Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

3/14/2023

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

“Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day; begin it well and serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882), an American essayist, lecturer, philosopher, abolitionist, and poet who led the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century.

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:

• Four Shillings Short in Iowa. All information also at https://4shillingsshort.com/home
  · Wed Mar 15, 12pm Lunch & 1pm “A Celebration of Ireland Concert” with Four Shillings Short
  · Thu Mar 16, 8:00-10:00 PM “A Celebration of Ireland Concert” CAFÉ PARADISO, 101 N. Main St., Fairfield, IA 52556. (650) 274-1100 for more info. $13 advance/$15 door. Tickets available online: https://cafeparadiso.net/
  · Fri Mar 17, ST. PATRICK’S DAY BENEFIT CONCERT. Doors open at 6:00pm; 6:30pm – Clear Joy : Elaina & Anna Steenson; 7:00pm Concert with Four Shillings Short; 8:00pm Foy Irish Dancers. Windsor Heights Presbyterian Church, 6301 University Ave., Windsor Heights, Iowa. (515) 277-8379   www.windsorpc.org. $35 general admission/$50 reserved seating. Tickets: (515) 321-9581 or moekorte@cs.com or rmeyer@aol.com 2 complimentary beers and/or glasses of wine. Door prizes and a silent auction w/ trips to South Africa. All proceeds go to Divine Access, a business school for Women in Africa. http://www.diifoundation.org
  · Sat Mar 18, 3:00-5:30 PM. “A Celebration of Ireland – music, poetry and stories from the Emerald Isle” with Four Shillings Short. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 Hyland Ave. Ames, IA 50014. 515/292-5960. https://www.uufames.org. Tickets: $10/ $20 per family. Online tickets: https://4shillingsshort.com/ames_18
  · Sun Mar 19, 10:00-11:00 AM Service with guest musicians Aodh Og & Christy of Four Shillings Short. Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 Hyland Ave., Ames, IA 50014
• DSM Book Festival – Sat Mar 25. The 2023 DSM Book Festival will take place at Capital Square in Downtown Des Moines (DSM). Festival are scheduled from 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
  Workshops include:
  · Books and Beans: Spring Book and Coffee Pairing with Storyhouse Bookpub and Daisy Chain Coffee  
  · Baking Blue Ribbons 
  · Building a Better Cheese and Charcuterie Board with Django Restaurant 
  · A Taste of the Dark: Writing True Crime and Tasting Wine 
  Author panels include: 
  · Thrill(er) Ride – Lessons Learned on the Journey to Becoming a Novelist 
  · Iowa Non-Fiction Author Panel with Beaverdale Books 
  · Children’s Book Authors Panel 
  https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/
• Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) announced their cornerstone of the 2023 – 24 Willis Broadway Series. Six shows make up the Season Ticket Package with three returning favorites offered as add-on options. The six-show Season Ticket Package includes: Girl from the North Country, THE WIZ, Company, Funny Girl, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The add-on engagements include Stomp, MAMMA MIA! and Les Misérables. This season represents a combined 23 Tony awards. Including the 2021 Tony Award for Best Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and the 2022 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for Company. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will play at the Civic Center for a special two-week engagement. DMPA has a long tradition of investing in Broadway productions. The 2023 – 24 season features four DMPA-invested shows: Company, Girl from the North Country, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and THE WIZ. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/season-tickets/willis-broadway-series/
• Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) announced their cornerstone of the 2023 – 24 Willis Broadway Series. Six shows make up the Season Ticket Package with three returning favorites offered as add-on options. The six-show Season Ticket Package includes: Girl from the North Country, THE WIZ, Company, Funny Girl, MJ, Moulin Rouge! The Musical. The add-on engagements include Stomp, MAMMA MIA! and Les Misérables. This season represents a combined 23 Tony awards. Including the 2021 Tony Award for Best Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and the 2022 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical for Company. Moulin Rouge! The Musical will play at the Civic Center for a special two-week engagement. DMPA has a long tradition of investing in Broadway productions. The 2023 – 24 season features four DMPA-invested shows: Company, Girl from the North Country, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and THE WIZ. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/season-tickets/willis-broadway-series/
  
