Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:
10/24/2023From 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 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
“On the whole it is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.” — Mark Twain (1835-1910), Samuel Langhorne Clemens, known by the 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.” The year before his death, Twain was quoted saying, “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it. It will be the greatest disappointment of my life if I don’t go out with Halley’s Comet. The Almighty has said, no doubt: “Now here are these two unaccountable freaks; they came in together, they must go out together”.”
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 –
KFMG Fall Fun(d)raiser – Now is the time to support KFMG programming, including this charter program, The Culture Buzz, delivering its weekly, eclectic 2-hour interview program featuring literary interviews and regional cultural news. With more than 4000 interviews captured, The Culture Buzz Podcast Library continues to grow with more than 800 select interviews. Thank you for your support – please visit www.kfmg.org to see how you can support this program. KFMG operates as a nonprofit under the Des Moines Community Radio Foundation, and gifts are tax deductible.
48 Hour Film Project offers a horrific bounty of scary premieres – 2023 48 Hour Film Project Best of Horror Screening and Costume Event – includes screenings of the top 12 judged films from the 2023 Horror Event. A Costume Contest with cash prize will be held. Fleur Cinema and Cafe, 4545 Fleur Dr, Des Moines, IA 50321. Fri Oct 27, 7 pm. Tickets are available at https://dm48hfp.live/BOH23
Anderson Gallery (Drake University) – opening reception of the new exhibition at the Anderson Gallery by Duane Slick and Martin Smick on Friday October 27 from 5-7pm. Their site-specific installation What the Night Tells Us will be on display from thru Dec 15, 2023. The artists will be in attendance at the reception and the event is free and open to all. Refreshments will be served. Duane Slick is an artist of Native American descent, the Meskwaki Nation of Iowa and the Ho-Chunk Nation of Nebraska. His acrylic paintings blend the subjects of oral and visual Native American traditions with a focus on trickster strategies and modernist/post-modernist painting histories. Martin Smick is an artist who has been living and working in Rhode Island since 2007 and has taught in the Painting Department at Rhode Island School of Design since 2013. Both artists have exhibited nationally and have collaborated on two previous exhibitions. As collaborators, Slick and Smick are conscious of their respective cultural identities and have been able to create exhibitions that engage in issues surrounding Native culture. https://andersongallery.wp.drake.edu/
Halloween Horrors at Hoyt – A Popup Art Show at Hoyt Sherman Place. A few more featured artists for the Halloween Horrors at Hoyt – A Pop-Up Art Fair taking place on Oct. 31 from 4 – 9 p.m. on Oct. 31. Come check them and many others out! Shawn Palek, Owner/Artist at Palek Studio and Gallery is an amazing and prolific airbrush artist whose work can be seen in murals around town. He recently completed a life size memorial mausoleum painting for the 175th anniversary celebration of Woodland Cemetery. Come and watch him do a painting live at Hoyt Sherman Place! Mallory Leonettii graduated with a BFA in Art & Design from ISU, as well as a summer Animation Residency at CalArts, and completed one year of graduate work at Academy of Art University. She specializes in expressive portraits and colorful artwork with a liking for monsters and the unusual. Joy H. Smith is an artist who takes old vacation photos and turns them into sexy, and sometimes smutty, works of art. Sarah Macht is a retired museum educator who enjoys creating whimsical fantasy art. She will showcase her acrylic paintings, prints, mini paint pours, mini art pieces and spooky crafts. Nathan Christianson is Illustrator, painter, and digital artist who will bring prints, stickers, and original paintings to event. Kolby Friedrichsenn is a teacher in studio at the Des Moines Art Center, and Queer artist and activist from Des Moines. Kolby works in a variety of mediums some including Graphite drawings, Oil, Acrylic, And watercolor paint, ink, printmaking, sculpture, up-cycled clothing and more! https://www.facebook.com/events/1077246240304422/
ARTSWORK from the Des Moines Arts Festival – positive, creative impacts throughout the year
Plates & Provisions – We’ve commissioned Des Moines artist Linda Lewis to create handmade plates for the event’s Plates & Provisions. At the event, simply purchase a handmade plate and fill it up with provisions from Gateway Market. Our volunteers will clean and wrap up your plate to take home. Tickets for Plates & Provisions are $25 each. Limited quantities are available. Pre-order now until Nov 2.
