Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Join our email blast

The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

4/18/2023

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

“The golden rule of friendship is to listen to others as you would have them listen to you.” – David W. Augsberger, an American Anabaptist author 

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:

CNA - ImmunizationsCNA - Stop HIV Iowa
  • Jazz at Caspe Terrace: APRIL 23, 2:00 PM: Original Mind
    (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. The group released their first recording “You Know When it’s Time” in 2022. Born and raised in New York City, drummer Steve Hirsh now makes his home in the woods of Northern Minnesota. He’s been leading ensembles around the Twin Cities for years as well as performing with some of the leading voices in modern jazz including bassist William Parker, pianist Matthew Shipp, and saxophonist Ivo Perelman. Bassist Dick Studer has been performing all kinds of music since the late 1960’s. Since the late 1970’s he has concentrated primarily on original music. Saxophonist Brad Holden has been part of the Twin Cities music scene for over 30 years, playing in a variety of musical settings. (Interview with Steve airing this week at 11:00 AM CT)
    For tickets, contact Abe Goldstein at abegold1951@gmail.com or call 515/279.6452

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

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 – 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. “Thanks to the vision and sharing that Abe Goldstein and Jackie Garnett have, some of the best jazz artists in the world come to Central Iowa for unprecedented sharing in the intimate, acoustically magnificent confines of a great performing hall, Caspe Terrace. How good is this space? Several artists have recorded “Live” albums at these concerts. How good are the artists? They have played major venues throughout the world. A Jazz at Caspe Terrace concert should be on everyone’s bucket list.” – The Culture Buzz For tickets, contact Abe Goldstein at abegold1951@gmail.com or call 515/279.6452
  • 11:19 AM – The Gold Star Museum Curator, Michael Vogt, shares updates about the museum and what has become one of Iowa’s premier honoring of Memorial Day. The museum will be open beginning at 4:49 AM (with broadcast on WHO 1040 AM radio, a long tradition). However, to enjoy the free breakfast (6:00 AM to 9:00 AM or until supplies run out). “The Gold Star Museum is one of America’s premier military museums. Its exhibits are engaging and masterfully conceived and delivered. To spend time at this destination-worthy site is to better appreciate an essential part of America’s history, and the people who served and sacrificed for all.” – The Culture Buzz  https://goldstarmuseum.iowa.gov/documents/events/2023%20Events/2023%20MEMORIAL%20DAY%20FLYER.pdf
  • 11:31 AM – Kelsey Bigelow is a spoken word artist, and provides an update about her recent career, including special events and her album, Depression Holders and Secret Keepers. Kelsey is dynamic, collaborative, and inspirational. “Kelsey Bigelow is a poetic and spoken word version of improvisation arts, always answering questions and situations with “Yes, and…” An engaging and gifted artist, her performances and work will always garner attention and praise.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.kelkaybpoetry.com/
  • 11:44 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Sun Apr 23, 2:30 PM. William Friedricks is one of Iowa’s leading history writers, and pens a brilliantly researched new book, Saved by Schindler: The Life of Celina Karp Biniaz. “It is hard to fathom that this story was almost never told. Celina Biniaz’s eyes have seen the darkest of evil, the deepest of generosity, the greatest of courage, and the most inspiring of miracles. Saved By Schindler is a relevant, timely reminder of the need to stand up against injustice, no matter the risks.” —Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, NY Times bestselling author, Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz https://icecubepress.com/2022/05/19/saved-by-schindler-2/
  • 12:00 PM – Opens Fri Apr 21. Tallgrass Theatre Company realizes a long-delayed goal (thanks, COVID) of finally presenting Wonder of the World, a masterful immersion into an unforgettable cast of characters. Anchoring the show is Cass (played by Allison Bollinger), and includes Barb Wagner (as Lois). These two shares glimpses into their characters and this production, running through May 7. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
  • 12:13 PM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Fri Apr 21, 6:30 PM. Katherine Linn Caire shares her beautifully crafted memoir, Accidental Sister: The Story of My 52 Year Wait to Meet My Biological Sister. Katherine provides some back story to this very engaging book. “With a compelling allure, Katherine Linn Caire shares her story. This book will trigger in its readers their own special journeys and understandings. A true must-read.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.klcairebooks.com/
  • 12:29 PM – In Stay Cool: Why Dark Comedy Matters in the Fight Against Climate Change, Aaron Sachs delivers compelling reasons why humor and comedy will help breach the differences many have about one of the most divisive issues – and, challenges – facing the world today. Understanding what Aaron shares will help bridge the divides with contrasting opinions. “Sachs is like the Stephen Colbert of scholars—wicked funny and smart, dead serious, and utterly friendly and accessible, all while explaining why it’s so urgent to have a good laugh as we deal with the climate crisis. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry.” — Jenny Price, author of Stop Saving the Planet! An Environmentalist Manifesto https://nyupress.org/9781479819393/stay-cool/
  • 12:45 PM – River Breitbach is a musician, songwriter, creative spirit whose latest project is a major achievement in his illustrious career. As Above, So Below marks a rare accomplishment for this Iowa Arts Council Fellow, bringing dozens of artists together for this one irresistible project. “With creative dynamos like River Breitbach in Iowa, the wellspring for creativity and production will not run dry. His latest project developed as an Iowa Arts Council Fellow, is As Above So Below, the biggest project of his stellar career. This album brings 150+ musicians and singers together for an unforgettable and cathartic journey for the heart, mind and soul.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.riverglenmusic.com/

II. Performance Arts

  • Ankeny Community Theatre – Marjorie Prime. Thru Apr 23. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
  • Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theater – Second City Swipes Right: An Incomplete Gide to the Ultimate Date Night. Thru Apr 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/
  • Comedy Xperiment – Improv Comedy. Apr 21 & 22, Stoner Studio Theater. CXP returns to the Stoner Theater on April 21 and 22! Join us for two fun-filled nights of merriment as we celebrate 20 years of performing for you! Check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/events/1153048642029637?ref=newsfeed
  • Ames Town & Gown. THE MAXWELL STRING QUARTET, on tour from Scotland Ames, Tue Apr 25. https://www.amestownandgown.org/
  • Ballet Des Moines – She. Apr 27-30. An evening of powerful beauty created by the dance world’s leading and emerging female voices: Jennifer Archibald, Shannon Alvis, and Stephanie Martinez. This triple bill provides audiences a unique blend of artistry, athleticism, and joy, as these award-winning choreographers explore themes of identity, self-expression and belonging. https://www.balletdesmoines.org/
  • Civic Music Association – Temple Theatre. Fri Apr 28, 7:30 PM. Straight from the finest jazz clubs in New York City and the international touring circuit, award-winning trumpet player and frontman for Postmodern Jukebox Benny Benack III is a versatile showman in the post-Sinatra mold. This rising star will charm concertgoers with his sly crooning and thrill them with fiery improvisational trumpet. https://civicmusic.org/benny-benack/

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 – 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.

Post a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

Summer Stir - June 2024