• Des Moines Community Playhouse announces its 105^th Season: The 2023-24 John Viars Theatre Season at The Playhouse opens with a tale of love and music, Once. The rest of the season includes All Is Calm, the story of the Christmas Truce of 1914; the classic American play Our Town; hit Broadway musical, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical; a murder-mystery-comedy play-within-a-play, The Play That Goes Wrong; and a summer musical that will be announced later this month. The Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre at The Playhouse includes shows adapted from classic and contemporary children’s literature. The 29th children’s theatre season will delight audiences of all ages with Seussical TYA, The Secret Garden – Spring Version, and Dragons Love Tacos. Construction on the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre will begin in the summer, so Seussical performances will be in the John Viars Theatre. The Playhouse will also present High School Musical Jr. as its second Penguin Project show. The Penguin Project is a national non-profit organization creating opportunities for young artists with special needs to participate in community theatre and share their creative talents. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/explore/about-us/2023-24-season/
• Des Moines Botanical Garden’s Botanical Blues Sundays thru Mar 26 – Sunday shows at 1:00 and 3:00 PM, this Winter tradition has entertained and delighted audiences for years as the best Iowa musicians share the organic intimacy of this wonderful destination for an experience sure to dispel the winter blues. Tickets at the door only, until capacity is reached. DMBG Members can enjoy free access. https://www.dmbotanicalgarden.com/events/botanical-blues/

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

• 11:00 AM – Available for preorder; release date Apr 4. Leslie Karst has a gift with her writing, and delights her fans, while sure to keep attracting more to her work, with her memoir experience, Justice Is Served: A Tale of Scallops, the Law, and Cooking for RBG. “[This] book is a romp from cover to cover—and, just like a great meal, left me ready for more.” – Karen Shimizu, executive editor, Food & Wine https://www.lesliekarstauthor.com/
• 11:18 AM – One of the best in writing thrillers, the creator of The Gray Man brings another adventure to the myriad of anxiously awaiting fans with Burner. This gripping tale is infused with a real-world power, and author Mark Greaney shares some insights into this story, and how he conceived of The Gray Man. “Mark Greaney reigns as one of the recognized masters of action and adventure.” —Steve Berry, New York Times and #1 international bestselling author https://markgreaneybooks.com/
• 11:29 AM – Now available. The new issue of Iowa History Journal is hitting the stands at a variety of locations – HyVee, Walmart, Barnes & Noble, Beaverdale Books – and this issue begins a fascinating two-part series on Grenville Dodge. This feature’s author, Tim Walch, shares glimpses into this story. “Iowa History Journal is a soul-quenching oasis of Iowa’s rich history, fascinating stories for all ages that often leave readers amazed at the wealth of what makes this such an appealing state.” – The Culture Buzz https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
• 11:46 AM – Alison Schaffir brings a compelling YA story to readers, and shares her journey in creating Your Dream for Me. Alison understands her audiences, and delivers a captivating story for them. Listen as she shares her path to becoming an author with this wonderful story which pulses with more energy than a usual debut novel does.“With an inner muse waiting to encourage the author within, Alison Schaffir delivers with flair in her debut, Your Dream for Me. This novel holds promise of many more from Schaffir’s talented mind and pen.” – The Culture Buzz https://booksparks.com/portfolio/alison-schaffir/
• 12:00 PM – Opening this Friday. The Des Moines Community Playhouse prepares to launch its next big musical, and Central Iowa eagerly awaits the opening of Kinky Boots beginning Mar 17. Director Adam Yankowy and Gavin Runles (as “Charlie Price”) lead a lively discussion about this wild, yet heart-warming, musical story. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/kinky-boots/
• 12:13 PM – In Iowa Mar 16-19 on tour. Troubadours to the world, Four Shillings Short, swings through Iowa and Illinois beginning this week. Fans have been waiting a long time for their return to Central Iowa, and their patience will be rewarded with several shows in Fairfield, Des Moines, and Ames Mar 16-19. Listen as Christy Martin and Aodh Og O’Tuama chat about their rich, eclectic blend of Celtic, folk, and world music. Full schedule and details on their site. Be sure to attend one or more of their incredible musical and storytelling experiences. https://4shillingsshort.com/shows
• 12:29 PM – One week only – Mar 14-19. The national tour of a brilliantly revamped 1776 begins a week-long run at Des Moines Performing Arts Mar 14. Listen as Brooke Simpson (as “The Courier”) shares great insights into a reimagining of this musical with its multiracial cast of female, transgender, and nonbinary actors portrays the fiery founders of this country, putting history in the hands of the humans who were left out the first time around. “YOU LEAVE THE PRODUCTION AMAZED!” – ADAM FELDMAN, TIME OUT NEW YORK “A WIN FOR LIFE AND LIBERTY!”  – LEAH GREENBLATT, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY “PULSATES WITH ENERGY, SNAPS WITH ATTITUDE AND ENLIVENS HISTORY.” – FRANK RIZZO, VARIETY https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-1776/
• 12:44 PM – John McNellis infuses a career of experience in law and real estate into his debut romantic thriller, O’Brien’s Law. John shares insights into his journey for this novel, including its captivating protagonist. “A rip-roaring good read.” —Deirdre Kidder, bookseller https://www.johnmcnellis.com/books-obrienslaw

