Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

3/5/2024

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 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
Cityview Magazine “Center Stage” columnist
Little Village Magazine “Contact Buzz” columnist
www.TheCultureBuzz.com

Quote of the Week “The Spirit that prevails among Men of all degrees, all ages and sexes is the Spirit of Liberty.” – Abigail Adams (1744-1818), in 1775. Abigail Adams was the wife and closest advisor of John Adams, the second president of the United States, and the mother of John Quincy Adams, the sixth president of the United States. Adams’s life is one of the most documented of the first ladies; many of the letters she wrote to her husband John Adams while he was in Philadelphia as a delegate in the Continental Congress prior and during the American Revolution document the closeness and versatility of their relationship. John Adams frequently sought the advice of Abigail on many matters, and their letters are filled with intellectual discussions on government and politics. Her letters also serve as eyewitness accounts of the American Revolutionary War home front.

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

Flash Buzz –

Des Moines Symphony – Discover Gershwin
Award-winning pianist Michelle Cann makes her Des Moines debut performing of George Gershwin’s iconic Rhapsody in Blue, celebrating its 100th Anniversary in 2024. The concert opens with Grammy-nominated composer Carlos Simon’s Gospel-inspired Amen! The soaring lyricism and brooding intensity of César Franck’s Symphony in D Minor brings the concert to a close. Sat Mar 9 at 7:30 PM & Sun Mar 10 at 2:30 PM. https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/discover-gershwin/

DES MOINES METRO OPERA UNVEILS SPECIAL EVENT
The opera’s signature fundraiser, the Wine, Food & Beer Showcase, returns to the downtown Des Moines Marriott on the evening of Fri Mar 8. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/events/event-341/

1st Annual Dogtown Lights International .GIFfest
Cruise the Drake neighborhood, affectionately known as Dogtown. Drake students’ works, with guidance from graphic design professor Neal Ward, is up in Dogtown Lights through the end of February. Next up is the “1st Annual Dogtown Lights International .GIFfest”, inviting creators to make short .gif animations. All appropriate submissions will then be animated on the lights through March 15. For more information, visit: https://groupcreatives.com/gifest
March is History Month
Join State Historical Museum staff for guided tours of museum exhibits and the underground storage vault where artifacts are collected and preserved. Here’s the tour schedule for March:
· March 12, 10 a.m. – “Iowa’s People and Places” exhibit
· March 12, 2 p.m. – “Civics in Action” exhibit
· March 13, 2 p.m. – Museum Collections Tour
· March 15, 10 a.m. – Museum Collections Tour
· March 15, 2 p.m. – Family Museum Collection Tour
· March 16, 10 a.m. – Family Museum Collection Tour
The free tours are open to children and adults alike, but children must be accompanied by an adult, and advanced registration is required. https://history.iowa.gov/calendar

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

11:00 AM – In a captivating debut novel, Emily Ruth Verona delivers an immersive blend of horror, thriller, and cinematic-aura seduction in Midnight on Beacon Street. Listen as Emily shares her journey as an experienced, award-winning writer to first-time novelist. “Verona’s debut is a panic attack wrapped in a puzzle box and soaked in cinematic nostalgia. This heartfelt thriller will keep you turning the pages long past midnight . . . just don’t forget to check on the children.” — Brian McAuley, author of Curse of the Reaper https://www.emilyruthverona.com/

11:13 AM – Tim McCoy has a passion for helping people find the best life that they can achieve, so much so that he founded Healthy for Life. Listen as this rewarding conversation touches base on motivation, results and a better life. “Information is power, and information about a path for better health is an exponentially powerful trail to blaze. Healthy for Life is your guide.” — The Culture Buzz https://healthyforlifeusa.com/

11:29 AM – Broadway Tour in Des Moines March 12-17. Des Moines Performing Arts continues to cement its position as the Broadway of the Heartland as it welcomes another national tour to its stage March 12-27. Funny Girl explodes onstage with a captivatingly energetic story and musical score. Eileen T’Kaye (as “Mrs. Strakosh”) shares her experienced journey to becoming part of this memorable show. “This production is quite simply dazzling.” – Providence Journal https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/funny-girl/

