Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:
12/12/2023From 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
“The miracle is this – the more we share, the more we have.” Leonard Nimoy (1931-2015), an American actor, famed for playing Spock in the Star Trek franchise for almost 50 years, quoted in a 1992 issue of Reader’s Digest.
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 –
Last Call Shopping Event
Answer the welcoming invitation to one of America’s premier enclave of artists, Mainframe Studios, 900 Keo Way, Des Moines. The artists at Mainframe Studios (find them here). Love to shop in person? We do too. Mainframe Studio has a Last Call shopping event on Sat Dec 16 from 1 – 5 p.m.
https://www.mainframestudios.org/
Central Iowa Wind Ensemble – 2 holiday shows. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents Holiday Spectacular! Fri Dec 15 @ 7 p.m. Ames City Auditorium – 515 Clark Avenue, Ames AND Sun Dec 17 @ 3 p.m. Franklin Jr. High Events Center, 4801 Franklin, DSM. ADMISSION: FREE Tickets are required for all events. Available at www.ciwe.org
A Bounty of Holiday Shows to consider
· Hoyt Sherman Place Theatre holiday shows – Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience: Holly Jolly Holiday Tour (Dec 16); Michael W. Smith’s Christmas show (Dec 17). https://hoytsherman.org/events/
· Community Jazz Center – Community Jazz Center – The CJC Big Band performs another fantastic free concert Sun Dec 17, 2-4 PM at Franklin Jr High Events Center. Remember that the CJC Big Band performs monthly, delivering free concerts featuring veteran musicians and showcasing up-and-coming youth musicians. https://www.cjc-dsm.org/cjc-big-band.html
· Noce Christmas – New holiday variety show featuring samples of most popular seasonal productions, hosted by vocalist and Noce owner, Max Wellman. Thru Dec 23. Also, Max Wellman’s 14th Annual “Home for the Holidays” show. https://www.nocedsm.com/
I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Ann Hanigan Kotz plumbs the rich depths of her family history to create a captivating reading journey with her book, The Journey of Karoline Olsen. Listen as Ann shares glimpses into her research and creative process to create this compelling story, the first her Olson Trilogy.
“Weaving family history into The Journey of Karoline Olson, Ann Hanigan Kotz brings a captivating story to readers, expanding the facts from her family’s history into a compelling journey into another era with a vivid portrayal of the lives and times.”
– The Culture Buzz
https://www.annhkbooks.com/
11:16 AM – Thru Dec 12. Des Moines Performing Arts presents a week of musical theatre magic and majesty with The Wiz running Dec 12-17. This production only plays in a few select cities in this pre-Broadway tour. Listen as Polanco Jones Jr (ensemble, U/S Tinman) shares his insider perspective of this great show.
“This 1970s blockbuster retelling of Dorothy in the Land of Oz captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. The 2023 pre-Broadway Tour will very likely create a magical touchstone for a new generation.”
– The Culture Buzz
https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-wiz/
11:29 AM – There’s a new creative force in town, and it beckons arts and literature lovers to immerse themselves into its gallery, programming and classes. IN Tandem Arts & Authors is an easily accessible destination located in the heart of downtown Des Moines. Listen as owner and team leader Polly Clark shares a brief and enticing overview of what IN Tandem Arts & Authors offers.
https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
11:44 AM – Thru Dec 17. Iowa Stage Theatre Company is renowned for its topnotch production value, and one of their signature recurring gems is a special adaptation of A Christmas Carol. This year, Richard Maynard (who won a Cloris Award for this role) steps aside as another founding company member, the talented John Earl Robinson, assumes the miserly mantle of this iconic character. John joins the conversation with yet another founding company member, Donna Scarfe (Christmas Past), to share insights about this immersive, memorable show.
“The special connection of celebrated Central Iowa designer Jay Jagim, who helped originate this script at the Alley Theatre in Houston, gives this adaptation of A Christmas Carol a glowing charisma that will fill its audiences with the Christmas spirit.” – The Culture Buzz
https://www.iowastage.org/achristmascarol
11:58 AM – Poet John D. Thompson reads “Voyeur to the World” from his seasonal delight, A Holiday Chapbook of Poetry.
