Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

4/26/2023

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

“Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were. But without it we go nowhere.”
– Carl Sagan (1934-1996), an American astronomer, planetary scientist, cosmologist, astrophysicist, astrobiologist, science communicator, author, and professor.

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:

• Water Quality Discussion | Can Iowa’s Water Be Saved?
  @ Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue, Des Moines
  A presentation and panel discussion with Iowa agriculture and water resources experts will be offered at Plymouth Church, sponsored by Plymouth Creation Care & Justice Committee, partnering with the Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, the Interfaith Green Coalition, and the Sierra Club of Iowa.  Iowa faces serious water quality issues due in large part to agricultural waste and run-off. What can we do to stop the damage and begin the process of restoration?
  An in-depth discussion of Iowa’s water quality issues, presented by Plymouth Church Creation Care & Justice Committee, will be Sunday, April 30, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in Waveland Hall, Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Ave., Des Moines. A free light lunch will be offered from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.
  Keynote speaker Neil Hamilton, agricultural law policy expert and author of The Land Remains (2022) and The River Knows (available July 2023), will speak at 1:30 p.m. A panel discussion will follow featuring farmers, conservationists, and government agents, who will address current conservation practices and solutions.
  Moderated by Pat Boddy, a water resources engineer, the panel includes: Chris Henning, landowner and recipient of the Practical Farmers’ 2022 Farmland Owner Legacy Award; Ruth McCabe, leader of the Conservation Team at Heartland Co-op; John Norwood, business owner and former Polk County Soil & Water Commissioner, and Matt Russell, Iowa State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, and a fifth-generation Iowa farmer.
  https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/panel-discussion/

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 – Historian Mike Rowley has launched an ambitious project to celebrate the 175^th anniversary of Des Moines’ oldest cemetery: Woodland Cemetery. Rich in history, this September a day will be designated to invite Iowans to stroll through the cemetery and experience reenactors, storytellers, historians and more bring the history of the pioneers and community-builders, as well as a surprisingly diverse population, come to life. For more information, to volunteer time in developing some of these stories, please contact Mike directly at MJR1825@gmail.com.
• 11:18 AM – Fintan O’Toole takes a deep, well-researched dive into Irish history in his masterful accounting, We Don’t Know Ourselves: A Personal History of Modern Ireland. Fintan shares glimpses into his captivating history that touches all corners of the world. “A landmark history . . . Leavened by the brilliance of O’Toole’s insights and wit.” —Claire Messud, Harper’s
• 11:36 AM – In her new novel, I Will Leave You Never, celebrated author and Hemingway scholar Ann Putnam spins an irresistible tale, anchored by Zoe’s most devout wish, to keep her family safe. Her greatest fear is that she cannot. Ann gives us glimpses into the crafting of her latest book. “Exquisitely written, this luminous novel takes you to the deep heart of a marriage. Threatened by illness and arson, a family with three children and too many puppies ultimately finds the strength to go forward with wit and insight.” —Beverly Conner, author of Where Light is a Place, Falling From Grace https://www.annputnamwriter.com/
• 11:51 AM – Poet Salvatore Marici returns, reading “Home Turf in the Midwest,” from his collection, Swish Swirl Sniff. https://icecubepress.com/2014/02/06/swish-swirl-sniff-3/
• 11:54 AM – From her delightfully snarky EP, The Birds of Florida, is this track, “Raining Iguanas.” Susan Werner chats about the EP later in this week’s show. https://susanwerner.com/
• 11:57 AM – Poet Tony Tracy reads the title poem from his collection, Welcome to Your Life. https://www.amazon.com/Welcome-Your-Life-Tony-Tracy/dp/9390202639
• 12:00 PM – Expert panel discussion on water quality issues. Special keynote by Neil Hamilton with panel discussion about “Water Quality Discussion – Can Iowa’s Water Be Saved?” at Plymouth Church. Sun Apr 30, 12:30 – 3:30 PM. A free light lunch will be offered from 12:30-1:15 PM (please bring your own water, coffee). Pat Boddy will moderate an esteemed panel of experts on this topic. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/panel-discussion/
  https://icecubepress.com/2022/02/22/the-land-remains-2/
• 12:19 PM – Now available. Sarah Strohmeyer’s fast-paced, riveting psychological thriller, We Love to Entertain, is captivating in many ways, and a great read. Listen as Sarah shares some insights into her writing. Praise to Strohmeyer for creating a novel both so funny—the behind-the-scenes details of the HGTV-like show To the Manor Build are a hoot—and so frightening.” —First Clue https://sarahstrohmeyer.com/
• 12:34 PM – In Unearthed: A Lost Actress, a Forbidden Book, and a Search for Life in the Shadow of the Holocaust, Meryl Frank delivers a poignant, soul-touching narrative that includes family history, memoir, and thought-provoking insights. “Masterfully, [Frank] shows us the importance of connecting to others and of plunging into the shadows in order to forge our way out…. Riveting and deeply moving. I couldn’t put it down.” –Ariana Neumann, New York Times best-selling author of When Time Stopped https://www.merylfrank.com/
• 12:51 PM – In The Birds of Florida, the incomparable Susan Werner adds another musical feather in her cap with this witty, bouncy gem of an EP. Listen as she talks about its origins and development. “This woman is great. period.” — Music Row (Nashville) https://susanwerner.com/