11:46 AM – International jazz vocalist superstar in Des Moines. For sixteen years, Abe Goldstein and Jackie Garnett have produced intimate concerts that present the best artists in the jazz world in the “Jazz at Caspe Terrace” series. Abe drops into the studio to chat about one of this era’s great jazz vocalists, Judy Niemack, making her Iowa debut March 17 at 2 PM. “To hear Judy Niemack’s immaculate delivery of poetic romance and lilting spirit from the classic American songbook is to believe she was weaned on it…she didn’t merely dabble in folk, opera, jazz, avant-garde and the great American standards, she studied and explored them…Few singers have a better grasp of melody, harmony and phrasing, or such a rich instrument with which to express them.” — Stuart Troup, New York Newsday https://jazzatcaspe.weebly.com/

12:00 PM – Opens this Fri Mar 8. Carousel Theatre of Indianola responds to its loyal patron base and their desire to tackle classic shows by producing Arthur Miller’s Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning gem, Death of a Salesman. Alex Lindsley (who plays ‘Happy’ Loman) shares great insights into how this company has embraced the challenge and will present a well-explored preparation for its audiences. https://carouseltheatre.org/

12:14 PM – Now on stage. Dixie Longate is back in Des Moines, once again entertaining her ever-growing fan base who can’t get enough of the sassy elixir she serves. Never Wear a Tube Top While Riding a Mechanical Bull and 16 other Things I Learned While Drinking Last Thursday will deliver a rip-roaring dose of belly-tickling delight – a perfect group experience, date night, or whatever excuse you need to leave troubles outside the Temple Theatre for a couple of hours. “The Queen of Southern Sass returns for another run in ‘Dez Moinez’ at Dixie Longate explores the consequences of wearing the wrong wardrobe to a special event.” — The Culture Buzz https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/dixies-never-wear-a-tube-top/

12:30 PM – At Beaverdale Books Fri Mar 8. Lyz Lenz returns to the show with a new book, another powerful endorsement of a woman living her life to its fullest. This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life is a testament to one woman’s will to embrace her future. “In her compelling This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life, Lyz Lenz “argues that the mechanisms of American power, justice, love, and gender equality remain deeply flawed, and that marriage, like any other cultural institution, is due for a reckoning.” Women have historically taken the brunt of societal secondary role-playing, and America has not achieved its best results because of that. Lenz strips away the calcified veneer of that bygone hierarchy and makes her readers truly think about ‘what if.’” — The Culture Buzz https://lyzlenz.com/

12:47 PM – Available March 11. Joanna Goodman’s new novel, Inheritance, takes readers on another richly filled story about poignant portrait of familial bonds, haunted pasts, the collateral damage of life choices, and the promise of a hopeful future as two venerable women fight for the life they deserve. Joanna shares wonderful insights into the back story and inspiration of her latest storytelling journey. “Wise, immersive and full of the fierce vulnerability that links women together, The Inheritance reminded me of a Meg Wolitzer novel. With immediately engaging characters and a multilayered story that is, at its core, an ode to the deep complexities of being female and the powerful ties of family in all its forms, this is an unforgettable novel from a genuine talent.” — MARISSA STAPLEY, NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF LUCKY https://www.joannagoodman.com/

