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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

4/11/2023

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

“Happiness. That’s what books smells like. Happiness. That’s why I always wanted to have a book shop. What better life than to trade in happiness?” – Sarah MacLean (a New York Times bestselling American author of young adult novels and romance novels) in The Rogue Not Taken 
 
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:

  • A Six Pack of One Acts. Grand View’s Spring directing class presents their end-of-semester shows, free of charge at the Viking Theatre. The shows are split up, with three of the shows on April 12 & 13, and the other three on the 14 & 15. So go enjoy a couple of nights of theatre and see what these talented people can do. A variety each night!

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

CNA - Stop HIV IowaCNA - Immunizations

This week’s show will feature poet laureates, featured poets, and lots of encouragement to join this premier national poetry event – and, it’s all free. https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza

  • 11:00 AM – Julie Gammack is a veteran journalist and writer, committed to serving as a lightning rod for cultural engagement through the written word. She launched the Okoboji Writers Retreat a few years ago, and it has become a premier event for writers, emerging or experienced, to convene and connect. She also launched the Iowa Writers’ Collaborative, a growing choir of literary voices singing a wide range of subjects, from current events to nostalgia to humor. Listen as she invites others to connect. “Through serendipitous life events, Julie Gammack returned to Iowa recently, and brings a fire and passion that is irresistible and inspirational. Whether a seasoned, published writer or an emerging voice, Gammack is the catalyst who will support your desires to reach new heights and explore vast literary opportunities.” – The Culture Buzz https://iowawriters.substack.com/
  • 11:16 AM – Playwright, author, advocate and former Iowa Poet Laureate Mary Swander talks about her new project, a play to be performed in Amana and Toledo in early June, Squatters on Red Earth. “Mary Swander writes from an experienced, empathetic inner voice that resonates with her audiences. Squatters on Red Earth is another revelatory journey.” – The Culture Buzz https://maryswander.com/news-events/
  • 11:32 AM – Daniel L. Hatcher focuses a bright light on a pervasive problem in America in his new book, Injustice Inc.: How America’s Judicial System Commodifies Children and the Poor. Listen as Daniel shares glimpses in this thoroughly researched revelation of how a monolithic system routinely exploits unfortunate populations.
    The book concludes by calling for opened eyes to our failings in order to walk a better path toward instilling truth into the words “Equal Justice under Law.” https://www.ucpress.edu/book/9780520386679/injustice-inc
  • 11:47 AM – Hollyland is a vibrantly written and delivered tale of a seemingly ordinary woman with a passion for the arts who falls in love with a Hollywood star. Patricia Leavy is a multi-faceted creative gem, bringing her award-winning talents to shimmering focus in this captivating novel. “… a spellbinding ode to the arts, creativity, and romance. Hollyland is an exuberant celebration of the arts that makes us question the between art and entertainment as we consider who the real movie stars are on the big screen of our lives.” —Mary E. Weems, Cleveland Arts Prize Winner and author of Blackeyed https://patricialeavy.com/fiction/
  • 12:00 PM – Opens Fri Apr 21. Get in the spirit and let loose a couple of hearty “Aaarghs” as How I Became a Pirate sets sail at the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre at the Des Moines Playhouse. Opening Apr 21, the award-winning children’s book comes to delightful life on stage. Listen as Director Peter Dean and Robert Uy (who plays Swill the Pirate) share insights into this engaging tale of swashbuckling lessons. “Central Iowa has one of America’s premier children’s theatres in the Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. Literature-based content spring to vibrant, engaging life on stage as the young, and the young-at-heart, savor every single show produced.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/how-i-became-a-pirate/
  • 12:14 PM – The next Jazz at Caspe Terrace event will feature Original Mind. Steve Hirsch provides glimpses into the magic that will be conjured in that magnificent musical performing hall on Apr 23, 2:00 PM. Steve Hirsh – drums; Brian Holden – sax; Dick Studer – bass. Although their music may appear to be spontaneous, it flows in an easily understood manner as the musicians interact in a musical conversation. For tickets, contact Abe Goldstein at abegold1951@gmail.com or call 515/279.6452
  • 12:32 PM – At Beaverdale Books Apr 12, 6:30 PM. Jann Freed PhD shares insights into her new inspirational collection of stories of success, Breadcrumb Legacies:. Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering. “We talk a lot about legacy these days, but usually later in life. Jann Freed advocates instead that we think of legacy as the impact we have as a result of daily small actions—breadcrumbs. Adopting this frame can make us better people and more effective leaders. I believe Jann’s book will have a long shelf life because it can change how you live your life every day.” —Sally Helgesen, author of How Women Rise, The Female Advantage, and The Web of Inclusion https://jannfreed.com/book/
  • 12:45 PM – Society and culture have long denied women opportunities that were often given only to men, especially Caucasian men. Alexandra “Alex” Allred won the U.S. Nationals in 1994 in the bobsled – a sport women had previously been banned from. That was the culmination of a determined effort on her part, and Alex again delivers powerful results, this time with her new book, When Women Stood: The Untold History of Females Who Changed Sports and the World. The glimpses she provides here are tantalizing, and will inspire many others to join her cause for equality. “An original, important, and timely contribution to women’s history. Focusing on the struggle for equality in sports, Allred vividly illuminates how this affects every other aspect of women’s ongoing fight for our rightful place in the world.” – Jean Kilbourne, award-winning documentary, filmmaker, public speaker, writer and activist https://www.alexandraallred.com/

