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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

9/14/2022

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

“What are the American ideals? They are the development of the individual for his own and the common good; the development of the individual through liberty, and the attainment of the common good through democracy and social justice.” – Louis Brandeis (1856-1941), an American lawyer and associate justice on the Supreme Court of the United States from 1916 to 1939.

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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:

  • World Food & Music Festival: The 2022 World Food & Music Festival will return to Western Gateway Park for its 18th year on Sept. 16 – 18, 2022, from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Sunday. The Festival will host nearly 50 vendors from 27 countries across the globe and provide vibrant live entertainment and interactive culinary opportunities for visitors.
    https://www.dsmpartnership.com/worldfoodandmusicfestival/
  • Des Moines Performing Arts: 200-foot-long Harp Strings to be Suspended from Civic Center – Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) is excited to announce a free stunning, immersive musical experience in downtown Des Moines. Sonic Butterfly will transform the Civic Center and Cowles Commons into a large-scale musical instrument. Artist Andrea Brook will create an amazing 200-foot installation from Cowles Commons, across Third Street to the roof of the Civic Center. The 26-string acoustic, chromatic, long-strip harp was designed by Brook. Two resonating chambers have butterfly-shaped projection screen or LED wings, to create a one-of-a-kind visual and musical experience.
    There will be 7 opportunities for people to see this free, family-friendly concert at Cowles Commons: Thu Sep 15 (6:30 PM), Fri Sep 16 (12:00, 3:00, 6:30 PM), and Sat Sep 17 (10:00 AM, 12:00 PM, 3:00 PM). https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/sonic-butterfly/
  • Saturday series in Perry: This Sat Sep 10, 10am-3pm, meet this award-winning artist: Tilda Brown Swanson | Tilda Brown Swanson Glass at the Mary Rose Gallery  | 1215 Warford Street, Perry, Iowa  | 515.465.4222. 
    Tilda layers flat glass, powdered glass, and sometimes copper to explore lighting and moments of beauty she sees in the natural world. She heats layered glass work many times, adding glass each time, to build the imagery, color, and depth of a piece. The resulting flat glass pieces are up to a half inch thick! Tilda creates beautiful landscapes, abstracts, and botanical images that offer deep color, transparency and visible layers through her work.
    Stop by to meet the maker, learn something new, watch demonstrations, and shop handmade art!
    This event is followed by two more Artisan Afternoons in September, featuring GLASS as a creative medium: 9/17, Lori Murga | Just Beadiful; 9/24, *Art Harvest Tour, featuring Mary Rose Nichols
  • Iowa History Journal: Annual back issue and poster sale. 50% off. “These stories never have an expiration date – I find myself constantly returning to issues I have in my collection from 5, 7, 10 years ago, and thoroughly enjoy reading the stories again.” – Don Doxsie, journalist and writer https://iowahistoryjournal.com/

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – The new Iowa History Journal is out, and Don Doxsie’s cover story is another brilliant immersion into Iowa’s fascinating and appealing past. “Trice-Slater: CyHawk Gridiron Legends” takes readers well beyond football into cultural and societal explorations. The rest of the issue includes fascinating stories about tent theatre, Waterloo’s Gem Donut Machine, Cheryl Mullenbach’s and Arvid Huisman’s columns, and more. https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
  • 11:14 AM – Preview of Ballet Des Moines October world premiere – Salem, with creator Tom Mattingly, BDM’s Artistic Director. Oct 20-29. https://www.balletdesmoines.org/salem
  • 11:28 AM – Ellen Pall captivates with her new novel, Must Read Well. Listen as Ellen shares exquisite details about the origins and creation of this immersive story. “A slow-burn drumbeat of acute psychological suspense…They say a great ending must be both surprising and inevitable, and Must Read Well delivers – twice.” – Lee Child, Bestselling Author and 2020 Booker Prize judge https://www.ellenpall.com/
  • 11:44 AM – Iowa Stage Theatre Company prepares to open its next show, Lynn Nottage’s Sweat, Fri Sep 16. Listen as Matt McIver, Iowa Stage’s artistic director and this show’s director, shares insights into this powerful Pulitzer Prize-winning show. https://www.iowastage.org/
  • 12:00 PM – Delayed a week in its opening, the Des Moines Playhouse presents the stellar musical, Guys & Dolls, beginning this Fri Sep 16. Listen as leads Even Shettler (as “Sky Masterson”) and Giovanni Baheni (as “Nathan Detroit”) bring their “A” game to a lively discussion about this delightful show. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/guys-and-dolls/
  • 12:14 PM – Author Denise Williams talks about Do You Take This Man Fri Sep 16 at Storyhouse Bookpub’s next Author Afterparty. Get you tickets now and enjoy a dessert and drink as part of the evening, as celebrated author Rachel Mans McKenny (The Butterfly Effect) facilitates the conversation. https://storyhousebookpub.com/#jp-carousel-2203
  • 12:27 PM – Dr. Barry S. Levy infuses a career of study and expertise in one of the most important books of our time, From Horror to Hope: Recognizing the Presenting the Health Impacts of War. Barry gives readers of this must-have book a comprehensive overview and understanding of the devastation of war. To understand this global problem is the first step in making the world a better place, and Dr. Levy does tie everything together with a strong thread of hope. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/from-horror-to-hope-9780197558645?cc=us&lang=en&
  • 12:43 PM – Kelsey Bigelow is an impressive spoken word artist, and shares insights into her creativity, including her new album. https://www.kelkaybpoetry.com/
  • 12:54 PM – Kelsey Bigelow track “A Little Late Motherly Advice” from her first spoken word album, Depression Holders & Secret Keepers.
  • 12:55 PM – A perfect exclamation to this week’s show, Susan Werner’s track “City Kids” from her masterful album, HAYSEED. http://susanwerner.com/music/

