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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

6/22/2022

From the dynamic MainFrame Studios Building at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning independent radio station KFMG-LP 98.9 FM, bringing you music, literature & cultural news from the American Heartland and beyond.
― John Busbee for The Culture Buzz
2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts
Podcasts of past interviews may be found at www.TheCultureBuzz.com and https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

Quote of the Week

“The onion has many skins. A multitude of skins. Peeled, it renews itself; chopped, it brings tears; only during peeling it speaks the truth.”  — Günter Grass, on the onion as a metaphor for memory, in Peeling the Onion (2006)

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:

Art Abounds in Des Moines
Check out the myriad of arts interaction opportunities through Sun Jun 26. The Des Moines Arts Festival, Art Week Des Moines, and ArtFest Midwest headline this immersive saturation of the arts in Central Iowa.

  1. Art Week Des Moines – Thru Jun 24. Creative celebrations across the metro area. https://artweekdesmoines.com/
  2. ArtFest Midwest – Jun 25-26. Additional opportunity to experience a plethora of exhibiting artists. https://www.artfestmidwest.com/
  3. Des Moines Arts Festival – Jun 24-26. This internationally recognized, Gold Award-winning arts festival flings opens its creative gates for the best in visual arts and a variety of other features disciplines, including the Interrobang Film Festival.

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 community theatre 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 – Seedlings Camps, in conjunction with West Des Moines Parks & Recreation (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 – Available now. Hugh Stone takes readers on a reflective immersion in his Wrestling on Starry Nights, a wonderful exploration of faith. Hugh gives us a few back story peeks in this interview. “Few inspirational writings from van Gogh’s ‘Starry Night’ painting match what Hugh Stone distills into his powerful book – part memoir, part philosophy, all excellent.” – The Culture Buzz https://rosedogbookstore.com/wrestling-on-starry-nights/
  • 11:13 AM – Author Mike Lankford, Becoming Leonardo: An Exploded View of the Life of Leonardo da Vinci, returns to the show for a thought-provoking continuation on our da Vinci chats from before, plus a few glimpses into his forthcoming series of autobiographies, a chapter-by-chapter series revealing the eras of his life. “A WALL STREET JOURNAL BEST NONFICTION BOOK OF 2017” https://www.facebook.com/Becoming-Leonardo-Mike-Lankford-Author-1088303557958162/
  • 11:27 AM – Available now. Talented Barbara Graham delivers another great read in What Jonah Knew, a thriller sure to have readers turning the pages as quickly as they can consumer each savory page. Barbara shares insights into the development of this excellent thriller. “A spellbinding literary thriller packed with psychological suspense and profound questions about motherhood, trauma and how death illuminates life.” —Amy Tan https://barbaragrahamauthor.com/
  • 11:42 AM – Available now. After her multiple award-winning debut, The Jane Austen Society, Natalie Jenner spent her pandemic confinement crafting a brilliant sequel Bloomsbury Girls. Natalie delivers enticing morsels from this story, already creating a firestorm of excitement. “Jenner has proven to be a master at spinning harming, earnest characters and paints a viid picture of postwar England. I wanted to stay lost in her world forever!” – Stephanie Wrobel, internationally bestselling author of Darling Rose Gold https://www.nataliejenner.com/
  • 12:00 PM – Available now. Bringing the gift of creative writing to the world of historical revelation, Lindsey Fitzharris’ fascinating book, The Facemaker: A Visionary Surgeon’s Battle to Mend the Disfigured Soldiers of World War I. “A riveting, old-fashioned, man-meets-the-moment account of [Harold] Gillies’ work in the field of plastic surgery, before ‘plastic surgery’ as a field officially existed . . . [Fitzharris] give[s] vivid immediacy to the patients’ ordeals.” ― Maureen Corrigan, NPR https://drlindseyfitzharris.com/
  • 12:15 PM – 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/
  • 12:31 PM – Available now. Award-winning poet Charles Harper Webb dips his pen into the long-awaiting ink of novel writing to deliver a masterfully crafted thriller, Ursula Lake. Charles gives us glimpses into the genesis of this story, and how it had to eventually manifest itself is his debut novel. “Ursula Lake is a rare novel that is equal parts lyrical and suspenseful.  Charles Harper Webb uses his poet’s voice to weave a haunting tale that marries the latent horrors of the natural world to the dark heart of the humans who inhabit it.” — Ivy Pochoda, author of These Women https://charlesharperwebb.com/
  • 12:46 PM – Available now. Talented novelist Mary Keliikoa returns with another irresistible story in Deceived, Book 3 of her Kelly Pruett mystery series. Discover the latest adventures that such a wonderful protagonist as Pruett endures to weave her way through the thrilling story. “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 by Mary Keliikoa.” – David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Anthony and Thriller Award-Winning Author of Winter Counts https://marykeliikoa.com/

