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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

2/8/2023

From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, MainFrame Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning independent radio station, KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content.
 – 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
“Good leadership requires you to surround yourself with people of diverse perspectives who can disagree with you without fear of retaliation.”
– Doris Kearns Goodwin, an American biographer, historian, former sports journalist, and political commentator.
 
Curious about my primary source for reliable quotes? Visit Mardy Grothe’s exceptional, free resource, Dr. Mardy’s Dictionary of Metaphorical Quotations – https://www.drmardy.com/dmdmq/
 
Newsletter content:
Special Cultural Headline news
I. Guests on this week’s show;
II. Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
III. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
IV. Auditions and other Opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
V. Planning ahead;
VI. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
VII. 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 –

I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

  • 11:00 AM – Celebrated Iowa artist Mary Kline-Misol presents Celebrating Story: Selections from The Suffrage Project and The Carver Commissions at the Clive Public Library Feb 3 – Apr 20. Through the power of her imagery, Mary brings a layered and compelling vibrancy to the themes of the suffrage movement and George Washington Carver’s legacy. “Mary Kline-Misol has a special gift of infusing her historic images with a depth and somber energy that beckons viewers to more completely reflect upon her subject matter.”
    – The Culture Buzz
    https://www.cityofclive.com/library/calendar.php?view=day&month=03&day=01&year=2023&calendar=&id=662
  • 11:16 AM – Historian Mike Rowley has launched an ambitious project to celebrate the 175th anniversary of Des Moines’ oldest cemetery: Woodland Cemetery. Rich in history, this September a day will be designated to invite Iowans to stroll through the cemetery and experience reenactors, storytellers, historians and more bring the history of the pioneers and community-builders, as well as a surprisingly diverse population, come to life. For more information, to volunteer time in developing some of these stories, please contact Mike directly at MJR1825@gmail.com.
  • 11:33 AM – The next visit from a touring Broadway show at Des Moines Performing Arts is Feb 7-19. SIX the Musical, the multiple award-winning musical that has enchanted audiences since it first took to the stage, dynamically fills the Civic Center performing hall. Amina Faye (who portrays Jane Seymour) brings her lively energy to a conversation, providing peeks into the tight-knit family of this national touring production.“SIX “TOTALLY RULES!”” (Critic’s Pick) – The New York Times .“Exactly the kind of energizing, inspirational illumination this town aches for!” – The Washington Post
    https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/six/
  • 11:50 AM – One of the amazing Susan Werner’s more recent projects is her charming THE BIRDS OF FLORIDA EP. Listen as Susan shares insights into the creation of this witty, musically irresistible gem. (Later in the show, a track from this EP will air – “Florida La La La.”)
    http://susanwerner.com/
  • 12:00 PM – The Under the Dome series will take audiences to rarified heights of musical and cultural celebration on Sat Feb 11 at 4:00 PM when Lift Every Voice with Love is presented. Featuring Broadway, Metropolitan Opera and Twelve Years a Slave artist Roosevelt André Credit, this immersive celebration promises to be one of the most memorable Central Iowa has ever experienced. The event is free; goodwill donations welcomed.“Under Ben Allaway’s gifted and experienced guidance, a special kind of spiritual and aesthetic programming is happening in the First United Methodist Church’s Music Under the Dome series. This is don’t miss programming of high acclaim.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://dmfirstchurch.org/event/broadway-metropolitan-opera-and-twelve-years-a-slave-artist-in-concert-and-worship-feb-11-12-lift-every-voice-in-love/
  • 12:20 PM – This coming Saturday is the next Pura Social Club Broadway Cabaret – “Seasons of Love.” Producer Mike Howland takes time to share his passion and the community’s positive response to this opportunity to hear Central Iowa’s best performers sing Broadway’s greatest hits.
    “The Broadway Cabaret series being produced by Michael Howland is one of those magical projects which brings fans of Broadway music together with top performers for thematic evenings of immersive delight.” – The Culture Buzz
    https://purasocialclub.com/des-moines-east-village-pura-social-club-events
  • 12:32 PM – Marilyn Moss Rockefeller’s new memoir resonates with readers, inspiring them through her personal journey. Mountain Girl: From Barefoot to Boardroom is a masterpiece in how such a unique life journey can be so universal in its truths. “If there was ever a life worth writing about, it is Marilyn Moss Rockefeller’s. Mountain Girl is her unassuming journey made epic by her capacity to find faith in her doubts; to own her struggles and triumphs; to be tenacious yet carefree; to crave adventure as well as stability; to ultimately say yes, yes, yes to all those moments—big and small—which make a life come alive.” – Richard Blanco, author of The Prince of Los Cocuyos: A Miami Childhood and other books
    http://www.marilynmmoss.com/
  • 12:50 PM – Susan Werner’s “Florida La La La” from her ebullient THE BIRDS OF FLORIDA EP.
    http://susanwerner.com/music/
  • 12:53 PM – Filmmaker, writer and media specialist Kristian Day chats about his new program that he hosts, “Iowa Basement Tapes,” 9:00-10:00 PM Thursdays on KFMG.
    www.kfmg.org