II. Performance Arts

  • Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre. Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation presents Annual Project S.T.A.G.E. Festival, Thu Apr 13, 8:45 AM – 1:00 PM. In partnership with the Kennedy Center’s Turnaround Arts Initiative and five Title 1 North Des Moines schools, HSPT will present Project S.T.A.G.E. (Students, Teachers, Artists: Generating Excellence) Festival. The Festival includes peer-to-peer performances of Broadway Junior™ musicals. Principal Foundation and Principal Charity Classic’s Birdies For Charity program, funded by Sammons Financial Group, are sponsors for this event. 
    Turnaround Arts schools receive an array of arts education services designed to increase their opportunities for success, engage in their communities, and raise the visibility of their achievements. Key to those efforts is arts education programming that is rigorous, effective, and integrated holistically into the school, as well as strategically targeted to address broader school challenges.
    Cattell Elementary – Disney: The Movies, The Music
    Oak Park Elementary – Frozen Kids!
    Harding Middle School – Through My Eyes
    Findley Elementary – Winnie the Pooh Kids!
    Moulton Elementary – 101 Dalmatians
    All events are open to the public, free of charge. For more information, call Hoyt Sherman Place at 515-348-6941 or visit our website: https://hoytsherman.org/event/project-s-t-a-g-e-festival/
  • Pura Social Club. Wildhorn Birthday Cabaret. Sat Apr 15. https://purasocialclub.com/des-moines-east-village-pura-social-club-events
  •  Des Moines Performing Arts. The Lion King. Mar 30-Apr 16. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/disneys-the-lion-king/
  • Community Jazz Center (CJC). CJC Jazz Festival. Apr 16, 11:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Drake University, Turner Jazz Center. https://www.cjc-dsm.org/jazz-events-schedule.html
  • Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theater – Second City Swipes Right. Apr 18-23. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-second-city-swipes-right/
  • Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre – Des Moines Community Playhouse – How I Became a Pirate. Apr 21-May 7. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/how-i-became-a-pirate/
  • Tallgrass Theatre Company – Wonder of the World. Apr 21-May 7. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

IV. Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities

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

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

  • Beaverdale Books – Jann Freed, Apr 12, 6:30 PM. Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering
  • Des Moines Public Library – AViD Author Series. Award-winning and best-selling author Rebecca Kuang, Thu Apr 13, 7:00 PM. Babel: An Arcane History. Central Library, 1000 Grand Avenue, at 7 PM. Babel debuted at #1 on The New York Times bestseller list
  • 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
  • Beaverdale Books – William B. Friedricks, Apr 23, 2:30 PM. Saved by Schindler: The Life of Celina Karp Biniaz
  • Central Iowa Indie Bookstore Day – Sat Apr 29, Sun Apr 30. Complete a Central Iowa IBD Passport to enter to win a bundle of bookish swag.

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. 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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