Wine & Clay – Wine & Clay will be presented at the Valley Junction Activity Center Sat Nov 4, 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This is a celebration of the earth arts featuring artists selling work in clay, wood, fiber, metal, glass and more, paired with wine, food, live music and artist demonstrations. Tickets are on sale NOW. Advanced tickets are just $5 for ages 13 and over, children 12 and younger are free. https://www.artswork.art/wineandclay
Wine & Clay will feature local 25 artists working in a variety of earth arts mediums. That means you’ll shop from artists who work in ceramics as well as wood, glass, fibers, metal and mixed mediums.
Wine & Clay will showcase artist demonstrations and live music throughout the day:
· 11:30 a.m. Music by the Ortonville Circus, string band
· 1:15 p.m. Megan Hammer, felting demonstration
· 2:45 p.m. Music by Kathryn Severing Fox
· 4:30 p.m. Jennifer Lee, ceramic demonstration
I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Tour stops in Des Moines Nov 4. Stopping at Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre on his “The Shock Advised Tour,” Nurse Blake brings his alluring blend of health care stories and humor to consistently sold-out houses. Nov 4. “Blending his innate compassion as a nurse with a foundation of his comedic connectivity: Laughter is the best medicine. Anyone and everyone will benefit from a double dose of this comedic master.” – The Culture Buzz
11:18 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Oct 31 6:30 PM. Liz Cooney, co-authoring with Diane S. Grimes, shares glimpses into a candid and necessary exploration in their Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture. Liz’s book shines a bold light on the power and influence that visual imagery have historically and continue to have in today’s culture. “Liz Cooney and Diane S. Grimes share a revealing, important understanding and call to action with their Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture. This pivotal work challenges conscientious people to constantly aware of the influences which abound and persist, trying to shape opinions in unhealthy ways.” – The Culture Buzz
https://www.lensofwhiteness.com/
11:37 AM – James Autry and his son, Rick, pen a masterpiece book which should be part of everyone’s library. Everyday Virtues: Classic Tales to Read with Kids. Listen as they provide glimpses into this fresh and new perspective on fables we all grew up with.
“What a wonderful way to introduce and open a conversation on the essential elements of good character. Well done.” – Kathleen Turner, actor and activist http://rickautry.com/
12:00 PM – Opening this Friday at Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre will fill the John Viars Mainstage Theatre with a joyous musical, Seussical the Musical: Theatre for Young Audiences version. The cast and production team hold nothing back in bringing a parade of loveable Seussian characters to life in a show that will delight first-timers to live theatre as well as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents as all fondly bond with their own Dr. Seuss memories. Director/Choreographer Kent Zimmerman and Blake Clyde (as The Cat in the Hat) lead a lively conversation about the delightful process of bringing this show to the stage Oct 27-Nov 5. “The Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre program is a recognized national leader, and its Iowa audiences are blessed to have such a performing arts treasure in their own backyard. This is the gold standard for introducing next-gen audiences to the magic of live theater.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/seussical-tya/
12:16 PM – Authors appearing at Beaverdale Books Wed Oct 25, 6:30 PM. Hazel Beck, author of “upmarket paranormal fiction,” is the nom de plume for the dynamic writing duo of Megan Crane and Nicole Helm. Megan and Nicole introduce us to Hazel Beck’s wonderfully appealing world and its characters of The Witchlore Series. Big Little Spells is Book 2 of the 4-tome series, and brings readers an immersive, rewarding experience.
