Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

The Culture Buzz Archive Library – https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
2014 Iowa Governor’s Award for Partnership & Collaboration in the Arts
2015 Iowa History Award for published magazine story, “Last Full Measure of Devotion”
2018 – voted Best Local Talk Radio Show
www.TheCultureBuzz.com 
 
Quote of the Week
“Don’t let school interfere with your education.” – Mark Twain (1835-1910), Samuel Langhorne Clemens, best known by his pen name Mark Twain, was an American writer, humorist, entrepreneur, publisher, and lecturer. He was praised as the “greatest humorist the United States has produced,” and William Faulkner called him “the father of American literature.”
 
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 –
 
Free Film Festival Celebrating the Latino Culture
Des Moines Latino Film Festival Continuing Mission to Educate
2023 Des Moines Film Festival Schedule – Tue Jun 13 – Sat Jun 17
The Latino Center of Iowa is back for their third annual Des Moines Latino Film Festival with five days of free films and music. “We really focused this year to reach different groups of filmgoers and provide expanded experiences with a drive-in venue and a celebration of film and music in Valley Junction.” exclaims Luis Leon, Board Chair, Latino Center of Iowa. “Film reflects culture through a unique and easily approachable experience which helps break barriers, raises awareness, and is a unique educational tool that can address subjects untouchable by other mediums.”
Tickets, Film Schedules & Descriptions will be posted at www.latinocenterofiowa.org
 
Art Week Des Moines 2023 – June 16-22.
In its ninth year, Art Week Des Moines continues as a genre-blending celebration of local art and artists in the Des Moines metro anchored by neighborhood host sites: Columbus Park, Drake/Dogtown, Franklin Area, Oak Park/Highland Park, and Valley Junction. This event beckons cultural adventurers, art lovers, and community engagers to explore what this multi-day entrepreneurial collaboration offers. Learn more about the events, artists, and neighborhoods at this website:
https://artweekdesmoines.com/
 
Polk County Heritage Gallery
This year’s Iowa Exhibited is the 38th edition of our juried show featuring artists from the entire state of Iowa! The show will be open from Jun 22 – Aug 10. Save the date for the Award Ceremony and Opening Celebration on Thursday, June 22 at 6:30. The Award Ceremony will begin at 7:00.
This exhibit was juried by Brenda Jones, an art professor at Iowa State University. Brenda’s focus on figurative modernism through her black and female consciousness influences her paintings with tremendous beauty and complexity. We are thrilled to have her join us this year!
http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
 
Social Justice Saturdays at the Jordan House Museum (2001 Fuller Road) the 2^nd Saturday of June, July and August. From 1-3pm on Jul 8 and Aug 12, the Jordan House Museum will be open for self-guided tours and representatives from local groups and organizations focusing on social justice in our community. These tours are free of charge, but free will offerings will be accepted. 
For more information, visit www.wdmhs.org or call (515) 225.1286
 
I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz
 
11:00 AM – Abbie Sawyer delivers the title track of her new album, Love is a Flood.
“Abbie Sawyer delivers her music and lyrics with soul-quenching satisfaction. Hers is an honest connection between her heart and the listener’s being.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.abbiesawyer.com/
 
11:04 AM – For the father who enjoys great military history books. Michael Welham takes a fascinating deep dive in his book, Combat Divers: An Illustrated History of Special Forces Divers. Covering a variety of kit, from dry deck shelters to mini-submarines and swimmer delivery vehicles, former Royal Marines Commando Michael G. Welham draws on his own extensive diving experience to reveal exactly how this equipment is used by special forces dive teams.  “Well-crafted and stimulating read, this is a fitting tribute to some extraordinary people – highly recommended.” ―Navy Books https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/5801656976536661/
 
11:25 AM – One of the regular poet contributors to this show, Salvatore Marici reads “Imitation to Enter” from his Ice Cube Press collection, Fermentations. https://icecubepress.com/2017/01/05/fermentations/
 
11:28 AM – Perfect for Father’s Day – just released. This recipe for hilarious success is a blend of stand-up comics, writers, social observers, cartoonists, and rare wit as Jason Chatfield and Scott Dooley team up to deliver one of the best Father’s Day gifts to be given this year: You’re Not a Real Parent Until… Listen as Scott and Jason share marvelous insights into how this gem was created – or, perhaps, parented. “I was up all night with this brilliant, funny, and sometimes terrifying book! To be clear, I read it in an hour, but the flashbacks it gave me to when my kids were little kept me awake ’til sunrise.”  – Danny Zuker. Emmy Award-winning executive producer & writer for “Modern Family” https://yourenotareal.com/11:43 AM – In one of the most delightful combination of children’s book, history and storytelling, Mark Angelo shares a rare encounter with a Hollywood legend in Can We Play Baseball, Mr. DeMille?. “What an incredible fun story! Kids and parents will love being transported back in time before everyone had their own personal screen to meet the man who controlled what everyone everywhere watched together on the nation’s big screens. This is a great book that can launch wonderful family conversations.” – Jeb Doherty, Exec. Producer and host, Reading With Your Kids https://www.canweplaybaseballmrdemille.com/

