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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

12/21/2022

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

“We turn not older with years but newer every day.” – Emily Dickinson(1830-1886), an American poet. Little-known during her life, she has since been regarded as one of the most important figures in American poetry.

CNA - Alcohol/Cancer (Sept. 2025)CNA - Stop HIV (Sept 2025)

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

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Now available. Abena Sankofa Imhotep crafts an engaging children’s book with Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe. Beautifully and boldly illustrated, Abena’s book will become a favorite to be read and re-read in family’s who add this to their children’s library. Abena shares insights into the timely and positive messages contained in this wonderful story. “In Abena Sankofa Imhotep’s Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe, she weaves meaningful messages into her special story as children – and, adults – follow Omari as he travels a path of personal illumination.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.archwaypublishing.com/en/bookstore/bookdetails/828641-omaris-big-tree-and-the-mighty-djembe
  • 11:13 AM – Miguel Luciano is an actor in the Greater Miami area, and takes time from his busy schedule to provide insights into his career, and how he uses his talents as performer, director and producer to “pay it forward” for his community. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6600491/
  • 11:31 AM – Drawing from his experience in law enforcement and as a gifted fiction writer, Aaron Philip Clark delivers another tour de force in Blue Like Me. Aaron gives great insights into how he crafts his dynamic stories, and this one is another winner. “T.S. Eliot referred to it as tradition and individual talent, the manner in which new work at once honors, builds upon, and questions what has come before. Chester Himes, Richard Wright, James Baldwin–Aaron Philip Clark has been paying attention.” – JAMES SALLIS, DRIVE & CHESTER HIMES: A LIFE https://www.aaronphilipclark.com/
  • 11:45 AM – Special appearance at Beaverdale books Jan 3. Sean Adams returns from his well-received debut, The Heap, with another delve into his newest story, The Thing in the Snow. Listen as Sean provides enticing glimpses into this captivating tale. “Sean Adams conjures stories that spring from elements of science fiction, mystery and other influences – giving readers an intriguing journey into an emerging storyteller of wonderful promise.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.iamseanadams.com/
  • 11:57 AM – Poet David M. Perkins reads “As It Ever Rolls Over” from his recent collection, Post-Modern Blues. “Perkins’ lines make the mundane significant, and we are always drawn into his work as if by a warm magic that we can trust, teeming with the language of living and loving that we can hold close without the dread of betrayal … I applaud these poems’ capacity for love.”- Pushcart Prize, American Book Award-winning writer Jim Barnes https://icecubepress.com/2021/09/20/post-modern-blues-2/
  • 12:00 PM – Special appearance Dec 15, 6:00 PM at Jasper Winery. Sonya Mack shares her intimate, heart-searing journey in This Changes Everything: When Death No Longer Has the Final Say. Sonya captures her story through a universal lens that provides insights for everyone. “Filled with light in the darkness and joy through the rain.” – Elaine Marie Cooper, author of Sacred Vessels https://sonyajoymack.com/
  • 12:17 PM – Mary Beth Albright gifts us with a brilliant dive into food, with all of its complex benefits awaiting the conscientious consumer. Eat & Flourish: How Food Supports Emotional Well-Being leads readers into a masterful understanding of the essential aspects of eating are intimately tied to our mental health, too. “Mary Beth Albright makes a compelling case that by understanding food holistically, we can unlock its potential to improve our physical and emotional well-being.” – José Andrés, chef and founder of World Central Kitchen https://www.marybethalbright.com/books/
  • 12:33 PM – Always elevating the content of any given edition of The Culture Buzz when one of her songs is included, the incomparable Susan Werner reminds us of our Iowa roots in “Iowa,” from her landmark album, HAYSEED. “Susan Werner, a clever songwriter and an engaging performer, brings literacy and wit back to popular song.” – The New Yorker https://susanwerner.com/
  • 12:37 PM – Bonnie MacBird delivers another immersive experience into a Sherlock Holmes-ian world as she channels the essence while honoring Conan Doyle’s writing with her seasonal gem, What Child Is This. Listen as Bonnie delights with glimpses into the creation and development of this wonderful read. “No one can surpass Conan Doyle at his best, but a select few pastiche writers get close enough that they can almost reach out and touch the master. Bonnie MacBird is one of those writers that, in my opinion, achieves this consistently. If you need a Holmes story for Christmas (and who doesn’t?) get hold of this immediately.” — The Doyleockian, September 2022 https://macbird.com/
  • 12:56 PM – A band that will get anyone tapping their toes and jiving to their beat, the Hot Sardines share “Your Feet’s Too Big,” one of many great tracks in their albums. “100-year-old jazz standards get reborn.” – ROLLING STONE https://hotsardines.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Des Moines Performing Arts. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Dec 22. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/rudolph-2022/
  2. Pura Social Club. A Merry Little Holiday Show. Dec 23. https://purasocialclub.com/des-moines-east-village-pura-social-club-events

