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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

6/28/2022

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time.
Broadcast regionally on KFMG 98.9 FM; Simultaneously streaming globally through www.kfmg.org

From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, MainFrame Studios Building at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning independent radio station KFMG-LP 98.9 FM, bringing you music, literature & cultural news. — John Busbee for The Culture Buzz

The Culture Buzz Podcast Library – https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts
2018 – voted Best Local Talk Radio Show
www.TheCultureBuzz.com 

Quote of the Week

“Discover your own discontent, and be grateful, for without divine discontent there would be no creative force.” — Deepak Chopra, an Indian-American author and alternative medicine advocate.

CNA - Stop HIV Iowa

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:

  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:

Summertime performing arts learning opportunities for youth and adults abound

  1. 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/
  2. 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/
  3. 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/
  4. 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
  5. 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. Katie J Purcell wanted to write a book from her earliest days as a voracious reader. After successfully establishing her career, becoming a mother and considering options, she was guided by her muse to write Molly’s Big Score, a compelling story about understanding, compassion and desire. “Katie Purcell pens a captivating story about understanding and empathy, visually enhanced by Maggie Glisan’s illustrations. Molly’s Big Score brings a relatability to others about disabilities, or simply we all have our differences. This is a must read for parents with young children.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.katiejpurcell.com/
  • 11:17 AM – S.W. Leicher’s Acts of Atonement continues the ongoing story between roots and desires. S.W. shares enticing invitations to enter the world she has so powerfully and eloquently captured, giving readers a memorable journey. “S.W. Leicher follows her Acts of Assumption with this powerful tale of diverse cultures and beliefs convene when an unlikely trio explore their worlds through a special lens. Acts of Atonement is brilliant.” – The Culture Buzz https://swleicher.com/
  • 11:32 AM – Frieda Hoffman’s Carry Me: Stories of Pregnancy Loss is important reading not just for mothers, fathers and families who have experienced such profound loss, but for others to gain a much better understanding of how different people react to such an event. “Frieda Hoffman has not only written a beautiful and important book, she has written a book that does something few narratives dare: she casts light onto a subject so many keep hidden in the darkness, and guides readers, knowledgeably and tenderly, into a territory that one might just call Hope. This book is a gift.” — Lee Kravetz, author of Strange Contagion and co-author of Supersurvivors https://www.friedahoffman.com/book
  • 11:47 AM – Crazy to Leave You brings the next offering from brilliant writer Marilyn Simon Rothstein. With a keen wit and brilliant ability to harvest he diverse bounty life offers and translate it into fantastic prose, Marilyn shares some back story into this latest, hilarious adventure that expertly dips its telling in love, loss, humor, poignancy and so much more. “Reading a book by Marilyn Simon Rothstein is like sitting at the fun table at a wedding, listening to all an insider’s funny stories about the blessed event’s guests, and those she unsparingly tells on herself. Marilyn Simon Rothstein makes me laugh—and reminds me that even in a comic novel, the emotional dynamics in a nosy, tight-knit Jewish family with three competitive daughters can be as twisted as they are laughable. In Rothstein’s third hilarious novel, we follow the victim of a brutal hit-and-runaway groom, a bride with a ticking biological clock and a brilliant Manhattan advertising career. Despite her bona fides, this abandoned singleton has no way to spin the mortifying situation she finds herself in—dumped at the altar by a weakling who announces his plan by texting her sister. Will she ever love again? Will she ever stop eating to fill the hole he left? You’ll find out, and if you’re like me, you’ll be waiting for this author’s next book.” — Thelma Adams, author of The Last Woman Standing and Bittersweet Brooklyn https://www.marilynsimonrothstein.com/
  • 11:58 AM – Esteemed poet Jennifer Perrine reads her “If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.” https://www.jenniferperrine.org/
  • 12:00 PM – Performances beginning Friday. General Director Michael Egel shares quick glimpses into the magnificent 50th Anniversary Season of the Des Moines Metro Opera, which opens Fri Jul 1. Three magnificent shows and a bill filled with an impressive array of firsts – including a commissiond world premiere, the operatic Iowa debut of opera super-star Dr. Simon Estes, and more, DMMO continues to be a gold standard in the world of opera, and in Iowa’s cultural scene. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/ 
  • 12:19 PM – Madhu Raghavendra’s poetry spans a special spectrum of insights in his Being Non-Essential collection. Penning poetry as eloquent as his conversation, listen as Madhu shares insights into his inspirations and motivations. “When immersing oneself into Madhu Raghavendra’s poetry, the reader plunges into a world of respectfully crafted imagery. Meticulous, loving weavings of words beckon the reader to speak each poem aloud, adding a resonant power to his poetic gifts.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.facebook.com/madhuvspoetry/
  • 12:35 PM – Teresa K. Miller’s newest poetry collection, Borderline Fortune, Is another rewarding journey with this gifted writer. Teresa shares back story and glimpses into the creation of this gem. “Teresa K. Miller explores startling territories in Borderline Fortune. She addresses the lines we’ve drawn and erased for centuries on the earth—that conform to the borders we cross and uncross in the mind…Miller remains radiantly elusive, an escape artist in these marvelous poems of altered terra firma and revelation.” — Carol Muske-Dukes, former California poet laureate and author of Blue Rose https://teresakmiller.net/
  • 12:48 PM – Poet Jennifer L. Knox has her newest collection (her fifth) of critically acclaimed poetry to share with the world, “Crushing It.” Jennifer provides glimpses into her process, delivering yet another creative Whitman’s sampler of poetic delights sure to engage and entertain. “Endlessly entertaining and emotionally stimulating.” — Publisher’s Weekly  https://www.jenniferlknox.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Des Moines Metro Opera – 50th Anniversary Season. Porgy and Bess, Jul 1, 3, 8, 14, 16, 21, 24. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Jul 2, 10, 15, 23. A Thousand Acres, Jul 9, 13, 17, 19. American Apollo (at the Des Moines Art Center), Jul 20-23.
  2. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Raold Dahl’s Matilda, the Musical. Jul 8-24. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/matilda-the-musical/
  3. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. King Lear (at Salisbury House & Gardens), Jul 13-17. https://salisburyhouse.org/event.php?event_id=999_0
  4. 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/