12:00 PM – Grand Re-Opening this Fri Jun 16. The legacy of Olson-Larsen Galleries is a storied one, stretching back decades. Recognized as one of Iowa’s premier destinations to experience fine art and for its exquisite framing services, the galleries are moving to the north end of Historic Valley Junction’s 5^th Street to greatly expand its service for patrons and clients. Owner Susan Watts and Galleries Director Alyss Vernon lead a lively conversation about what Olson-Larsen is all about. “Olson-Larsen Galleries serves as an oasis for art lovers, whether the experienced collector or a novice seeking to learn, their staff has the knowledge and grace to share insights into their vast number of national and international artists, well-established and brilliant emerging talent waiting for discovery.” – The Culture Buzz https://olsonlarsen.com/

12:16 PM – This week – 3 performances only. Tallgrass Theatre Company prepares for this year’s eagerly anticipated outdoors musical at the Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre in West Des Moines, Pippin. Listen as Michael Cielieski (as Pippin) and Blake Clyde (as The Leading Player) share an energized dive into this timeless gem. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/

12:31 PM – Denny Kelly has been a cornerstone of meditative and reiki practice in Central Iowa for decades. He has produced several exceptional engagement opportunities for veteran practitioners as well as those seeking to learn more about the benefits of meditation, including the popular Yoga in the Park, Meditation Around Town, and the new Experience Nature’s Healing. Listen as Denny shares a welcoming invitation to visit one of his ongoing events. “Be still and learn to love yourself.” – Denny Kelly https://dennykelly.com/

12:45 PM – Eli Francovich delivers a fascinating, well-researched and both sides of the issue in The Return of Wolves: An Iconic Predator’s Struggle to Survive in the American West. Listen as Eli shares glimpses into his fascinating book from both the animal’s and the rancher’s perspectives, and how he believes common ground can be found. “In his brilliantly written The Return of Wolves, Eli Francovich presents a compelling story from both sides of the survival coin: wolves trying to make a return in today’s environment, and ranchers who want to protect their herds from the predatory nature of wolves. Fascinating, masterfully told and deeply researched, Francovich will enlighten his readers with this gem.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.timberpress.com/authors/eli-francovich

II. Performance Arts

1.     Ankeny Community Theatre – The One-Act Play that Goes Wrong. Thru Jun 18. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/the-one-act-play-that-goes-wrong.html

2.     Tallgrass Theatre Company – Jamie Hurd Amphitheatre, West Des Moines – Pippin. Jun 15-17. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/

3.     Des Moines Community Playhouse – Native Gardens. Thru Jun 18. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/native-gardens/

4.     Pyramid Theatre Company – Stoner Studio Theatre – In the Upper Room by Beaufield Berry. Thru Jun 18. http://pyramidtheatre.org/in-the-upper-room

5.     Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre – at Tallgrass Theatre Company – The Wolves, Jun 23-25. https://www.dmyat.org/thewolves

6.     Des Moines Performing Arts – Ain’t Too Proud – The Temptations. Jun 27-Jul 2. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/aint-too-proud/

7.     Civic Music Association – Belin Quartet. Tuesdays thru Jun 27, 5:30 PM at Salisbury House & Gardens lawn. Belin Quartet for another summer of free, outdoor performances. This season’s repertoire includes selections from Beethoven, Ravel, Sibelius and more. Bring friends, family, food and drink for an enjoyable evening! (Rain venue: Temple Theatre)

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

1.     Des Moines Art Center. Rembrandt and His World. Thru Aug 27. Des Moines Art Center owns a remarkable collection of Dutch Golden Age etchings by Rembrandt and his contemporaries. “Rembrandt and His World” will feature examples of the artist’s iconic self-portraits, biblical scenes, and pictures of everyday life, all drawn from the Art Center’s permanent collections, alongside those of his contemporaries, including Jan Both, Karel Dujardin, Reiner Nooms, Adriaen van Ostade, and Jacob Salomonsz van Ruysdael. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/rembrandt-and-his-world/

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. ² This 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.

IV. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities

Art Week Des Moines. It’s easier to participate this year. Just create an account on the website and you’ll be able to add and edit event details directly. How-To: Under the “For Artists” heading, create a new user account. After you register, you can add/edit your event under the “For Artists” heading. Note: You only need to create an account once. If your event(s) includes multiple artists or performers, only the organizer or primary contact needs to create an account. And you can edit your event(s) at any time.