Performance Arts

  1.  Pyramid Theatre Company & Des Moines Community Playhouse. Buffalo Women. This workshopped performance of a new musical thru Jun 26. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/buffalo-women/
  2. Civic Music Association. Belin Quartet, Tuesdays at 5:30 PM thru July 26 at Salisbury House & Gardens (rain location, Temple for Performing Arts Grand Hall). Details on each program at https://civicmusic.org/belin-quartet-summer-2022/
  3. 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. 13.  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/
  11. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  12. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  13. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  14. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  15. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  16. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  17. 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.

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

  1.  Area Farmers Markets. Take advantage of the bounty of fresh produce and more at any of the areas farmers markets, beginning with one of America’s best, the Downtown Farmers’ Market (Saturdays). Also, Waukee (Wednesdays), West Des Moines (Thursdays), Norwalk (Fridays), Global Greens Farmers Market (Saturdays, 3200 University, behind Lutheran Social Services), Ankeny (Saturdays).

Auditions, Volunteer, and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities

  1. 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 
  2. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  3. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  4. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  5. Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
  6. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  7. Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
  8. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  9. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
  10. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  11. 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. SpiceFest, presented by Iowa International Center. The event will be held on July 16th at Exile Brewing in downtown Des Moines from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM. We have opted to update the date of the event to make sure that we can deliver the best event possible! Tickets can be purchased at: https://secure.givelively.org/event/iowa-international-center/spicefest If you have any questions about the event or would like to learn more, please visit www.iowainternationalcenter.org or you can send an email to Leviathan DeGross, at ldegross@iowainternationalcenter.org.
  3. The Okoboji Writers’ Retreat – Sep 19-21, 2022. This has become the must-attend event for writers to learn and network. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/the-okoboji-writers-retreat/
  4. Now available, Susan Werner is offering her full catalog of albums, plus bonus tracks (demos and unreleased songs), and live concert video footage. A perfect gift for yourself, for Susan Werner fans, and anyone who simply savors the magic of one of America’s musical gems. https://susanwerner.com/music/

Between the covers — author events worth noting:

  1. Beaverdale Books – Jun 21, 6:30-8:00 PM. Mindy Carlson, Her Dying Day.
  2. 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.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Jun 25, 2:00 PM. Kathleen Williams Renk. Vindicated.
  4. Beaverdale Books – Jun 27, 6:30-8:00 PM. Loren A. Olson, M.D., No More Neckties: A Memoir in Essays.
  5. 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. The Human Calling: Three Thousand Years of Eastern and Western Philosophical History is a deeply researched, very comprehensive understanding of three millennia of human history, By Daofeng He. https://www.thehumancalling.com/
  2. 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/
  3. 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/
  4. 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. Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
  8. Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City. https://www.prairielights.com/
  9. Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.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. An archive library of favorite interviews is on the website, and all recent interviews can be found at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz. http://www.TheCultureBuzz.com/
  2. Gentle Guide to Theater – Timothy Rose renews his insights and information about the Central Iowa theatre scene with his new website. This site is anchored by the most navigable, informative calendar of upcoming things theatrical in this region. www.gentleguidetheatre.com
  3. Center Stage – This Cityview monthly column covers feature stories about Central Iowa’s theatre scene. Distributed throughout the region and available online. Current column: https://www.dmcityview.com/center-stage
  4. 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/
  5. Art Week Des Moines – this annual, community/neighborhood celebration of the arts happens in several Greater Des Moines communities during the week leading up to the Des Moines Arts Festival. Planning, engagement and more happen throughout the year, and a diversity of input is welcomed and embraced by this initiative. https://artweekdesmoines.com/
  6. 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/
  7. 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/
  8. Contact Buzz – This new column covers crossroads between creativity and culture, and is offered in the new Des Moines edition of Little Village magazine. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
  9. Little Village magazine. This Des Moines edition of the iconic Iowa City monthly brings a progressive voice to Central Iowa readers. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
  10. 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/
  11. 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/
  12. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
  13. 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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