Friday, April 19, 2024

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

6/14/2022

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

“If I were not a physicist, I would probably be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life in terms of music… I get most joy in my life out of my violin.” — Albert Einstein (1879-1955), a German-born theoretical physicist

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. Culinary Arts
  4. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa)
  5. Auditions and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities
  6. Planning ahead
  7. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa)
  8. 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:

Juneteenth – an essential part of our American history Greater Des Moines has a wealth of programs, presentations and engagement opportunities this weekend to celebrate the pivotal moment in earlier American history with the emancipation of slaves in states in rebellion against the Union. This anchor in our shared history has blossomed into Juneteenth being recognized as a federal holiday, and has expanded into programming to expand our knowledge and understanding of African-American history.

Summertime performing arts learning opportunities for youth and adults abound

  1. Carousel Theatre (Indianola) – In conjunction with Missoula Children’s Theatre, culminating with public performance. Jun 27-Jul 1, performance Jul 2. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=1118
  2. Class Act Productions (CAP) Community Theatre – 6 summer camps, age ranges 6-18 (Jul 11-15; Jul 11-15; Jul 18-22; Jul 18-22; Jul 25-29; Jul 25-29). https://www.captheatre.org/summer/camp/
  3. Des Moines Community Playhouse – Recognized as one of the country’s top education programs of its kind, visit the site for the full list of on-going programming for the youngest to adults. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/education/about/
  4. Des Moines Performing Arts – 3 camps taught by theater professionals, for grades 3-8 (Jul 13-29), 9-1st year of college (Jul 11-16), 6-8 (Jul 11-16). https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/classes-camps/
  5. Iowa Stage Theatre Company – In conjunction with West Des Moines Parks & Recreation. Ages 16+. Jul 9-30; Jul 9-30. https://www.iowastage.org/classes
  6. Tallgrass Theatre Company – 6 Seedlings Camps, in conjunction with West Des Moines Parks & Recreation (Jun 20-24; Jul 11-15; Jul 11-15; Jul 25-29; Aug 1-5; Aug 1-5). Details: https://tallgrasstheatre.org/seedlings/

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Appearing this Friday. Writer, producer, actor, and singer Shaun Cassidy brings The Magic of a Midnight Sky Tour to Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre Fri Jun 17. Shaun provides glimpses into this evening of reflection, music and storytelling – a truly memorable experience. https://hoytsherman.org/calendar/events/event-324/
  • 11:16 AM – Just released. Jane Enright has coped with more than her share of life’s challenges, yet she has retained a strong inner core of positivity, which she shares in her inspirational Butter Side Up: How I Survived My Most Terrible Year & Created My Super Awesome Life. Anyone who delves into this masterful book will glean much to help them. Listen as Jane shares glimpses into her book. “Enright is a wonderfully clear-minded narrator of her own experiences… The result is a stirringly believable tale of personal reinvention. An unsparing, ultimately uplifting account of turning a crisis into a new view of life.” — Kirkus Reviews https://www.janeenrightauthor.com/
  • 11:31 AM – Just released. Thriller bestselling author Steve Berry returns to the show with his newest adventure, a stand-alone gem introducing his legions of fans to a new protagonist, Nicholas Lee. The Omega Factor is grounded with Steve’s penchant for meticulous research, page-turning writing and dynamic literary imagery. “Not since The Da Vinci Code has a thriller so deftly combined religious conspiracy, a message hidden within a world-famous work of art, and pulse-pounding suspense. The Omega Factor is one of the best thrillers of the year.” — Douglas Preston, #1 New York Times bestselling author https://steveberry.org/
  • 11:44 AM – Paisley Currah distills an intense, detailed body of exceptional research into his new book, Sex Is as Sex Does: Governing Transgender Identity. Paisley provides some overview about this insightful book, one that provides great information for anyone seeking to better understand today’s gender issues. “This volume will change the way we think, talk about and work for (trans)gender policy and justice.” — Karla Strand, Ms. Magazine https://www.paisleycurrah.com/
  • 12:00 PM – Opening this Thursday for three performances. Tallgrass Theatre Company prepares for its 2022 Summer Concert Series production at West Des Moines’ Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre, Into the Woods. This brilliant Sondheim musical takes its audiences into a magical world of fairy tales, performed by a stellar cast. Jun 16-18. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
  • 12:12 PM – This world premiere opens on Juneteenth. Playwright Beaufield Berry and Musical Director Courageous Fire provide glimpses into the historical anchors Beaufield captures in Buffalo Women, being workshopped at the Des Moines Community Playhouse in collaboration with Pyramid Theatre Company. Juneteenth. New lives. new freedoms. Buffalo Women is a tale of hidden figures living extraordinary lives on the frontier in 1865. June 19-26. This is a rare chance to witness the beginning of a new musical. “Thanks to Beaufield Berry’s talents at historical research and playwriting, the world gets to step through a bygone portal and be introduced to a cast of strong Black women who blazed their own paths in an early America. ‘Buffalo Women’ is enlightening, inspiring and altogether enthralling.” — The Culture Buzz https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/buffalo-women/
  • 12:30 PM – Now available. A favorite guest of the show, Allan Topol’s productive pen, coupled with a masterful penchant for writing political thrillers, shares peeks inside his latest page-turner, The Chinese Agent. Allan provides bits of background about this story, which will enthrall the reader, and provide plenty of post-final-page thought-provoking contemplation. “Topol is up there with such masters of the labyrinth as Robert Ludlum and Tom Clancy.” —The Washington Post http://www.allantopol.com/
  • 12:45 PM – Now available. Mystery writer Mary Keliikoa returns with a new gem, Deceived. Listen as she provides some back story into the creation of this irresistible tale, the third in her Kelly Pruett series. “This mystery hits all the right notes! In the third book of the series, Kelly Pruett’s undercover investigation of a homeless shelter leads to missing girls, drug dealing, and murder. Heartfelt characters and a twisting and turning plot kept me turning the pages. Another winner from Mary Keliikoa.” — David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Anthony and Thriller Award-winning author of Winter Counts https://marykeliikoa.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Into the Woods Summer Concert Series Jun 16-18 at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
  2. Pyramid Theatre Company & Des Moines Community Playhouse. Buffalo Women. This workshopped performance of a new musical will open Jun 19 thru Jun 26. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/buffalo-women/
  3. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Calendar Girls thru Jun 19. This is a comedy with heart, featuring a stellar cast of dynamic women. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/calendar-girls/
  4. ACTORS Ames. Legally Blonde Jun 9 thru 26. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/buffalo-women/