“John D. Thompson is a prolific, gifted and inspiring poet, and is anchored by his passion for his home state of Iowa. From heart-tingling to humorous, from historical to thought-provoking, his poetry will resonate with all.”
– The Culture Buzz
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=a+holiday+chapbook+of+poetry&i=stripbooks&crid=3HCH6HAD7JYYF&sprefix=A+chapbo%2Cstripbooks%2C108&ref=nb_sb_ss_ts-doa-p_1_8
12:00 PM – Opening Fri Dec 15. Tallgrass Theatre Company created an instant classic with last year’s Home for the Holidays, and brings it back to their stage with new material, an expanded repertoire, and the same captivating joy of the season that had audiences merrily chatting about it well into the new year. Listen as Alison Beuchler (one of the A Sisters) and Nicholas Root share some glimpses into the show. (NOTE: the Sun Dec 17 matinee already is sold out)
“Tallgrass Theatre continues to find engaging, captivating fare for Central Iowa audiences, and Home for the Holidays is another fine feather for their well-plumed cap. This show displays exceptional talent whisking audiences back the golden musical days of the 1940s, evoking a heart-warming evening of musical magic.” – The Culture Buzz
12:11 PM – Thru Dec 12. Des Moines Performing Arts presents a week of musical theatre magic and majesty with The Wiz running Dec 12-17. This production only plays in a few select cities in this pre-Broadway tour. Listen as Melody A. Betts (Aunt Em/Evillene) shares her insider perspective of this great show.
“This 1970s blockbuster retelling of Dorothy in the Land of Oz captured the hearts and imaginations of millions. The 2023 pre-Broadway Tour will very likely create a magical touchstone for a new generation.” – The Culture Buzz
https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-wiz/
12:26 PM – Basi Affia (Aniekanabasi White) returns to the show to share updates as he continues to grow the successes of his Sensi’il Studios, the first black comic book publisher in Iowa and Nebraska.
“Basi Affia is the dynamic energy force behind the successful establishment of Iowa and Nebraska’s first black comic book publisher, Sensi’il Studios. Affia’s expansive vision draws others to his projects, and the creative ripples from his work continue to impact others in ever-expanding ways. Sensi’il Studios is a vision long overdue.”
– The Culture Buzz
https://www.sensiilstudios.com/
12:43 PM – Cirque Dreams Holidaze makes a two-day, four-performance stop at Des Moines Performing Arts. Artistic Director Rebecca Shubart shares insights into the complex structure of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring and engaging performance troupes ever.
CIRQUE DREAMS HOLIDAZE dazzles with a brilliant and whimsical family holiday spectacular. This annual tradition wraps a Broadway-style production around an infusion of contemporary circus arts. As lights dim and the music swells, audiences will have visions of sugar plums dancing in their heads as a fantastical cast of holiday storybook characters come to life. Broadway World exclaims, “Lose yourself for 90 minutes and go back to those wonderful dreams you had as a kid.”
https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/cirque-dreams-holidaze/
12:57 PM – Poet David M. Perkins reads “Where I Do Not Know Where” from his collection, Post Modern Blues.