II. Performance Arts
1. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. Death of a Salesman. Mar 8-15. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=1397
2. Ballet Des Moines. WORLD PREMIERE, Love Letters, Mar 8-9 at Hoyt Sherman Place. https://www.balletdesmoines.org/loveletters-lgbtq
3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Broadway Karaoke. Sat Mar 9, 7 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
4. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. The Glass Menagerie. Thru Mar 10. https://www.iowastage.org/glassmenagerie
5. Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre – Des Moines Community Playhouse. Dragons Love Tacos. Thru Mar 10. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/dragons-love-tacos/
6. Temple Theatre – Des Moines Performing Arts. Dixie’s Never Wear a Tube Top while Riding a Mechanical Bull. Thru Mar 17. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/dixies-never-wear-a-tube-top/
7. Jazz at Caspe Terrace. Abe Goldstein Sun Mar 17, 2 PM: JUDY NIEMACK. Jazz critic Dan Morgenstern said it best — “If you want to know what real jazz singing can be (but rarely is),
listen to Judy Niemack.” Niemack has perfected her beautiful voice, fearless improvisational skills, impressive musicianship and exceptional versatility for more than 40 years and on many critically-acclaimed recordings. She also enjoys a worldwide reputation as a jazz vocal teacher and author of several “must-have” vocal jazz improvisation books. Niemack will be accompanied by pianist John DiMartino, who appeared at Caspe Terrace several years ago with vocalist Jay Clayton. Tickets for Jazz at Caspe Terrace concerts are $30 each and can be ordered by calling 515-279-6452 or emailing abegold1951@gmail.com. You can also purchase tickets at jazzatcaspe.weebly.com. Seating is limited to 130 so reservations are encouraged.
8. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Mar 29-Apr 14. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/
9. Botanical Blues. The seasonal escape of the best blues musicians in Central Iowa sharing their enticing tunes in the inviting confines of a midwinter paradise invites fans on Sundays through Mar 31. The Greater Des Moines Botanical Center serves as the floral setting for this musical magic to happen. https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/event/botanical-blues-4/2024-01-07/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Des Moines Women’s Club will host their 116th Annual Art Exhibition thru Sun Mar 10 at Hoyt Sherman Place. Central Iowa artists will again display their original art for the viewing pleasure of the public. Admittance is free, and some items will be available for purchase. This year’s judge is Jeff Fleming. Art Exhibition Gallery Hours: Mar 4-9, 10 AM-4 PM, and Sun Mar 10, 1-3 PM; Gallery Night: Fri Mar 8, 5-7 PM. Refreshments and light appetizers will be served.
2. Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden – North Gallery. Regional artist Mary Muller will exhibit her show “Garden Walk” at the Botanical Garden thru Mar 18. What a delightful way to escape Iowa’s winter – a stroll through a tropical space, and a visit to inspirational art. https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/programs/north-gallery/
3. Des Moines Art Center. States of Becoming. Thru May 12. The Des Moines Art Center’s wide-ranging exhibition explores relocation, resettlement and assimilation in work by 17 contemporary artists who either immigrated to the United States themselves or were born to first-generation immigrants from a dozen African countries, plus tiny Trinidad and Tobago. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/states-of-becoming/

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. Slow Down Coffee Shop. Des Moines. 2 https://www.theslowdowndsm.com/
17. 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 – “The Arts is a Contact Sport”
· Call for New Plays. Drake University 2nd Annual Neighborhood Playwrights Series play competition. If you or any local playwrights you know would be interested in submitting their work, we will be accepting entries until March 8th. https://www.drake.edu/theatre/productions/drakeuniversitytheatreneighborhoodplaywrightsseries/
· Audition – Tallgrass Theatre Company. Camelot. Mar 29 at 6:30 PM, Mar 30 at 1 PM. Note: Video submissions are accepted. To submit a video, please email it to kelly@tallgrasstheatre.org and make sure if it’s in a cloud drive that you give permission to download it. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
· Audition – Wagner Summer Theater. Paid positions: We are looking for several actors to replace actors who are not able to return with us this summer. We are looking for actors who can bear the likeness of a few Harry Potter characters- Snape, Trewlaney, Professor Sprout, as well as Lupin and Olivander. A few hours of day availability needed the week of June 10th and July 8th. Knowledge of Harry Potter highly recommended but we can work with you if you need to brush up. There is pay!
PM me or reach out to lisa@wagnersummertheater.com
· 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. Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
10. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
11. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
12. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

V. Planning ahead

DOGTOWN LIGHTS – INTERNATIONAL .GIFEST
Creators of all ages from all over the world are invited to submit their work to the 1st Annual Dogtown Lights International .GIFfest.
What is Dogtown Lights?
Dogtown Lights is neighborhood lighting installation in the neighborhood of Des Moines around Drake University known as Dogtown.
What is the 1st Annual Dogtown Lights International .GIFfest?
We are inviting creators to make short animated .gifs based on the theme 8Bit Dreams. All approproiate submissions will then be animated on the lights all up and down University Ave starting on the premiere evening and running for one week.
Dogtown Lights International .GIFest Premiere: March 2024. Details forthcoming.