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. 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
  3. 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.
  4. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Annual Landscape Show, thru Jul 23, 5:00-7:00 PM at 204-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction. https://olsonlarsen.com/
  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. 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
  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/
  17. 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.

Culinary Arts – This new addition will feature regional culinary events and celebrations.

  1. Spicefest! The Iowa International Center announces a new event for Central Iowa. Presented by Lola’s Fine Hot Sauce, Spicefest! will celebrate local cuisine, international flavors and spicy foods Jun 18. www.iowainternationalcenter.org

Auditions, Volunteer, and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities

  1. 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/
  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 
  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. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  6. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  7. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  8. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  9. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  10. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  11. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/auditions.html
  12. Urbandale Community Theatre. (Summer 2022 – Bye Bye Birdie) https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

Planning ahead

  1. Des Moines Metro Opera – July. 50th anniversary season, not to be missed. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/
  2. 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/
  3. Now available, Susan Werner is offering her full catalog of albums, plus bonus tracks (demos and unreleased songs), and live concert video footage. A perfect gift for yourself, for Susan Werner fans, and anyone who simply savors the magic of one of America’s musical gems. https://susanwerner.com/music/

Between the covers — author events worth noting:

  1. Beaverdale Books – Jun 14, 6:00 PM. Gateway Dance Theatre presents “Break It Down….5,6,7,8.” Penny Furgerson and Sharmishtha Sarkar talk about similarities between dance styles and more.
  2. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure (Ingersoll Avenue) – Fri Jun 17, 4:00-6:00 PM. Progressive Poetry Party begins, featuring Jennifer Knox, Rustin Larson, Kyle McCord, Michaela Mullin, Emma Murray, Steve Rose, Shannon Vesely.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Jun 17, 6:30-8:00 PM. Progressive Poetry Party continues, meet more poets – celebrate 2022 Art Week with reading by John Thompson, Staci Harper-Bennett, Isabella Brantley, Prince Harrison Jr.
  4. Artisan Gallery 218 – Jun 20, 6:30-7:30 PM. Coffee and Poetry as Judy Richardson reads from her Coffee Lovers; Poetry Companion.
  5. Beaverdale Books – Jun 21, 6:30-8:00 PM. Mindy Carlson, Her Dying Day.
  6. Beaverdale Books – Jun 23, 6:30-8:00 PM. Anna Lind Thomas. I’m Not Ready for This: Everybody Just Calm Down and Give Me a Minute.
  7. Beaverdale Books – Jun 25, 2:00 PM. Kathleen Williams Renk. Vindicated.
  8. Beaverdale Books – Jun 27, 6:30-8:00 PM. Loren A. Olson, M.D., No More Neckties: A Memoir in Essays.
  9. Beaverdale Books – Jun 30, 6:30-8:00 PM. Robert Nandell, Meet Me at the Depot.

Beaverdale Books provides their Top Ten sellers list, updated each month. Updated hours: Mon-Fri 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM; Sat 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM; Sun 12:00 Noon to 4:00 PM. 515-279-5400.

Top Ten sellers in our store last month — see what everyone’s reading!

  1. Amanda’s Journey: A DNA Adventure, Ellie Brooks*
  2. Cinderelliot: A Scrumptious Fairytale, Mark Ceilley
  3. Book Lovers, Emily Henry
  4. The Ocean Calls: A Haenyeo Mermaid Story, Tina Cho*
  5. Scavenger’s Digest, Michael Wellman*
  6. The Land Remains: A Midwestern Perspective on Our Past and Future, Neil D. Hamilton*
  7. Wrestling on Starry Nights, Hugh R. Stone*
  8. Braiding Sweetgrass, Robin Wall Kimmerer
  9. The Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller
  10. Everyday French Cooking: Modern French Cuisine Made Simple, Wini

* 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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