II. Performance Arts

• Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Rumors by Neil Simon. Mar 10-19. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=1251
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Cocktails & Cabaret. Fri Mar 10. Annual gala fundraiser. Decades Event Center, 1208 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines. https://www.iowastage.org/cocktails
• Des Moines Symphony. The Des Moines Symphony will continue its 85^th Season with St.Clair Conducts Tchaikovsky at 7:30PM Sat Mar 11 & 2:30PM Sun Mar 12 at the Des Moines Civic Center.https://www.dmsymphony.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. 1776. Mar 14-19. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-1776/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. Kinky Boots. Mar 17-Apr 2. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/kinky-boots/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. 1776. Mar 14-19. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/2020-1776/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. Kinky Boots. Mar 17-Apr 2. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/kinky-boots/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. Broadway Karaoke. Mar 18. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. The Lion King. Mar 30-Apr 16. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/disneys-the-lion-king/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Trouble in Mind. Mar 31-Apr 9. https://www.iowastage.org/
• Des Moines Community Theatre. Three Little Pigs, Fun Friday interactive theater for ages 4-6. Mar 31. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-three-little-pigs/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

• Clive Public Library. Mary Kline-Misol’s Celebrating Story: Selections from The Suffrage Project and The Carver Commissions at the Clive Public Library thru Apr 20. https://www.cityofclive.com/library/calendar.php?view=day&month=03&day=01&year=2023&calendar=&id=662
• Moberg Gallery. Ukraine ’22 Project, a new series of paintings by Scott Charles Ross. https://moberggallery.com/exhibition/scr-ukraine22project/
• Heritage Art Gallery. Old School, New School. An exploration in printmaking curated by Robert Schulte. Feb 6-Mar 31. Opening reception Feb 9, 6:30-8:30 PM. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/current-show#old-school-new-school
• Des Moines Art Center. Postcards: Recent Photography Acquisitions to the Art Center’s Collection. Thru Apr 16. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/postcards/
• Des Moines Art Center. 75 Years of Iowa Art. Feb 11 – May 7. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/art-center/

IV. Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

• 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. ²This 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. 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/
• 6. Heritage Art Gallery. ² Des Moines. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• 7. Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. ² Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
• 8. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. ^1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
• 9. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. ^1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
• 10. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
• 11. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. ² https://moberggallery.com/
• 12. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.^1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
• 13. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. ² http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• 14. Ritual Café. Des Moines. ² https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
• 15. 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.

V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities

• CYCLEPATHS, a musical comedy with book, music & lyrics by Robert John Ford. Performances summer of 2023. https://www.robertjohnford.com/cyclepaths-casting?fbclid=IwAR1rioyWuCKjReEbimQwY1YHN_g_YcAU9xGzEjp1_M–ETMsTPNAFqqIzro
• DSM Book Festival. One of the best one-day literary events of its kind, produced by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, requires a team of enthusiastic volunteers to help with set-up, event day coverage and more. https://www.dsmpartnership.com/dsmbookfestival/get-involved
• Rhythm & Pep: A new performing concept is making plans, inviting performers. Big news! Rhythm & Pep will be hosting the Rhythm & Pep Open Stage Variety Show at Xbk beginning in April!! This is for anyone, professional or not, to get some stage time in front of an audience. We encourage all performers regardless of body type, race, gender, or ability. This stage is for everyone. We want musicians, comedians, magicians, dancers, burlesque acts, musical theater, rappers, drag performers, poets…whatever your talent is, we want to see it! AND we will have costume contests and lip sync battles for audience members who want to win some cash! Last, but not least, a portion of ticket sales will be donated to a different local non-profit each month! This is EXCITING! Stay tuned for details on dates, time, and how to sign up for stage time. https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100087973931252
• Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
• Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
• Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
• Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
• Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
• Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
• Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/ 

VI. Planning ahead (Summer and other camps, programs)

• Tallgrass Theatre Company. Seedlings Children’s Theatre Camps Summer 2023. Eight different week-long camps beginning in early June and continuing through mid-July. Registration now open. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/seedlings/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. A wide range of ongoing classes and camps is open for registration, including summer programs. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/education/classes-and-camps/
• Class Act Productions (CAP Theatre) in Altoona. Summer CAmP 2023, Five summer camp programs are open for registration. https://www.captheatre.org/summer/camp/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Offers three summer classes through West Des Moines Parks & Recreation. https://www.iowastage.org/classes

