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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

7/6/2022

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

“I don’t want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.” – Diane Ackerman, an American poet, essayist, and naturalist known for her wide-ranging curiosity and poetic explorations of the natural world.

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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 – In Tomboy, Shelley Blanton-Stroud whisks readers to 1939 as her irrepressible cub reporter Jane Benjamin tricks her way to Wimbledon, only to find herself in the middle of a murder mystery. Shelley shares glimpses into her wonderful story. “Jane Benjamin’s the heroine we need, the heroine we wish we were—determined, tough as hell, utterly loveable. This propulsive novel was a lot of danged fun!” — Elizabeth Gonzalez James, author of Mona at Sea https://shelleyblantonstroud.com/
  • 11:16 AM – Eden Collinsworth takes us on an historical adventure in What the Ermine Saw: The Extraordinary Journey of Leonardo da Vinci’s Most Mysterious Portrait, anchored by da Vinci’s famous portrait of a woman with the namesake animal. Providing peaks into the creation of this gem, Eden delivers a spirited conversation. “Collinsworth unwinds a thoroughly captivating story about a single painting . . . Filled with beauty, passion, greed, and evil, [her] search is a spirited art history yarn.” – Kirkus http://www.edencollinsworth.com/
  • 11:32 AM – Down to the River is a masterful immersion into a special story from the talented creative pool of Anne Whitney Pierce. For those who lived in this era, memories will spark like fireflies on a warm summer’s night. For those who didn’t, you will be transported to Anne’s setting in vivid detail. “Some books you read, others you inhabit. ‘Down to the River’ is in the latter category. Anne Whitney Pierce writes about Cambridge, Mass. in the late 1960’s with the kind of rich, textured detail that’s missing from a lot of contemporary fiction. Without sentimentality or nostalgia, she brings the period alive with all of its political unrest, social anxiety, and sexual experimentation. More importantly, the Potts family becomes real and familiar, especially Chickie and Hen, the teenage cousins at the center of the novel. Their complicated relationship is a moving portrait of a particular stage of life in a specific time and place.” – Stephen McCauley, author of My Ex-Life and The Object of My Affection https://www.annewhitneypierce.com/
  • 11:47 AM – Poet Diane Glass shares thoughts and insights into her recent collection, The Heart Hungers for Wildness. This evocative collection will prod readers into deeper reflections as Diane entices with her mastery of words. “With a fluidity and soul-touching appeal, ‘The Heart Hungers for Wildness’ gifts its readers with rare appeal and connectivity. This is a collection that will have its owners return often, always to glean something new and special from its rich content.” – The Culture Buzz https://dianeeglass.com/
  • 12:00 PM – Opening this week. Roald Dahl’s Matilda the Musical takes to the stage beginning this Friday at the Des Moines Community Playhouse. Director David Vancleave and Lily Spahr (who shares the title role in alternating performances with Liliana Haaland) spark a lively conversation about Dahl’s special book, and how the stage musical varies from the book and the film version. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/matilda-the-musical/
  • 12:16 PM – Illustrator/writer/historian Gary Kelley releases his newest multifaceted gem Bach and the Blues: Pablo Casals and Robert Johnson. Through exquisite boldness in his illustrations, he conjoins a special time in history in the 1930s when these two artists separately released what would become seminal albums. “When Gary Kelley releases his passionate curiosity about a subject, capturing it in the beauty of his artwork and storytelling, cultural consumers will benefit from a rare feast. ‘Bach and the Blue: Pablo Casals and Robert Johnson is such a stellar work – indulge your senses, immerse yourself.” – The Culture Buzz https://icecubepress.com/2021/12/06/bach-and-the-blues-2/ 
  • 12:32 PM – In The Spy Who Knew Too Much, Howard Blum quickly draws readers into a world of intrigue, death and more. Drawing from intriguing history, Howard leverages his experienced pen to craft a story of riveting allure. “Blum’s access to Bagley’s writings and a myriad of other sources enables him to craft a page-turning narrative. This reads like a John le Carré novel come to life.” — Publishers Weekly Starred Review https://www.howardblum.com/
  • 12:46 PM – Ben Godar is the driving force behind Des Moines Film and Varsity Cinema, with the signature gem of his efforts being the renovation and restoration of the Varsity Cinema to a greater glory, while retaining its unique niche in the metro’s cinematic history. Listen, learn and connect. https://desmoinesfilm.org/

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. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Annual Landscape Show, thru Jul 23, 5:00-7:00 PM at 204-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction. https://olsonlarsen.com/
  4. 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/ 
  5. 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
  6. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  7. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  8. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  9. 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/
  10. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  11. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  12. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  13. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  14. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  15. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  16. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/

1Check these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.
2Check website for current exhibitions.

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 – Jul 10, 2;30-4:00 PM. Mary Gordon & Candace Camling (author & illustrator), Hello, Iowa.
  2. Artisan Gallery 218 – Jul 11, 6:30-8:00 PM. Jan Down, Wind in My Wheels.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Jul 20, 6:30-8:00 PM. Steve Dunn, Principal Park:  Diamond in the Rough
  4. 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. The Winning Ticket: Uncovering America’s Biggest Lottery Scam, Rob Sand* and Reid Forgrave
  2. Happy-Go-Lucky, David Sedaris
  3. The Body Is Not an Apology: The Power of Radical Self-Love, Sonya Renee Taylor
  4. Hello Iowa, Mary Gordon,* Illustrated by Candace Camling**
  5. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens
  6. Atlas of the Heart: Mapping Meaningful Connection and the Language of Human Experience, Brene Brown
  7. The Paris Apartment, Lucy Foley
  8. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Taylor Jenkins Reid
  9. Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, Neil deGrasse Tyson
  10. The Overstory, Richard Powers*Iowa Author!

* 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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