Tuesday, April 23, 2024

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

6/1/2022

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

“While one finds company in himself and his pursuits, he cannot feel old, no matter what his years may be.” – Amos Bronson Alcott (1799-1888), an American teacher, writer, philosopher, and reformer. As an educator, Alcott pioneered new ways of interacting with young students, focusing on a conversational style, and avoided traditional punishment. He hoped to perfect the human spirit and, to that end, advocated a plant-based diet.

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. Bob Keefe’s Climatenomics: Washington, Wall Street and the Economic Battle to Save our Planet is a thoughtful, fact-based and inclusive approach to addressing the critical climate situation that everyone faces. Listen as Bob provides some insights into his book, and our concern. “This book is both timely and essential, coming at this most pivotal moment in the battle against the climate crisis.  In Climatenomics, Bob Keefe boldly lays out a framework for Washington, Wall Street, policy and business to unite in an all-hands-on-deck-approach to tackling this crisis. This is a must read for everybody who has a stake in the future of our planet and our economy.” – U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Finance https://climatenomicsbook.com/
  • 11:15 AM – Just released. In the multiple finalist and award-winning Ice Out, Susan Speranza delivers a captivating story that will immediately draw readers into its dynamic telling. Susan gives glimpses and some back story into this exceptional novel.“Speranza brilliantly threads the line between utter heartache and redemption in a thrilling novel that lingers long after its last page is turned.” — Wm. Anthony Connolly, author of Psalms & Stones and The Smallest Universe https://www.susansperanza.com/
  • 11:31 AM – Opening this week. CAP Theatre in Altoona prepares to open Into the Woods Jr. Jun 3 thru Jun 12. This adaptation of the award-winning Broadway show gives younger audiences a live performing experience, in the signature CAP style. https://www.captheatre.org/main/2022woods/
  • 11:43 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/
  • 12:00 PM – Opening this week. The Des Moines Community Playhouse readies for its next mainstage production in the John Viars Theater – Calendar Girls. This comedy is filled with depth, heart and plenty of laughs, based on a true story. Listen as Melissa Kellar (“Ruth”) shares insights about this exceptional show. Get your tickets and find out why they use the tagline, “The dropped everything for a good cause.” https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/calendar-girls/
  • 12:13 PM – Any day is a good day to listen to Susan Werner, and today we listen to “City Kids,” a delightfully sassy tune by this scintillating songstress from her exceptional album, HAYSEED. “This woman is great. Period.” – Music Row (Nashville) https://susanwerner.com/
  • 12:19 PM – Opening this week. Cry It Out! brings a strong story to the stage, and assistant director Ali Kirwen and Maureen Moroney (as “Jessie”) share their insights into this dynamic show about career clashing with motherhood. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/cry-it-out.html
  • 12:29 PM – Just released. Lindy Ryan returns to the show with another reading adventure. Throw Me to the Wolves immerses readers into a vivid world as only Lindy can create. Listen as she shares insights into this supernatural series. “Southern gothic meets urban fantasy meets supernatural horror, Throw Me to the Wolves is a series debut as much about surviving the monsters within as it is conquering those without.” http://lindymillerryan.com/
  • 12:44 PM – Available now. The Bus to Beulah by E. C. Hanes is a powerful story that delves into issues of immigration and human trafficking, framed in an irresistible story at the hands of this gifted writer. Listen as E. C. shares back story about the creation of this novel, and understand why this tale will resonate long after the final page is read. “In The Bus to Beulah, Redge Hanes skillfully zeroes in on what happens when our byzantine immigration laws, the powerful farmers’ lobby, and local politics collide in bucolic North Carolina. In Billy Bowater, Hanes explored his state’s political jungle. Here, a local sheriff investigates the disappearance of a young woman and finds exploitative conditions that allow a human and drug trafficking network to set up shop.” — Howell Raines, former executive editor of The New York Times https://www.echanes.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Ankeny Community Theatre. Cry It Out! Opens Jun 3, thru Jun 12. From corporate attorney to motherhood, this powerful story explores themes of a woman trying to find balance between aspirations and becoming a mother. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/cry-it-out.html
  2. CAP Theatre, Altoona. Into the Woods Jr. Opens Jun 3, thru Jun 12. This pared down version of the classic Broadway hit will delight children and their families. https://www.captheatre.org/
  3. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Calendar Girls opens Jun 3, thru Jun 19. This is a comedy with heart, featuring a stellar cast of dynamic women. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/calendar-girls/
  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. Thru Jun 5. (Interview with Jared Dixon, who plays Aaron Burr – https://archive.org/details/preview-hamilton.-jared-dixon-aaron-burr-dmpa-may-17-jun-5-online-audio-converter.com) https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-hamilton/
  5. Des Moines Performing Arts. Riverdance returns to Des Moines on its 25th Anniversary Tour Jun 10-12, five performances. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-riverdance/
  6. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Into the Woods Summer Concert Series Jun 16-18 at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
  7. 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.
  8. Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Showcase. This annual celebration of high school musical theatre from across Iowa returns in all of its vibrant energy, a captivating evening of performance inspiration. Jun 18 at Des Moines Performing Arts’ Civic Center. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/202122-ihsmta-showcase/