Visual Arts

  1. Polk County Heritage Gallery. The Sea Beneath Our Feet: Photographs by Amee Ellis, a project commissioned by the Des Moines Metro Opera. Opening reception Wed Jun 29, 6:30-8:00 PM. The Sea Beneath Our Feet is a photographic interpretation of the Des Moines Metro Opera’s 2022 world-premiere opera A Thousand Acres, based on Jane Smiley’s novel. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
  2. Artisan Gallery 218. Fields and Flowers. An exhibition by Gallery artists. Jul 5 thru Sept 30. Artist Reception July 29th 5-8pm. https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  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. 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.
  5. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Annual Landscape Show, thru Jul 23, 5:00-7:00 PM at 204-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction. https://olsonlarsen.com/
  6. 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/ 
  7. 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
  8. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  9. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  10. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  11. 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/
  12. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  13. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  14. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  15. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  16. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  17. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  18. 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. Field of Dreams series casting call. Peacock will be seeking paid extras for their series, “Field of Dreams.” Filming will take place in Iowa in September to early October. kaast.app/signup
  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. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  4. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
  5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  6. Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
  7. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
  8. Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
  9. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
  10. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
  11. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  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. 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 30, 6:30-8:00 PM. Robert Nandell, Meet Me at the Depot.
  2. Beaverdale Books – Jul 10, 2;30-4:00 PM. Mary Gordon & Candace Camling (author & illustrator), Hello, Iowa.
  3. Artisan Gallery 218 – Jul 11, 6:30-8:00 PM. Jan Down, Wind in My Wheels.
  4. Beaverdale Books – Jul 20, 6:30-8:00 PM. Steve Dunn, Principal Park:  Diamond in the Rough
  5. Beaverdale Books – Jul 23, 2:30-4:00 PM. Alicia Elifritz, Then and Now

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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