“Beck’s second entry in the “Witchlore” series (after Small Town, Big Magic) brings back a charming cast of characters and offers a heart-rending story of personal strength, growth, and fated love.” – Library Journal https://hazel-beck.com/
12:30 PM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Nov 1, 6:30 PM. Dr. Allen Lycka’s world turned topsy turvy two decades ago with a life-changing diagnosis. His journey through it eventually yielded this masterpiece of inspiration, The Secret of Living a Fantastic Life…Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Golden Pearls They’ve Discovered. Co-author Harriett Tinka and Dr. Lycka take their journeys to a place of wondrous radiance as they share affirming discoveries that their challenges revealed.
“Dr. Allen Lycka and Harriett Tinka prove that although most of us will never experience the life-threatening challenges they did, what they offer in The Secrets of Living a Fantastic Life truly give its readers golden pearls of wisdom, inspiration, and calls to personal betterment.” – The Culture Buzz https://drallenlycka.com/
12:48 PM – The Unofficial Ted Lasso Cookbook: From Biscuits to BBQ, 50 Recipes from TV’s Most Loveable Football Team is a delightful exercise in the joys of cooking paired with the boundless delight of inspirational TV fiction. Authors Aki Berry and Meg Chano capture the passion, rewards, and laughter that this culinary journey gives. Filled with trademark foods from this series, it does, of course, include Biscuits With the Boss (along with instructions to make your own pink box).
“Inspired by the beloved, Emmy Award–winning TV show Ted Lasso, a collection of 50 recipes, DIY ideas, and other Easter eggs for anyone who believes that Football is Life!” https://www.saltharvestcreatives.com/
II. Performance Arts
1. Ballet Des Moines. Tom Mattingly’s Jekyll & Hyde – A World Premiere. Oct 27-29. https://www.balletdesmoines.org/jekyllhyde
2. Des Moines Community Playhouse – Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. Presented in the John Viars Mainstage Theatre. Seussical the Musical – Theatre for Young Audiences version. Oct 27-Nov 5. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/seussical-tya/
3. Pura Social Club. Pura and Michael Howland Present Broadway Villains and Vixens. Oct 28, 7:00 PM. 12 artists (theatre veterans who have portrayed iconic villains before) perform memorable selections from all your favorite Broadway baddies! https://www.facebook.com/events/6335528976566763/
4. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Thru Oct 29. https://www.dmyat.org/
5. IRIS – JUKEBOX SATURDAY NIGHT – A Music Review of the Great Big Bands. This engaging fundraiser will be Oct 27 at the Franklin Jr. High Events Center. Check out how you can get involved, and savor the magic of the Big Band Era again. This is a music review of the great Big Bands of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s. These power-packed pros will keep the dancefloor hopping with the greatest hits as recorded by big band legends like Glenn Miller, Tommy and Jimmy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, Harry James, Artie Shaw, Cab Calloway, Benny Goodman, Count Basie and more! We couldn’t bring in a band of this caliber without the sponsorship of the Polk County Board of Supervisors. Their generous support made the return of the Big Band BASH possible. https://iowaradioreading.org/transactions/big-band-bash/
6. Celtic Music Association. Franklin Event Center. CMA’s 2023-2024 Season launches with The Wee Heavies, Nov 11, 7:30. https://www.thecma.org/concerts/weeheavies
7. Jazz at Caspe Terrace. Sparks (William Parker, bass; Eri Yamamoto, piano; Chad Fowler, sax; Steve Hirsch, drums). Sun Nov 12, 2 pm. Tickets, information: Abe Goldstein, Jackie Garnett. 515-279-6452. abegold1951@gmail.com
8. Pura Social Club. Here is a preview of just some of the young artists to be featured for our Broadway Next Gen cabaret – Nov 25.