Neighborhoods:

• Columbus Park on Friday, June 16
• Drake/Dogtown on Saturday, June 17
• Oak Park/Highland Park on Sunday, June 18
• Downtown on Monday, June 19
• Franklin on Tuesday, June 20
• The Avenues on Wednesday, June 21
• Valley Junction on Thursday, June 22

Note: You can activate near or far from these areas; we are here to lift you up during Art Week.
Register now: www.artweekdesmoines.com

Ankeny Community Theatre. Auditions for Much Ado About Nothing. Fri Jun 16, 6:30 PM at Franklin Jr. High, 48^th & Franklin; Sat Jun 17, 11:00 AM at Ankeny Community Theatre. Call backs Jun 17 at 3:00 PM. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/82038203much-ado-about-nothing.html

Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Auditions for Shrek the Musical. Mon Jun 19, 6:00 PM at Franklin Jr. High.

1.     Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html

2.     Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344

3.     Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/

4.     Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/

5.     Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/

6.     Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/

7.     Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/

8.     Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition

9.     Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/

10.  Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/

11.  Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

V. 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/

48 Hour Film Project in Des Moines. July 28-30th marks the 19th running of this filmmaking project, and the Registered filmmakers from across Iowa will gather on the evening of July 28 where they will be given a genre, a character, a prop, and a line of dialogue that they must work into their film. 48 hours later they will race to upload their completed short films to 48 Hour Film Project servers before the 7:30pm deadline. Registration opens May 23rd online at: www.48hourfilm.com/desmoines  Spaces are limited and first come, first serve. “We are excited to run our 19th round of fast paced filmmaking in this wonderful city” said Des Moines 48HFP Producer Samuel Pace-Tuomi. “We also look forward to premiering our films this year in a fantastic new screening venue, The Varsity Cinema.”

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

1.     Beaverdale Books – Rick Van Etten. The Killer at the Lake. Jun 14, 6:30 PM.

2.     Des Moines Central Library, part of the AViD Authors Series – Taylor Harris. This Boy We Made. Jun 15, 7:00 PM.

3.     Raccoon River Nature Center – Beaverdale Books – Chris Jones, The Swine Republic: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality. Jul 6, 6:30 PM.

4.     Beaverdale Books – 17^th Annual Celebration. Jul 8, 5:00 PM.

5.     Beaverdale Books – Grant Faulkner. The Art of Brevity. Jul 11, 6:30 PM.

6.     Franklin Junior High Events Center – Beaverdale Books – Chasten Buttigieg, I Have Something to Tell You. Jul 15, 2:00 PM.

7.     Beaverdale Books – Larry Baker. Harry and Sue: A Story About Love and Ghosts. Jul 18, 6:30 PM.

8.     Beaverdale Books – Jacinta Hart Kehoe. Mountain Lion Rises: A Memoir of Healing. Jul 21, 6:30 PM.

9.     Beaverdale Books – Antonia Deignan. Underwater Daughter: A Memoir of Survival and Healing. Jul 24 6:30 PM.

10. Beaverdale Books – Jason Legois. Yank Strike. Jul 26, 6:30 PM.

11. Beaverdale Books – Kelsey Bigelow, Emcee. Poetry Open Mic Night. Aug 4, 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 Book 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)

VII.       Beaverdale Books provides their Top Ten sellers list, updated each month. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/

1.     The Forever Days, Mary St. Onge*

2.     The Swine Republic: Struggles with the Truth about Agriculture and Water Quality, Chris Jones*

3.     Demon Copperhead, Barbara Kingsolver

4.     Happy Place, Emily Henry

5.     Lessons in Chemistry, Bonnie Garmus

6.     Breadcrumb Legacy: How Great Leaders Live a Life Worth Remembering, Jann Freed*

7.     Bet the Farm: The Dollars and Sense of Growing Food in America, Beth Hoffman*

8.     Crying in H Mart, Michelle Zaun

9.     Chocolates, Erika Baty*

10.  Chain Gang All Stars, Nana Kwame Adjel-Brenyah

*Iowa Author!

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)

Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.

Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz 

Life Resource books worth your consideration

1.     The Island of the Four Ps: A Modern Fable about Preparing for Your Future. Ed Hajim. Ed shares his wealth of experience, challenges and success, distilling it with a clarity and appeal that will benefit everyone desiring great advice through this allegorical telling in planning their future. “This wonderful fable draws on the hard-won life lessons of fabled financier Ed Hajim. … For those on a similar quest, let Ed be your guide through reading this allegorical tale. It informs and inspires.” —Mark Zupan, President, Alfred University https://www.edhajim.com/

2.     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/

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

Performing Arts & Cultural 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

Science Center of Iowa – https://www.sciowa.org/; Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sciowa

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.

1.     Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/

2.     Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.com/

3.     Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction. https://readinginpublic.com/

4.     Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/

5.     Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/

6.     Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/

7.     Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/

8.     Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/

9.     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/

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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/

5. 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/

6. 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.

7. 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/

8. Contact Buzz – This column covers crossroads between creativity and culture, and is offered in the new Des Moines edition of Little Village magazine. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/

9. 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/

10. 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/

11. 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/

12. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org

13. 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.