II. Performance Arts

• Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre – Des Moines Community Playhouse – How I Became a Pirate. Thru May 7. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/how-i-became-a-pirate/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company – Wonder of the World. Thru May 7. https://tallgrasstheatre.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/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company – A Bright New Boise. May 12-21. https://www.iowastage.org/abrightnewboise
• Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre – Snow White. Friday Funday, May 12. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/snow-white/
• Pura Social Club – Duets Cabaret. May 13. https://purasocialclub.com/des-moines-east-village-pura-social-club-events
• Des Moines Performing Arts – Tina: The Tina Turner Musical. May 16-21. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/tina-the-tina-turner-musical/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

• Des Moines Art Center. 75 Years of Iowa Art. Thru May 7. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/art-center/
• Heritage Art Gallery. Freedom of Expression, May 1 – Jun 16. FOE underscores the relationship between human experiences and the right to freedom of expression and opinion as essential to the ability of persons of all disabilities to develop as individuals and to participate fully in all aspects of life on an equal basis. All the works in the FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION PROJECT are created by artists from around central Iowa, who identify to be living with disabilities and their work is profiled in a mini-documentary, as part of the exhibition. The FOE Project, in partnership with Mosaic in Central Iowa, The Greater Des Moines Public Arts Foundation, Heritage Gallery, Mainframe Studios, and The Harkin Institute Fellow Jill Wells, presents a 10-artist group project. The FOE project and exhibition promotes the full participation of individuals living with disabilities in and through the arts. The gallery is wheelchair accessible via the South entrance to the Polk County Administration Building (Court Avenue). Gallery Hours are 11am – 4:30pm, Monday – Friday. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/

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

• Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Auditions for The Wolves, Mon, May 1, 6:00pm at Franklin Junior High School building, 48^th & Franklin, Des Moines. Age range: 12-18. https://www.dmyat.org/thewolves
• Gateway Dance Theatre. We invite you to learn from local artists – the art of movement! Bollywood-Hip hop, Bhangra, African Fan dance, Indian semi-classical, and Bolly-Kathak, you name it and we have them all! May 6 – Bollywood – Hip Hop w/ Prachi Bhavsar; May 13 – African Fan Dance w/ Seygbai Kai; May 20 – Bhangra w/ Pooja Mayur; June 3 – Bolly-Kathak w/ Debina Nath; June 10 – Indian Semi-classical w/ Syd Furgerson. You can choose 1 class or choose to save $$ by registering for multiple classes! https://gatewaydance.networkforgood.com/events/56642-gdt-presents-dance-workshops?utm_campaign=dms_email_blast_2541135
• Urbandale Community Theatre. Auditions for The Drowsy Chaperone, Sun May 7, 1:00 PM. https://www.urbandaletheatre.com/shows
• Woodland Performing Arts. Auditions for The Play that Goes Wrong, Mon May 22, 3:30 PM, Valley High School – Room 1731. https://www.woodlandpa.org/getinvolved.html
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. Auditions for Little Shop of Horrors, Mon May 22, 6:00 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/little-shop-of-horrors/
• 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
• Des Moines Performing Arts. Musical Theater Camp, Broadway Intensive, and Broadway Academy are offered. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/classes-camps/
•  Science Center of Iowa. Offers a wide range of camps for dfferent age groups and interests. https://www.sciowa.org/education/camps/camp-directory/

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

• 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.
• Des Moines Central Library – M. Chris Fabricant, Junk Science and the American Criminal Justice System. Sat Apr 29, 12:30-1:30 PM.
• Plymouth Church, 4126 Ingersoll Avenue – Neil Hamilton, keynote, and panel discussion about water quality issues in Iowa. Sun Apr 30, light lunch provided (12:30-1:15 PM – please bring your own water, coffee), followed by panel discussion. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/panel-discussion/
• Des Moines Central Library, part of the AViD Authors Series – J. Ryan Stradal, Saturday Night at the Lakeside Supper Club. May 1, 7:00 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Meet the Children’s Authors. In celebration of Children’s Book Week. Erika Baty, Jeff Crise, Amanda M. G. Busch, Josh Crise, Jon Phillips. 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Giving Sunday, 20% of sales donated to Above + Beyond Cancer. 12:00 – 4:00 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Mary Rosenberger St. Onge, The Forever Days: A Memoir of Soul Healing and a Lifetime of Summers at the Lake. May 17, 6:30 PM.
• Des Moines Central Library, part of the AViD Authors Series – Jack Carr, The Terminal List, May 24, 7:00 PM.

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)
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.

• 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.