Visual Arts – Exhibitions

  1. Artisan Gallery 218. “Des Moines Architectural Forms: Artist Renderings of the City” will display the impressions of Gallery partners Marybeth Heikes and Victoria Herring of various interior and exterior forms of architecture in Des Moines, continues through Dec 31. https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  2. Artisan Gallery 218. “A Tale of Kitsune: Selections from the Shapeshifter Project” continues through Dec 31. https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  3. Des Moines Art Center. Alison Elizabeth Taylor. The Sum of It. Thru Jan 15, 2023. Anna K. Meredith Gallery. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/alison-elizabeth-taylor-the-sum-of-it/
  4. Des Moines Art Center. Miriam Alarcon Avila. Iowa Artists 2022. Thru Jan 15, 2023. Krause Atrium, Lower Meier Galleries, and Bookey Gallery. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/iowa-artists-2022-miriam-alarcon-avila/

Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

  • Heritage Art Gallery. Annual Juried Show: DSM Exhibited XXXVII (Thru Dec 30).
  1. 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/
  2. 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
  3. The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
  4. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
  5. Artisan Gallery 218. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://www.artisangallery218.com/
  6. 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/
  7. Heritage Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
  8. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
  9. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
  10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
  11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
  12. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
  13. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
  14. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
  15. Ritual Café. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
  16. Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure/

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

Auditions, Volunteer, and other Individual Enhancement Opportunities

  1. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
  2. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
  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

  • Central Iowa Wind Ensemble performs “Holiday Spectacular” Sun Dec 18, 3 p.m. Franklin Junior High – Large Auditorium, 48th & Franklin, Des Moines, Iowa. ADMISSION: FREE! TICKETS: Tickets are required for all events. Tickets are available at the door or at www.ciwe.org
  • With Mother Nature shifting into holiday season mode, consider a short drive to Pella. Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Downtown Pella. Various dates through December 17. There are few things more festive than horse-drawn carriage rides! Join us for a trot aroud the town! Carriages pick up and drop off in front of the Information Windmill at the corner of Franklin Street and Main Street, directly kitty-corner from Smokey Row. No advanced reservations, tickets may be purchased at the loading zone during ride hours (Corner of Main & Franklin Streets in Central Park). $5 for adults; $3 for children 12 and under; FREE under 2 years old. https://www.facebook.com/events/292423426260081/292423432926747/
  • New Year’s Eve is fast approaching
    Des Moines Symphony – welcomes the new year with its special orchestral flair. With a fresh take on the music of Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald and more, performed by award-winning vocalist Capathia Jenkins and Tony DeSare, this New Year’s Eve Pops show, “Frank & Great Ladies of Song” will everyone into 2023 in euphoric style. https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/frank-the-great-ladies-of-song/

Between the covers — author events worth noting:

