Monday, September 15, 2025

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

12/27/2022

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

“Don’t knock the weather. 9/10 of the people couldn’t start a conversation if it didn’t change once in a while.” – Kin Hubbard (1868-1930) an American cartoonist, humorist, and journalist. 

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 – Special appearance and workshop at Beaverdale Books Jan 4. Author of the inspirational Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Recreating Your Creativity, Mary Potter Kenyon, makes a special appearance at Beaverdale Books Wed Jan 4 at 6:30 PM to present a free workshop and book signing. “Mary Potter Kenyon’s Called to Be Creative: A Guide to Recreating Your Creativity is an appealing resource for anyone seeking an encouraging push to elevate their creative process. Whether new to creative exploration, or an experienced explorer, this book is a needed addition to anyone’s creative tool chest.” – The Culture Buzz https://marypotterkenyon.wordpress.com/
  • 11:15 AM – The beautiful Beaux Artes setting of the Heritage Art Gallery will host the return of Enchanted Illusion, an exhibition featuring the works of several award-winning Central Iowa artists, to benefit Sunny Porch “When creativity conjoins with a worthy cause, everyone benefits. Sunny Porch shines light on mental illness through art, with a compelling story to fuel its cathartic and positive efforts.” – The Culture Buzz https://sunnyporch.org/
  • 11:30 AM – Iowa History Journal publisher Michael Swanger leads a lively conversation about another bounty of informative and insightful stories in the new issue. With a fascinating cover story on George Washington Carver, providing new insights into this major historical figure, its writer, John Skipper, leaves another star in his firmament of writing. John Skipper passed this December, leaving an incredible legacy of journalistic and feature story writing excellence. https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
  • 11:45 AM – The Des Moines Community Playhouse’s Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre prepares to ring in the new year with a children’s book classic adapted to stage: Go, Dog, Go! This musical will captivate audiences, young and old alike, as this popular story comes to life on stage. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/go-dog-go/
  • 12:00 PM – 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/
  • 12:15 PM – Opening Jan 3 in Des Moines. Des Moines Performing Arts welcomes the national touring production of Cats to town Jan 3-8. Cast member Lexy Bittner (who plays “Cassandra”) leads a lively conversation about what it’s like to be part of such an iconic musical. “Audiences and critics alike are rediscovering this beloved musical with breathtaking music and stunning choreography. Winner of 7 Tony Awards including BEST MUSICAL, Cats tells the story of one magical night when an extraordinary tribe of cats gathers for its annual ball to rejoice and decide which cat will be reborn. The original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber, original scenic and costume design by John Napier, all-new lighting design by Natasha Katz, all-new sound design by Mick Potter, new choreography by Andy Blankenbuehler based on the original choreography by Gillian Lynne and direction by Trevor Nunn make this production a new Cats for a new generation.” https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/cats/
  • 12:21 PM – Find Me in the Time Before is the newest offering in Robin Stevens Payes’ ongoing Edge of Yesterday series, a captivating YA series featuring a dynamic young woman who travels through time and encounters Leonardo da Vinci. Robin shares wonderful insights into the motivation and creation of this series. “Robin Stevens Payes builds on her enticing Edge of Yesterday series, based on a dynamic and irresistible young female STEM protagonist who connects with Leonardo da Vinci. Time travel has never been so captivating.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.edgeofyesterdaybook.com/
  • 12:39 PM – Now available. Beth Howard anchors her life with baking pies. From an unforgettable several years living in Eldon, Iowa’s “American Gothic” House, to her personal life journey, she finds that pie baking is an anchor to so much. Her new book is a brilliant exploration of how pie baking ties into a universal language for bringing different cultures together. World Piece: A Pie Baker’s Global Quest for World Peace, Love, and Understanding is a must-read for everyone – preferably with a side of pie and coffee. “You don’t need to be a baker, or even a pie lover, to enjoy this delicious, wholly delightful book. Read it slowly, though, savoring the humanity found on each page.” —Eric Weiner, NYT bestselling author of The Socrates Express and The Geography of Bliss https://theworldneedsmorepie.com/
  • 12:55 PM – Poet and author Dennis Maulsby reads a passage from one of his award-winning books, House de Gracie. https://www.dennismaulsby.com/

Performance Arts

  1. Des Moines Performing Arts. Cats. Jan 3-8. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/cats/
  2. Des Moines Community Playhouse – Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. Go, Dog, Go! Jan 6-22. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/go-dog-go/
  3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Jan 7. Broadway Karaoke. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
  4. Pura Social Club. Jan 14. Best Original Song Cabaret. https://purasocialclub.com/

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

  • 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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