Performance Arts

  1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. The Sweet Delilah Swim Club. Thru Sep 18. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
  2. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Guys & Dolls. Sep 9-25. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/guys-and-dolls/
  3. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Sweat. Sep 16-25. https://www.iowastage.org/sweat
  4. Des Moines Symphony. Gershwin, Rodrigo, & Ravel. Sep 24-25. https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/2022-09-24/

Visual Arts — Galleries

  1. Polk County Heritage Gallery. The juried art show Iowa Exhibited XXXVII includes an Aug 18 awards ceremony and open house beginning at 6:30 PM. 49 Iowa artists were selected to exhibit in the show. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/iowa-exhibited-xxxvii
  2. Artisan Gallery 218. Fields and Flowers. An exhibition by Gallery artists. Thru Sept 30. https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  3. Momentum Art. Works of Growth & Recovery. Oct 7 as part of Mainframe Studio’s October First Friday. https://teamcsa.org/exhibition/
  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. 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. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Miss Bennet: Christmas at Pemberly, Tue Sep 13, 7:00 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  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. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

Planning ahead

  1.  Okoboji Writers’ Retreat – Sep 19-21, 2022. This has become the must-attend event for writers to learn and network. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/the-okoboji-writers-retreat/
  2. Latino Heritage Festival – Sep 24-25. Western Gateway Park, 1300 Grand. The Latino Festival provides an opportunity for Latinos to celebrate their heritage from 20+ Latin American countries in North, South, and Central America, the Caribbean, and Europe.  http://www.latinoheritagefestival.org/

Between the covers — author events worth noting:

  1. Storyhouse Bookpub – Sep 16, 7:00 PM. Author Afterparty event featuring Denise Williams’ Do You Take This Man Fri Sep 16 at Storyhouse Bookpub’s next Author Afterparty. Get you tickets now and enjoy a dessert and drink as part of the evening, as celebrated author Rachel Mans McKenny (The Butterfly Effect) facilitates the conversation. https://storyhousebookpub.com/#jp-carousel-2203
  2. Beaverdale Books – Sep 18, 1:00-3:00 PM. Graham Spanier, In the Lions’ Den.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Sep 27, 6:30 PM. Meet the Authors: John T. Price, All Is Leaf; Jody Keisner, Curing Season; Kristine Langley Mahler, Under My Bed.
  4. Beaverdale Books – Sep 27 7:00 PM. Beth Hoffman, Bet the Farm.
  5. Beaverdale Books – Sep 29, 6:30 PM. Catherine Haustien, Wrinkles in Spacetime.
  6. Windsor Heights Book Fair, Lodge at 1141-69th Street – Oct 2, 12:00-6:00 PM. Kay Fenton Smith & Carol McGarvey (12:00), Baking Blue Ribbons, Dave Price (1:00), Caucus Chaos, Mary Lee Ashford (2:00), Sugar and Spice Mystery Series; Nick Homberg (3:00), Emergent; Rachel Mans McKenny (4:00), The Butterfly Effect; R.E. Bellesmith (5:00), Light Keeper Chronicle: The Unspoken Prophecy. Also, children’s authors at the featured Children’s Table are Jill Friestad-Tate (12:00); Patty DeDurr (1:00); Joseph Cassis *(2:00); Liz Bedia (3:00); Brooke VanSickle (4:00); Cindy Johnson (5:00). This event is managed by Beaverdale Books.
  7. Beaverdale Books – Oct 10, 7:00 PM. Hunter’s Classics Book Club (2nd Tuesday of the month – there might be beer, too…classic, of course). Frankenstein by Mary Shelley.

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. Horse, Geraldine Brooks
  2. Where the Crawdads Sing, Delia Owens
  3. Principal Park: A Diamond in the Rough, Steve Dunn*
  4. Then and Now: Cancer Journals, Alicia Elifritz*
  5. Book Lovers, Emily Henry
  6. A Thousand Acres, Jane Smiley*
  7. Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America, Beth Hoffman*
  8. Crying in H Mart: A Memoir, Michelle Zauner
  9. 6:20 Man: A Thriller, David Balducci
  10. The Land Remains: A Midwestern Perspective on Our Past and Future, Neil D. Hamilton

* 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. From Horror to Hope: Recognizing and Preventing the Health Impacts of War by Barry S. Levy MD. This meticulously researched book adds Dr. Levy’s career of understanding and study on these issues, creating the most comprehensive understanding on this topic, while giving hope for a future with less or no war.
  2. (P)luck: Lessons We Learned for Improving Healthcare and the World. Blair Sadler and twin brother, Alfred, the dynamic medical doctor-lawyer team, infuse their invaluable resource with vital information that is applicable even beyond the world of just healthcare. https://www.pluckthebook.com/
  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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