Visual Arts

  1. Artisan Gallery 218. Mary Kline-Misol’s The GAIA Project – A Climate Crisis Dialogue All Gallery Exhibit. Thru Jun 30. https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  2. 12th Annual Garden Art Show. Sun Jun 5, 12-5 PM at 4320 Franklin Ave, Des Moines. Pottery, paintings, jewelry, sculpture, lamps, tie-dye, mandala stones, glass beads, mosaics. Presented by Whirlythings. https://www.facebook.com/Whirlythings-343140379041736/
  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. Kunzler Studios. Historic Valley Junction, artist exhibit, ALL MY LOVE, MYRON. Artist Reception featuring work by Mike Kunzler & Kunzler Studios Jun 25, time TBD. https://www.kunzlerstudios.com/events
  5. 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.
  6. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Annual Landscape Show, thru Jul 23, 5:00-7:00 PM at 204-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction. https://olsonlarsen.com/
  7. 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/
  8. 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
  9. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  10. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  11. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  12. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  13. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  14. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  15. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  16. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  17. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  18. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
  19. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. Des Moines 2 I added this destination for its unique value as a “living gallery,” where the constantly changing floral exhibitions entice and delight. https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/

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. HOPE! Drama Troupe/Des Moines Community Playhouse. Auditions for company. 15-20 youths ages 13-18, any gender, any race or ethnicity. HOPE! Drama Troupe is a group of 20 middle school and high school youth whose mission is to end child abuse and neglect and strengthen families in Polk County. Each year, HOPE! Drama Troupe members use an original script to educate area youth about child abuse and the impact it has on children and families. Their 25-minute performance defines the types of abuse, demonstrates the consequences of abuse, and identifies how to get help. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/hope-drama-troupe/
  3. 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 
  4. 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.
  5. 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/
  6. 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.
  7. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  8. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  9. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  10. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  11. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  12. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  13. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/auditions.html
  14. 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 – Jun 7, 7:00 PM. AViD Author Series. Special author panel. Dr. Richard Deming, Neil Hamilton, Jim Autry.
  2. Beaverdale Books – Jun 11, 2:30-3:30 PM. Victor D. O. Santos, My Dad, My Rock.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Jun 12, 2:00-3:00 PM. Adi Kharrom, I Kiss and Tell
  4. Beaverdale Books – Jun 13, 6:30-8:00 PM. Rob Sand, The Winning Ticket: Uncovering America’s Biggest Lottery Scandal
  5. Beaverdale Books – Jun 17, 6:30-8:00 PM. Meet the poets – celebrate 2022 Art Week with reading by John Thompson, Staci Harper-Bennett, Isabella Brantley, Prince Harrison Jr.

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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