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  8. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  9. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines.1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  11. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  12. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  13. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines.https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  14. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines.https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  15. 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. AgArt. Call for Art: Foodways and Social Justice: an anthology of art, poetry and information about socially-just food production, is seeking B&W art related to food and agriculture, especially from rural and BIPOC artists involved in foodways and social justice. Stipend for each work selected: $50, plus unlimited access to books at wholesale price. Submit: * Black & white photo of art (600 ppi for 1-bit B&W line art; 300 ppi for 8-bit grayscale continuous tone image). Prefer portrait-oriented art. * Bio of artist, 40 words or less, third person, one media link. * Optional description of art, 150 words or less.
    Submission deadline: May 1, 2022. Notification: May 31, 2022
    Email image, bio and description of art to janinecalsbeek@gmail.com
    https://www.nature-culture.net/calls-for-submissions
  2. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  3. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  4. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  5. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  6. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  7. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  8. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/auditions.html
  9. Urbandale Community Theatre. (Summer 2022 – Bye Bye Birdie) https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

Planning ahead

  1. 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/
  2. 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. Franklin School, 4801 Franklin – May 5, 7:00 PM. Lauren Groff, Matrix. AViD Author Series
  2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Saturdays. 11:00 AM, Saturday Storytimes.
  3. Beaverdale Books – May 7, 10:00 AM-5:00 PM. Read Aloud Day. Children’s authors gather in celebration of Children’s Book Week.
  4. Beaverdale Books at Jay Spence Shelter in Greenwood Park (4500 Grand Avenue – next door to Bergman Academy) May 12, 5:00-7:00 PM. Poetry & Pie in the Park. Diane Glass & Pat Boddy, The Heart Hungers for Wilderness.
  5. Beaverdale Books – May 12, 6:30-8:00 PM. Rachel Mans McKenney, The Butterfly Effect.
  6. Beaverdale Books – May 16, 6:30-8:00 PM. Hugh R. Stone, Wrestling on Starry Nights.
  7. Beaverdale Books – May 18, 6:30-8:00 PM. Ellie Brooks, Amanda’s Journey: A DNA Adventure.
  8. Beaverdale Books – May 19, 6:30-8:00 PM. Poetry Readings, Andrea Carter Brown & Debra Marquart, September 12 and The Night We Landed on the Moon.
  9. Beaverdale Books – May 22, 2:00-3:00 PM. Children’s author Mark Ceilley, Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale.

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. Don’t Feed the Elephants!: Overcoming the Art of Avoidance to Build Powerful Partnerships, Sarah Noll Wilson*
  2. Being Non-Essential, Madhu Raghavendra
  3. Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants, Robin Wall Kimmerer
  4. Maus II: A Survivor’s Tale: And Here My Troubles Began, Art Spiegelman
  5. Half Baked Harvest Every Day: Recipes for Balanced, Flexible, Feel Good Meals: A Cookbook, Tieghan Gerard
  6. The Paris Library, Janet Skeslien Charles
  7. Hello Iowa, Mary Gordon*
  8. The Butterfly Effect, Rachel Mans McKenny*
  9. Matrix, Lauren Groff
  10. Maus, Art Spiegelman

* Iowa author
Highlighted author names’ indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library.
Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

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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