Des Moines Arts Festival puts a new spin on REVEAL
REVEAL is the exclusive first look at the artists invited to the summer festival
The event will be held on Mar 7, 2024 from 5 – 6:30 p.m. at the Des Moines Heritage Center in the Historic East Village. Admission is free, but advanced reservations are required.
REVEAL is an event designed for art lovers. It is the first opportunity to see which artists are invited to the 2024 Des Moines Arts Festival presented by Nationwide, June 28 – 30. Tickets for REVEAL are available online at www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/reveal. Guests must reserve a ticket as a limited number are available. REVEAL includes live music, complimentary light fare and the artist reveal program. A cash bar will also be available.

Poetry Palooza 2024
Save April 19 and 20 at Grand View University for a nationally recognized celebration of poetry. In partnership with Humanities Iowa and the Iowa Poetry Association is hosting Poetry Palooza! a dynamic, interactive, and integrated performing arts experience. This festival celebrates esteemed poets, cultivates students and emerging talent, and demonstrates the positive power of poetry. https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza

Okoboji Writers Retreat adds major musical focus to immersive event
Make plans to attend the 2024 Okoboji Writers’ Retreat and its newest addition, the Okoboji Songwriters Retreat. Critically acclaimed, with attendees often returning for more, this event will be held at the Iowa Lakeside Laboratory and the Presbyterian Camp at Lakeshore Center, which is adjacent to Lakeside Laboratory on West Lake, Okoboji, Iowa.
The annual Okoboji Writers’ Retreat, September 22-25, will now feature workshops for songwriters on topics ranging from ‘Storytelling through Song,’ ‘Nashville Bound,’ ‘’Collaboration,’ and ‘The Business of Being a Musician.’
OWR songwriters new.jpg
To learn more about the event: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/

VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Dr. Bonne Doron. Welcome Home: Narratives of Hope, Cat Tales of Clanton Creek, Dianna’s Daring Journey: A Cat’s Search for Home, and The Circle of Gifts. Mar 5, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books – Lyz Lenz. This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life. Mar 7, 6:30 PM.
3. Iowa History Book Club – Jeff Bremer. A New History of Iowa. Mar 7, 7 PM. (Virtual Zoom event through the Iowa State Historical Society and the Annals of Iowa) –. Preregistration required for this free event. Questions may be submitted at that time. https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zINHGVTORqm1xVkdoKcczA#/registration
4. Beaverdale Books – Travey Garvis Graves. BOOK LAUNCH. The Trail of Lost Hearts. Mar 26, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books – Victor Santos. BOOK LAUNCH. What Makes Us Human? Mar 30, 11 AM.
6. Beaverdale Books – Heather Gudenkauf. BOOK LAUNCH. Every One Is Watching. Mar 30, 2:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books – Kelsey Bigelow. BOOK LAUNCH. Far From Broken. Apr 4, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books – Meet the Poets: Kyle McCord and Paul Brooke. What to Do in a Time of Impending Doom and Pantagruelian: Photographs and Poems of Torres del Paine. Apr 8, 6:30 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books – Sarah McCammon. The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church. Apr 12, 6:30 PM.
10. Beaverdale Books – Lyndsay Currie. The Mystery of Locked Rooms. Apr 15, 6:30 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books – Caroline Paul. Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking – How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age. Apr 16, 6:30 PM.
12. Beaverdale Books – Dennis Maulsby, poet. KU. Apr 17, 6:30 PM.
13.

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)
4. Capital City Pride – Book club meets every other month, rotating to different independent book stores. For titles being read and dates, locations, visit: https://www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-book-club

VII. Beaverdale Books provides Bestseller Lists on their website, including a parade of Iowa-authored books to consider. Many Iowa authors also have recordings archived in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library (https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz). https://beaverdalebooks.com/news/

Here are some great Iowa author titles to consider adding 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, plus What Leora Never Knew Joy Neal Kidney* (4 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. 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
2. 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 https://bethromeroauthor.com/
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

—You are receiving this weekly newsletter/schedule blast because you either requested it, or you have been identified as a community leader with a desire to keep informed. If your situation ever changes, please let me know and your email address will be removed from this list. All addresses on this list are exclusively and confidentially used only for this weekly communication. Thank you for your engagement in your community—

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