Thursday, April 18, 2024

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

5/24/2022

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

“Mark Twain once wrote, ‘Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to.’ He could have added, ‘The human being is the only animal that truly laughs. Or needs to.’” – in the recent Dr. Mardy’s weekly newsletter, a free indulgence to enjoy.

Curious about my primary source for reliable quotes, often with back stories included? Just visit Mardy Grothe’s exceptional, free source, Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations – https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/

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:

  • Des Moines Playhouse – Special one-time call for donations: Books, we need books! The Matilda set will be covered with books. If you have books, preferably hardbound, we will take them. Great opportunity to get rid of your old encyclopedias. You will not get them back. Drop off M-F, 9-5 in the 41st street foyer. Final donation day is June 15th. Thank you!
    Donation Manners: Make sure your donations are clean and in reasonable condition. The Playhouse does not accept dirty, broken or moldy items.

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Available now. 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, sharing glimpses into Part 2 of this compelling, story-filled series, giving us a few more glimpses into a fascinating century of radio broadcast history.
    http://iowahistoryjournal.com/
  • 11:16 AM – Julie Winkle Giuilioni delivers an insightful new understanding in her Promotions Are So Yesterday. Not only an essential resource for HR leaders and managers, it is filled with great information for anyone who leads a team and wants to build a better team environment. “This book is required reading for HR professionals and managers in every industry! Promotions Are So Yesterday offers a powerful and insightful new look at how leaders can approach career development in a way that inspires and motivates their employees.” – Marshall Goldsmith, New York Times #1 bestselling author, Triggers, Mojo, and What Got You Here Won’t Get You There
    https://www.juliewinklegiulioni.com/
  • 11:31 AM – Jody Hadlock wields her exceptional storytelling and research talents in her captivating The Lives of Diamond Bessie. It’s been nearly 150 years since the demi-mondaine known as Diamond Bessie’s death at the hands of her husband and she’s still remembered. Jody shares fascinating glimpses into this page-turner. “…a compelling novel of historical suspense with a paranormal twist that will have you shivering. Bessie… is a character who will haunt you for all the right reasons—for her determination, her heart, and her soul. I was enthralled.” – NYT BESTSELLING AUTHOR M.J. ROSE, THE LAST TIARA
    http://www.jodyhadlock.com/
  • 11:44 AM – All of the wisdom and success of the title subject in The Adventures of Herbie Cohen: World’s Greatest Negotiator is captured by his son, New York Times bestselling author Rich Cohen. When a parent becomes known to their child beyond the usual parental relationship, and that son can write with such a multi-faceted skill, the result is a unique glimpse into the life of a very special person from whom we all can learn. “[A] treat of a new book… Rich Cohen writes lovingly of his father’s ‘love of bull―.’ But the accumulated wit and wisdom of Herb Cohen scattered through the book reveals instead a keen grasp of human frailty and a gift for aphorism no less valid for its glibness. . . It’s essentially the saga of a remarkable man who’s fond of saying ‘The meaning of life . . . is more life’ and knows what he’s talking about.”― Edward Kosner, The Wall Street Journal
    https://www.authorrichcohen.com/
  • 12:00 PM – Sonia Dawkins graciously shares insights into her forthcoming company’s appearance in Ds Moines as her SD | Prism Dance Theatre collaborates with Des Moines Performing Arts to present the world premiere of Sonia’s choreopoem, Pieces of My Heart. Set to a blues and jazz score and performed live, this work portrays August Wilson’s unpublished love poems, bookended by poems from his daughter Azula Wilson. Wearing a collection of hats and gesturing with handkerchiefs, recalling Wilson and the handkerchiefs scented with his wife’s perfume that he often caressed, dancers evoke his frequently quoted observation, “Confront the dark parts of yourself, and work to banish them with illumination and forgiveness. Your willingness to wrestle with your demons will cause your angels to sing.” “Sonia Dawkins is a creative seer, able to blend ultimate aesthetics, history, vision and inspiration into her work. She opens gateways for collaborators and patrons to expand their understanding of her explorative process, leaving a powerful, lasting impression in her wake.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/pieces-of-my-heart/
  • 12:15 PM – The Devil Never Sleeps: Learning to Live in an Age of Disasters is Juliette Kayyem’s masterpiece guide for us to better understand the new age of disaster frequency, as well as how we can prepare for future disasters. With one of the top backgrounds in security analysis in federal and private scenarios, Juliette advice and wisdom is most definitely worth reading. “Kayyem combines real-world national security experience, the everyday personal experiences of an individual, and the genius of a policy thinker for her compelling and engaging new book. Virtually anything Kayyem writes is a must-read and she has put it all together to help us prepare for our era of disasters.” — Jeh Johnson, former secretary of homeland security
    https://juliettekayyem.com/
  • 12:32 PM – Jeneva Rose spins a new immersive story in One of Us Is Dead, mixing up another deliciously seductive blend of mystery, intrigue and society, with its roots in a salon where the intensity of this novel’s relationships are as colorful as the hair being treated. “Big Little Lies meets Real Housewives in this scandalous mystery by Jeneva Rose. One of Us Is Dead takes an insightful look at wealth and power when a group of socialites gather at an exclusive salon, and one of them winds up dead. A wicked, clever and highly entertaining read!” — Wendy Walker, bestselling author of All Is Not Forgotten
    https://www.jenevarose.com/
  • 12:44 PM – Vermont becomes the beckoning setting for Catherine Drake’s brilliantly conjured lead character, Hannah Spencer, in The Treehouse on Dog River Road. Delve into Hannah’s life and world as she leaves behind a depressing job in Boston to care for her sister’s children in the Green Mountains. “The Treehouse on Dog River Road is sweet, sharp, funny, and so much fun. And this heroine sparkles! You won’t just be rooting for Hannah, you’ll want to drink wine with her on the deck. I guarantee this romance will make you laugh; it will also make you believe love is waiting around every corner.” — Miciah Bay Gault, author of Goodnight Stranger
    https://www.catherinedrake.com/