https://facebook.com/events/s/broadway-next-gen/2347345745474794/
III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Selected Works by Saturday Sketch Club – Thru Nov 10. Started in 1948, the club provides an opportunity for local artists to gather and paint. The group meets to decide on a place to paint, and heads out. After about two hours they meet for refreshments, conversation, and a discussion of their work. Most still adhere to the watercolor medium because of its portability and simplicity, but a few use pastels and occasionally small oil paintings. The looseness of the organization means that some artists join regularly, some sporadically. A variety of residents have been members over the years — artists, teachers, lawyers, physicians, bankers, a cartoonist, and a police detective. Women today comprise a majority of the group, which has been active for 76 years. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/calendarmain#calendar-1
2. Des Moines Art Center. Double Take. The print gallery exhibition “Double Take” calls attention to the way photographers attempt to both announce and erase their presence in the final image chosen for print and presentation. Sometimes within the work of the same artist, curators Laura Burkhalter and Ben Easter have chosen pairs of images – one of which is a staged or posed photo and another that appears to be more improvisational or quickly-captured street photography. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/double-take/
3. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Wing & Bloom. Rachel Deutmeyer, Barbara Fedeler, Kiersten Furlong, Paula Schuette Kraemer, Molly Wood, Amy Worthen. Now in their new location, 542 Fifth Street, Still in Historic Valley Junction. https://olsonlarsen.com/exhibitions
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
· Volunteers needed for Wine & Clay – Des Moines Arts Festival and ARTSWork. Every great event needs a great crew to keep things running smoothly. We’re looking for volunteers on Fri Nov 3 & Sat Nov 4 to help with a variety of jobs, including: Artist Load In and Load Out; Assisting artists with a variety of tasks such as unloading vehicles, carrying displays, assisting with booth set-up; Bartending: Serving up wine in sample cups for flights or by the glass; Plates & Provisions: Selling plates and keeping the appetizer station running smoothly; Set-Up / Tear-Down: Helping our crew get things ready or clean things up. Volunteers each receive a t-shirt, free event admission and snacks. https://desmoinesartsfestival.volunteerlocal.com/volunteer/?id=78093
· Audition – Des Moines Community Playhouse. Our Town. Mon Nov 13, 6:00 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/our-town/
· Additional volunteer opportunities abound – with the seasons ramping up, now is a great time to explore how to find other ways to engage with Central Iowa theatre companies. Assistance is always welcome, from costume and set building, to ushering, to back stage crew, find a short-term commitment that will be immensely gratifying.
Check the websites of the theatre companies listed below to consider a wide range of volunteer opportunities.
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
Terrace Hill – On Mon Nov 6 at 5:00 PM, Terrace Hill has received funding from Humanities Iowa to host a free presentation, Glimpses of Iowa’s Capitol: Its History, Art, Architecture, and Restoration. Historian Rosa Snyder will divulge untold stories and reveal hidden treasures of Iowa’s most recognized landmark. This is a free program, but an RVSP is required as space is limited. RSVP by email only to claire.sowder@governor.iowa.gov. Please include first and last names of each attendee.
VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Hazel Beck, Big Little Spells. Wed Oct 25, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books – BOOverdale Halloween Stories. The Phantom Coach, a group of professional storytellers. Thu Oct 26, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books – Dr. Allen Lycka, The Secrets to Living a Fantastic Life – Two Survivors Reveal the 13 Pearls They’ve Discovered. Tue Oct 31, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books – Liz Cooney. Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture. Wed Nov 1, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books, Franklin Avenue Library – Margaret Renkl. The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year. Thu Nov 2, 7:00 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books – Linda Robbins Coleman. Boyhood’s End. Wed Nov 8, 6:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books, IN Tandem Gallery – Liz Cooney. Through the Lens of Whiteness: Challenging Racialized Imagery in Pop Culture. Mon Nov 6, 4 PM.
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 Book 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)
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 Long Way Back, Nicole Baart*
· 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. 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:
1. 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. Des Moines Arts Festival (https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/) and Bravo Greater Des Moines (https://bravogreaterdesmoines.org/) – have joined forces to provide resources, support and networking for individual artists (DMAF) and cultural organizations (Bravo). For artists and organizations seeking to gain the training, information and resources for success, check out www.artswork.art, https://iowaartistdirectory.org/home/, https://www.artswork.art/cbc
6. 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/
7. 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.
8. 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/
9. 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/
10. 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/
11. 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/
12. 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/
13. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
14. 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.