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

• Beaverdale Books – Patti Isaacs, Mar 20, 6:30 PM. The Second Long March: Memoir from a Witness to China’s Transformation
• Beaverdale Books – Lilian Okech, Apr 4, 6:30 PM. The Spirit of Warriors and Ageno
• Beaverdale Books – Jann Freed, Apr 12, 6:30 PM. Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering
• Beaverdale Books – Tony D. Thelen, Matthew C. Mitchell & Jeffrey A. Kappen, Apr 16, 2:30 PM. Am I Doing This Right? Foundations for a Successful Career and a Fulfilling Life
• Beaverdale Books – Corinne Stanley, Apr 18, 6:30 PM. La tercera luz: A Poetic Journey Through Spain
• Beaverdale Books – Katherine Linn Caire, Apr 21, 6:30 PM. Accidental Sisters: The Story of My 52-Year Wait to Meet My Biological Sister

Recurring bookstore events –

1. Beaverdale Books – Hunter’s Classics Book Club (2^nd Tue, 7:00 PM); Beaverdale Book Browsers Club (2^nd Thu, 6:30 PM); Urbandale UCC Book Club (3^rd Thu); Books and Bonbons (3^rd Thu, 7:00 PM); Environmental Bok Club (3^rd Sat); Mystery Book Club (4^th Tue, 7:00 PM)
2. 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. Leora’s Early Years, Joy Neal Kidney*
2. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin
3. These Precious Days, Ann Patchett
4. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, Susan Cain
5. Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus
6. Bittersweet, Susan Cain
7. It Ends with Us, Colleen Hoover
8. The Silent Patient, Alex Michaelides
9. Horse, Geraldine Brooks
10. Daisy Jones & the Six, Taylor Jenkins Reid 

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. Divided We Fall: Why Consensus Matters. Allan Rivlin, Sheri Rivlin, Alice A. Rivlin. “Sheri and Allan Rivlin have done a great service in editing and completing Alice Rivlin’s last book. Drawing on her decades in public service, Alice Rivlin reflects on the continued necessity for bipartisanship even in a hyperpartisan era, driving her points home with examples from personal experience and evidence from scholarship. Taking stock of major economic and policy problems, she urges partisans to engage in civil debate, seek common ground, share responsibility for difficult choices, and achieve durable solutions.” − Frances E. Lee, author, Insecure Majorities: Congress and the Perpetual Campaign, and professor of politics and public affairs, Princeton University https://www.brookings.edu/book/divided-we-fall/
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. 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 insightful interviews in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

Check out insightful interviews in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library at https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

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

• Ankeny Community Theatre –
  www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com; Facebook: Ankeny Community Theatre
• Ballet Des Moines –
  https://www.balletdesmoines.org/
• Carousel Theatre of Indianola –
  www.carouseltheatre.org; Facebook: Carousel Theatre Indianola
• Central Iowa Wind Ensemble –
  https://www.facebook.com/CentralIowaWindEnsemble/
• Civic Music Association –
  https://civicmusic.org/
• Class Act Productions –
  www.captheatre.org; Facebook: CAP Theatre
• Des Moines Community Playhouse/Kate Goldman Theatre –
  www.dmplayhouse.com; Facebook: DMPlayhouse
• Des Moines Metro Opera –
  https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts/Temple Theater/Stoner Studio Theater –
  featuring an eclectic mix of Broadway national tours, symphony, music and more
  www.desmoinesperformingarts.org; Facebook: Des Moines Performing Arts
• Des Moines Symphony –
  https://www.dmsymphony.org/
• Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre –
  www.dmyat.org; Facebook: DM Young Artists Theatre
• Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre – featuring an eclectic mix of music, comedy, dance and more
  https://hoytsherman.org/calendar/events/#all
• Iowa Shakespeare Experience –
  www.iowashakespeare.org; Facebook: Iowa Shakespeare Experience
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company –
  www.iowastage.org; Facebook: Iowa Stage Theatre Company
• Pyramid Theatre Company –
  www.pyramidtheatre.org; Facebook: Pyramid Theatre Company
• Tallgrass Theatre Company –
  www.tallgrasstheatre.org; Facebook: Tallgrass Theatre Company
• Urbandale Community Theatre –
  www.urbandaletheatre.com; Facebook: Urbandale Community Theatre

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.

• Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
• Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.com/
• Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
• Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
• Artisan Gallery 218, Historic Valley Junction, West Des Moines (select author events), http://www.artisangallery218.com/
• Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
• Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
• Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
• Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City. https://www.prairielights.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:

• 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.