  1. Beaverdale Books – Sean Adams, Jan 3, 6:30 PM. The Thing in the Snow
  2. Beaverdale Books – Robert Nandell, Jan 17, 6:30 PM. First Editions: Silent Warfare Inside a Chain-Owned Newspaper
  3. Beaverdale Books – at Central Library, Des Moines. Stephen Markley, Jan 28, 7:00 PM, The Deluge
  4. Beaverdale Books – Jolene Stratton Philo, Feb 6, 6:30 PM. See Jane Sing!
  5. Beaverdale Books – Norene Paulson, Feb 8, 6:30 PM. Nila’s Perfect Coat
  6. Beaverdale Books – Tyler Granger, Feb 13, 6:30 PM. Iowa Trouble
  7. Beaverdale Books – Joy Neal Kidney, Feb 20, 6:30 PM. Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots

Recurring bookstore events –

  1. Beaverdale Books – Hunter’s Classics Book Club (2nd Tue, 7:00 PM); Beaverdale Book Browsers Club (2nd Thu, 6:30 PM); Urbandale UCC Book Club (3rd Thu); Books and Bonbons (3rd Thu, 7:00 PM); Environmental Bok Club (3rd Sat); Mystery Book Club (4th Tue, 7:00 PM)
  2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
  3. Dogeared Books – Dog-Eared official book club (one Thu/month, 10-11 AM); Between the Covers (one Sat/month, 7-8 PM); Women from Other Words book club (one Mon/month 5-6 PM); Translation book club (one Fri/month, 7-8 PM); Books & Beverages – the book club experience without the commitment (one Thu/month, 6-7 PM)

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 Light We Carry: Overcoming in Uncertain Times, Michelle Obama
  2. Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver
  3. And There Was Light: Abraham Lincoln and the American Struggle, Jon Meacham
  4. The Revolutionary: Samuel Adams, Stacy Schiff
  5. An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz
  6. Diper Överlöde (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 17), Jeff Kinney
  7. Liberation Day: Stories, George Saunders
  8. Horse, Geraldine Brooks
  9. Desert Star, Michael Connelly
  10. Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human, Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • Plus some great Iowa author titles to add to your library:
    The Lincoln Highway in Iowa: A History, Darcy Daugherty Maulsby*
    Baking Blue Ribbons: Stories and Recipes from the Iowa State Fair Competitions, Kay Fenton Smith* and Carol McGarvey*
    Omari’s Big Tree and the Mighty Djembe, Abena Sankofa Imhotep*
    The Leora’s Letters Dexter Trilogy, Joy Neal Kidney* (3 book set)

* 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. HAS YOUR CHILD BEEN TRAUMATIZED? How to Know and What to do to Promote Healing and Recovery. Melissa Goldberg-Mintz, PhD. “In this era of exposure to violence of all types, this book represents a critical step forward in equipping parents to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma. It also guides parents to develop a step-by-step approach for helping their child recover. A welcome, important contribution for parents worldwide.” —Terence M. Keane, PhD, Professor and Assistant Dean for Research, Boston University School of Medicine
  2. 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.
  3. The Exceptional Professional: What You Need to Know to Grow Your Career is an info-packed gem from Callista Gould. https://cultureandmanners.com/ 

Check out The Culture Buzz’s insightful interviews for these and other authors’ interviews at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

Performing Arts Organizations:
Please check in advance regarding any scheduled performances, exhibitions, museum visits, etc.

Greater Des Moines Independent Book Store Happenings:
The Culture Buzz shares many authors and their books with its audiences. We encourage you to visit your local independent book store regularly. The folks at these destination locations know books, and welcome the chance to help anyone connect with titles and subjects they seek. Check these sites, as their calendars are always filled with enticing activities and news.

  1. Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
  2. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
  3. Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
  4. Artisan Gallery 218, 218-5th Street, Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines (select author events), http://www.artisangallery218.com/
  5. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
  6. Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
  7. 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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