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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

3/28/2023

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

George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), like Winston Churchill (1874-1965), received the Nobel Prize for Literature. The Irish playwright and British statesman had a long, friendly relationship characterized by political rivalry, which Churchill describes in Great Contemporaries.
“I am enclosing two tickets to the first night of my new play; Bring a friend, if you have one.” George Bernard Shaw to Winston Churchill.
“Cannot possibly attend first night, I will attend the second…If there is one.” Winston Churchill, in response.

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:

  • Poetry Palooza – April 6-8, 2023. Various locations in Des Moines, Iowa. Inspired by an educational and entertainment event of nearly 20 years ago, this creative experience – Poetry Palooza! – has been a long time in the making.  Now, the time is right.
    Poetry& is working in partnership with Humanities Iowa, Mainframe Studios, Franklin Jr. High Event Center, and the Iowa Poetry Association to make Poetry Palooza! a dynamic, interactive, and integrated performing arts experience.
    This three-day festival will celebrate Midwestern Poets Laureate, cultivate students and emerging talent, and demonstrate the positive power of poetry. https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza

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

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  • 11:00 AM – Poetry Palooza launches Apr 6-8, anchored by four state poet laureates and two additional key poets. Listen as committee members Judy Conlin and Jan Kaiser share insights into this national caliber event happening in Des Moines. All activities at Poetry Palooza are free for the public. “Poetry Palooza makes its exceptional debut in Des Moines April 6-8, with an impressive lineup of poets, including four state poet laureates. With workshops, presentations, and events, plus everything being free, this is an irresistible immersion into incredible poetry and inspiration.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza
  • 11:17 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Apr 4. Lilian Okech lets her gratitude shine through as she shares glimpses into her journey to Iowa, a home she embraces whole-heartedly, in her captivating accounting, The Spirit of Warriors: Conceived in South Sudan, Born in Uganda, Discovered in America. “Lilian Okech shares her incredible journey, her mother’s fierce dedication to giving her a better life, and a survival story that would leave many a shade of themselves. Okech, however, displays a rare gratitude and appreciation for life and opportunity in Iowa in her captivating The Spirit of Warriors: Conceived in South Sudan, Born in Uganda, Discovered in America.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.lilianokech.com/
  • 11:29 AM – In Alison Schaffer’s debut YA novel makes a memorable entrance into the literary world as Your Dream for Me is sure to catch the attention of its primary audiences. Listen as Alison shares peeks into her new realm of writing for her experienced mind, as she blends fashion with theater. “Schaffir captures the sheer fun and passion of the emotional rollercoaster that is high school. ‘Your Dream for Me’ has humor, heart, romance, and characters to relate to and root for. Scarlett is the friend everyone needs. You’re in for a treat.”  – Julia DeVillers, bestselling author of How My Private, Personal Journal Became a Bestseller https://booksparks.com/portfolio/alison-schaffir/
  • 11:42 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Mar 30, with John Liepa. Chris Moeller delivers perhaps the most in-depth dive into the history of the St. Louis Cardinals in his seminal book, The St. Louis Baseball Mosaic: Ten Cultural and Entertainment Histories of the Gateway City and Her Favorite Game. He is joined by one of America’s foremost experts on baseball history, John Liepa, for a fast-paced and informative chat about baseball culture in that Mississippi River city. “Chris Moeller captures the colorful history of an American sports institution and locale, St. Louis, in his book, The St. Louis Baseball Mosaic: Ten Cultural and Entertainment Histories of the Gateway City and Her Favorite Game. Any lover of history and America will savor the stories Moeller shares.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Baseball-Mosaic-Entertainment/dp/B0B6XS3MDB
  • 12:00 PM – Opening Friday. Director Davida Williams shares insights and personal motivations for her leadership in the powerful Alice Childress play, Trouble in Mind. Prompting laughs and provoking thought in equal measure, Trouble In Mind looks at the challenges of Black artists working with a white theater to tell what may not be an authentic story. https://www.iowastage.org/troubleinmind
  • 12:17 PM – Opening Thu Mar 30. Disney’s The Lion King comes roaring back to Des Moines Mar 30-Apr 16 at Des Moines Performing Arts, and Nick Cordileone (who plays “Timon”) takes time from the national tour to share his back story, and the unexpected career he has made portraying one of this show’s most beloved characters. Nick was part of the 2015 national tour that came to town, and exudes even more passion and appreciation for being part of an international musical theatre phenomenon. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/disneys-the-lion-king/
  • 12:34 PM – Appearing at Poetry Palooza (Apr 6-8) Iowa Poet Laureate Debra Marquart reads “Chokecherry.” https://debramarquart.com/
  • 12:37 PM – Appearing at Poetry Palooza (Apr 6-8) Iowa poet Caleb “The Negro Artist” Rainey is an author, performer and producer, and reads his poem, “Bad Dad.” https://www.thenegroartist.com/
  • 12:40 PM – Appearing at Poetry Palooza (Apr 6-8) Matt Mason is the Nebraska State Poet, and reads “At the Corner of Fantasy and Main” from his recent collection. https://poetryfromtheplains.org/matt-mason/
  • 12:42 PM – 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/

II. Performance Arts

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

IV. Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities

  • Project Greenlight Grants. The Iowa Arts Council, a division of the Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs, is inviting artists, filmmakers, cultural organizations, community leaders and others to attend live, in-person information sessions this March to discuss a new round of grant opportunities. Starting Mar 21, we will be in four local communities to answer questions and discuss opportunities. Each session will include a one-hour grant workshop about Iowa Arts Council grants that have application deadlines later this spring. Most are due on May 1. Staff will share tips on how to strengthen applications, and attendees are encouraged to bring ideas to share and discuss. Each session will be led by Iowa Arts Council staff. There is no cost to attend, but advanced registration is encouraged.
    March 21, 12 p.m.: Witter Art Gallery (609 Cayuga St, Storm Lake)
    March 22, 11 a.m.: Bridge View Center (102 Church St, Ottumwa)
    March 23, 11 a.m.: Creston Arts Center (411 W Adams St, Creston)
    March 28, 11 a.m.: Hearst Center for the Arts (304 W Seerley Blvd, Cedar Falls)
    A list of Iowa Arts Council grant opportunities is available online at iowaculture.gov/arts/grants. While the Greenlight Grant is the only grant that is designed specifically for the film industry, filmmakers may also be interested in applying for other grants that can help elevate their careers. Check out the grants labeled for “filmmakers” under the new filter on the grants page on our website!
  • 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. Audition for The One-Act Play That Goes Wrong Tue Apr 4 and The Apr 6, 6:30 pm. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/the-one-act-play-that-goes-wrong.html
  • Des Moines Playhouse. Auditions for Native Gardens Mon Apr 10, 6:00 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
  • Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Auditions for The Little Mermaid Mon Apr 17, Tue Apr 18 at 7:00 PM. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
  • 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)

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

 

  • Beaverdale Books – Chris Moeller, with John Liepa facilitating. Mar 30, 6:30 PM. The St. Louis Baseball Mosaic: Ten Cultural and Entertainment Histories of the Gateway City and Her Favorite Game
  • Beaverdale Books – DMACC Celebration of Literary Arts – Meet the Authors. Traci Brimhall & Chigozie Obioma, Apr 3, 6:30 PM
  • 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 – Poetry Open Mic Night, Kelsey Bigelow (spoken word poet), emcee. Apr 14, 7:00 PM.
  • 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 – Sandy Moffett, Apr 18, 6:30 PM. The Ghost of Craven Snuggs: A Midwestern Murder Mystery
  • 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 (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)

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.

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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