II. Performance Arts

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

CNA - ImmunizationsCNA - Stop HIV Iowa

IV. Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities

VI. Planning ahead

  • Terrace Hill “Tea & Talk” Series beginning Feb 4. 2:00 PM each Sat event. $10/event. Tickets are available at https://teaandtalkseries.eventbrite.com, or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205. Feb 11 – John David Thompson, Iowa Poems 175. Feb 18 – Melissa Burdick, Brenton Arboretum. Feb 25 – Elvin McDonald, How a Kid from OKRA-home Became an Iowan.
    Des Moines Metro Opera – Mar 3, 6-9 PM. Des Moines Metro Opera reveals the 2023 date of its annual signature fundraiser: The Wine, Food & Beer Showcase. The highly anticipated event, which supports the company’s award-winning educational and community engagement programming, will be on March 3, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at the Downtown DSM Marriott. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/events/event-254/

VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:

  • Beaverdale Books – Norene Paulson, Feb 8, 6:30 PM. Nila’s Perfect Coat
  • Beaverdale Books – MEET THE AUTHORS. Local Author Fair. Feb 11. 1:00-3:00 PM.
  • Beaverdale Books – Tyler Granger, Feb 13, 6:30 PM. Iowa Trouble
  • Beaverdale Books – Joy Neal Kidney, Feb 20, 6:30 PM. Leora’s Early Years: Guthrie County Roots
  • Beaverdale Books – Mary Potter Kenyon, Mar 6, 6:30-8:00 PM (rescheduled event). Called to Be Creative workshop and booksigning.
  • Beaverdale Books – Mike Triggs, Mar 13, 6:30 PM. You Can’t Make This $#!+ Up!: Retail Politics like you’ve never seen it before!

Recurring bookstore events –

  • 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)
  • Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
  • 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. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
    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 books, each sold separately)
    *Iowa Author!
    Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library.
    Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

VIII. 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 https://melissagoldbergmintz.com/
  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. https://global.oup.com/academic/product/from-horror-to-hope-9780197558645?cc=us&lang=en&
  3. Wednesday, February 8, 2023 – THE CULTURE BUZZ  
    11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Central Time.
    Broadcast regionally on KFMG 98.9 FM; Simultaneously streaming through     www.kfmg.org

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

Greater Des Moines/Central Iowa Independent Book Stores:
The Culture Buzz encourages you to visit your local independent book store regularly. Check these sites, as their calendars are always filled with enticing activities and news.

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:

  • 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
    The Culture Buzz Podcast Library – https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 
    Website – http://www.TheCultureBuzz.com/
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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/
  • 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/
  • 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.
  • 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/
  • 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/
  • 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/
  • 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/
  • 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/
  • Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
  • 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: 988 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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