“Perkins’ lines make the mundane significant, and we are always drawn into his work as if by a warm magic that we can trust, teeming with the language of living and loving that we can hld close without the dread of betrayal…I applaud these poems’ capacity for love.” – Pushcart Prize and American Book Award-winning Jim Barnes
II. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Performing Arts. The Wiz. Dec 12-17. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-wiz/
2. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble – 2 holiday shows. Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents Holiday Spectacular! Fri Dec 15 @ 7 p.m. Ames City Auditorium – 515 Clark Avenue, Ames AND Sun Dec 17 @ 3 p.m. Franklin Jr. High Events Center, 4801 Franklin, DSM. ADMISSION: FREE Tickets are required for all events. Available at www.ciwe.org
3. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. ScripTease. Dec 18, 7 PM. A reading of Harvey Fierstein’s TORCH SONG. This significantly revised version of Torch Song Trilogy was originally produced off-Broadway in 2017, before transferring to Broadway the next year. https://www.iowastage.org/scriptease
4. Des Moines Performing Arts. Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. Dec 21, 2 shows. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/rudolph-2022/
5. Des Moines Performing Arts. Cirque Dreams Holidaze. Dec 22-23. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/cirque-dreams-holidaze/
6. Pura Social Club – I am elated to announce our cast and talented vocalists, who will be sharing holiday classics for our Holiday Cabaret – Dec 23 from 6-9pm! Let’s have a fun night of celebrating our theater friendships on Christmas Eve Eve! Incredible theater veterans and friends from all over Des Moines and the surrounding areas! https://facebook.com/events/s/holiday-cabaret/223922053598835/
III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Heritage Art Gallery. Greater Des Moines Exhibited. Thru Jan 3. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/current-show#current-show-greater-dsm-exhibited-2023
2. Moberg Gallery. Current – 20th Anniversary Show. Dec 5-10 – Scope Miami Beach. Jan 12 – Jeff Fleming Absurdities. Mar 8 – Chris Vance. https://moberggallery.com/
3. 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/
4. Olson-Larsen Galleries. Wing & Bloom. Rachel Deutmeyer, Barbara Fedeler, Kiersten Furlong, Paula Schuette Kraemer, Molly Wood, Amy Worthen. Thru Dec 2. 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. IN Tandem Arts & Authors. 1,2 Des Moines. https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
9. Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
12. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
13. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
14. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
15. Ritual Café. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
16. 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
· Audition – Des Moines Community Playhouse. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Mon Jan 8, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/
· 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 comes to seasonal life, and you’re invited
Governor Kim Reynolds and First Gentleman Kevin Reynolds invite Iowans and their families to join them for Christmas at Terrace Hill on Sun Dec 17, from 1:00-3:00 pm.
Guests are encouraged to explore the historic property and enjoy several activities including photos with Santa Claus and the first family, ornament decorating, carolers, Christmas cookies and a letter-writing station to send correspondence to deployed Iowa National Guard service members.
At this year’s event, as an additional way to say “Thank You” to our men and women who are currently deployed, we will be collecting donations from the provided list of items our deployed service members need. We appreciate any donations you are able to bring. (List attached on the Eventbrite reservation page).
The event will conclude with Governor Reynolds reading No Company for Christmas, a story which centers around Terrace Hill and was written by local children’s author, Susan Maupin Schmid, with illustrations created by local artist, Tara Gartin.
Tickets are $25 per individual or $50 per household + processing fees and must be purchased in advance. To purchase tickets, call our office at 515-281-7205 or purchase online at https://terracehillchristmas23.eventbrite.com
Proceeds from the event benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary conservation and restoration projects at Terrace Hill. Last year’s event raised over $5,000 that went toward the upkeep of the 154-year-old building and grounds.
VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Kathleen Williams Renk. The Rosetti Diaries. Jan 21, 2-3 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books – Steve Dunn. ‘Pug,’ ‘Fireball,’ and Company: 116 Years of Professional Baseball in Des Moines, Iowa. Jan 28, 2:30-3:30 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. Happy AF: Simple Strategies to Get Unstuck, Bounce Back, and Live Your Best Life.
Beth Romero. Fresh, insightful, and grounded academic research, this cheeky, no-nonsense manifesto offers practical strategies and easy-to-follow exercises for flexing your happiness muscle and maximizing your potential — essentially laying out the blueprint for how to be happy AF and live your best life. “A sharp, sometimes witty, often helpful map for pointing your life in the direction of happiness.” – Kirkus Reviews
2. Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Food-First Plan to Optimize Your Mental Health. Dr. Georgia Ede. Combine the surprising truth about brain food with the cutting edge of brain metabolism to achieve extraordinary emotional, cognitive, and physical health. “This book is an invaluable resource and guide for anyone looking to enhance their health and life through the thoughtful integration of nutrition.” – David Perlmutter, MD
https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mind
3. 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/
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. Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
5. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
6. Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
7. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
8. Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
9. Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
10. 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 adventurers through the 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.
Creatively yours, John Busbee
C: 515-707-1532