Performance Arts

  1. 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. Thru Jun 5. (Interview with Jared Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr) https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-hamilton/
  2. Vagrant Fear Theatre. Vagrant Fear will present Narly’s Night of Scary Good Talent June 11th at the Ames City Auditorium.  This 2-hours show will feature 12 local acts ranging from singers to comedians to a blockhead. All acts will have a horror theme to them. Tickets are on sale now at Midwestix. tickets go on sale for the show June 1st, also through Midwestix.
  3. CAP Theatre, Altoona. Into the Woods Jr opens Jun 3 – 12.
  4. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Calendar Girls opens Jun 3 – 19.
  5. Ankeny Community Theatre. Cry It Out! Opens Jun 3 – 12.

Visual Arts

  1.  Olson-Larsen Galleries. Annual Landscape Show, opening Fri May 27, 5:00-7:00 PM at 204-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction. Also opening Fri May 27, 5:00-7:00 PM at the OL Guild, 201-4th Street, “”Group Therapy” an interactive installation by Damen LaPalm. “Group Therapy is an interactive installation that tells a familiar yet often uncomfortable story. Male mental health can be a delicate subject to broach, but it is an important topic that needs to be talked about openly without fear. There is an overt hesitation for men to speak about difficulties they face in expressing their feelings in order to avoid being labeled as weak. My intention is not only to create an environment that is human in its familiarity, but creates a dialogue with viewers where we question the validity of negative connotations of moments of weakness and reflect on the suicide rate disparity between men and women. Viewers are open to sit in the empty chairs to think, reflect, gain perspective, take photos, and possibly learn something about themselves and others.”
  2. 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.
  3. Artisan Gallery 218. Mary Kline-Misol’s The GAIA Project – A Climate Crisis Dialogue All Gallery Exhibit. Thru Jun 30.https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  4. 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
  5. 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/
  6. 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
  7. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  8. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  9. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  10. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  11. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines.1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  12. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  13. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  14. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines.https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  15. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines.https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  16. 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. Auditions for Godspell. Sat Jun 4, 1:00 PM. Sun Jun 5, 6:00 PM. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/godspell.html
  2. 48 Hour Film Project opens submissions for 18th season. July 29-31st marks the 18th running of the 48 Hour Film Project in Des Moines. Registered filmmakers from across Iowa will gather on the evening of July 29 where they will be given a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue that they must work into their film. 48 hours later they will race to upload their completed short films to 48 Hour Film Project servers before the 7:30pm deadline. Registration opens May 24th online at: www.48hourfilm.com/desmoines All spaces are first come, first serve. “We are excited to run our 18th round of fevered filmmaking in this wonderful city” said Des Moines 48HFP Producer Samuel Pace-Tuomi. “We’re looking for all kinds of filmmakers to be involved, the competition is open to pros and amateurs alike.”
  3. Vagrant Fear Theatre. We are looking for talent to fill roles for Dark Side of Love July 15th and 16th in Ankeny.  This show is made up of 2 one-act plays mixing horror and love; two great emotions that go great together.  If people want to audition, reach out to me at vagrantfear@gmail.com or on our Facebook group Vagrant Fear Productions.
  4. ArtFest Midwest volunteer call. Two-hour and three-hour shifts available Sat Jun 25 thru Sun Jun 26. Sign up for more than one shift; tell your friends to sign up. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt and food vouchers. https://www.artfestmidwest.com/
  5. AgArt. Shakuntala is an innovative contemporary version of the classic play from India. We have roles for eight men and eight women ages 17 and up as well as one boy aged 8-12. There will also be an ensemble to portray members of the community.No acting or dance experience is required! Auditions will be held at Gateway Dance Theatre’s Studio on June 2nd, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm and June 3rd, 11:30 am- 1:30 pm and 6:00 pm-8:00 pm.Performances will be July 7th-9th at Jamie Hurt Amphitheater is West Des Moines.
    https://www.nature-culture.net/calls-for-submissions
  6. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  7. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  8. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  9. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  10. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  11. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  12. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/auditions.html
  13. 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. Central Library – May 25, 7:00 PM. AViD Author Series. Jason Mott, Hell of a Book.
  2. Central Library – Jun 7, 7:00 PM. AViD Author Series. Special author panel. Dr. Richard Deming, Neil Hamilton, Jim Autry.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Jun 11, 2:30-3:30 PM. Victor D. O. Santos, My Dad, My Rock.

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/ 

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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