The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Catalysts:

By John Busbee

4/2/2024

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

“Iowa is where I tend words, hoping and praying they do not pollute or confuse. Iowa is a place that has never been what others wanted or thought it to be.” – Steve Semken, publisher and founder of the Iowa-based Ice Cube Press, author

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 –

First Friday celebrates Mainframe Studios as the epicenter for arts immersion

Mainframe Studio’s next First Friday is April 5 with the theme – Body of Work. Guests will experience how artists use and interpret the body to create artwork that will be on display throughout the building.

Join Hurley & Dancers at Mainframe Studios First Friday event on April 5th!

Join us for the “Body of Work” themed First Friday event at Mainframe Studios. Experience how artists use and interpret the body to create artwork that will be on display throughout the building. Tattoo artists will also share concept designs and Hurley & Dancers will perform dances inspired by the live music and architecture.

Dances happen at 5:30 p.m. (1st floor lobby), 6 p.m. (2nd floor gallery), 6:30 p.m. (3rd floor gallery), and 7 p.m. (4th floor gallery). Free! https://tandemtheatreanddance.org/

PRO-TIP: We recommend starting your evening by taking the elevator up to the 4th floor and then working your way down. The 4th floor has a bar at the entry and a full roster of artists, many of whom have been at Mainframe since it first opened. When you’re ready to leave the floor, you may find it easy to take the stairs down one flight to shop on three…and so on. Less waiting for elevators and you never have to take the stairs up! https://www.mainframestudios.org/

Grand Jazz Appreciation Month Concert

The Community Jazz Center (CJC) presents six hours of local jazz artists, from top regional professionals to emerging student musicians, Sun Apr 7, 11AM to 5 PM at the Turner Jazz Center at Drake University. The full schedule is available at their website for this free celebration (with a suggested donation of $10, all which supports CJC student programming). https://www.cjc-dsm.org/

Civic Music Association presents internationally renowned, award-winning musical duo Anat Cohen & Marcello Gonçalves

Jazz clarinet virtuoso Anat Cohen and Brazilian guitar master Marcello Gonçalves join forces to bridge continents in a night of music you’ll never forget! With numerous awards between them, this duo’s album Outra Coisa: The Music of Moacir Santos was nominated for Best Latin Jazz Album at the 2017 GRAMMY Awards. Don’t miss your chance to hear Anat Cohen (voted “Clarinetist of the Year” every year from 2008 to 2021 by the Jazz Journalists Association) and Marcello Gonçalves (seven-string guitarist, music director, and producer from Brazil who has worked with legends like João Bosco and Chico Buarque) live! Fri Apr 5, 7 PM (SOLD OUT!) & 9 PM at Nocé in Des Moines. https://www.simpletix.com/e/cma-plus-anat-cohen-and-marcello-goncalves-tickets-163881

The Penguin Project at The Playhouse seeks Peer Mentors for this year’s production of Disney’s Frozen Jr.

Do you have a special gift to help a peer succeed? Do you believe in the power of the arts? Do you care about people who are different than you? Do you want to help, but don’t quite know how? Consider being a peer mentor for our Penguin Project production of Disney’s Frozen Jr.

The Penguin Project provides young individuals with disabilities the chance to express themselves through the performing arts. By pairing them with peer mentors who share the same love for theatre, The Penguin Project creates an inclusive and supportive environment for everyone involved. This unique approach not only allows young participants to showcase their talents but also fosters friendships, understanding, and empathy among the entire cast and crew. Apply to be a Mentor, today! https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdmzvg8Ed1gfa0ykxhD8lufpMZdIDQGbwDceWtLvOrwJHgGUw/viewform?fbclid=IwAR1j33ij2DjVHiFtBocKXhb1x3QwqENdqnd_nRRPmeWDqj7CuH-bMftI7FY_aem_AXQtzqyMGSrNQY_wb8kJH2eqS8VPgfur-ZPxaH-Kpi7kxJE2B1FPgH0mjjLgqILNZoN7V7LFrIE24P53BY_CjIRI

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

11:00 AM – One of Central Iowa’s most respected cultural leaders shares insights into the upcoming Des Moines Symphony concert, “Discover Symphonic Dance.” Maestro Joseph Giunta shares tantalizing details about this inspirational blending of orchestral magnificence and cutting-edge dance from BRKFST Dance Company. This concert is Apr 13 & 14. https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/discover-symphonic-dance/

11:16 AM – J.M. Robinson-Rabon drew from the rich well of family memories to introduce young readers (and, the wise adults who read with them) to Charlie and Simon in “Charlie, Simon and the Peanut Patch.” Listen as Jessica provides delightful glimpses into this youthful duo in the first of what promises to be a series of wonderful adventures. https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/charlie-simon-and-the-peanut-patch_j-m-robinson-rabon/39686134/#edition=68017339&idiq=59760572

11:29 AM – Opens this Friday. Just a short drive from Des Moines is Pella, home of the Union Street Players. This company presents the powerful historical drama, Frost/Nixon, Apr 5-14. Troy Gould (as David Frost) and Chris Brown (as President Richard Nixon) share insights and back story for a show that must be experienced. https://www.unionstreetplayers.com/

11:42 AM – Linda Ambrus Broenniman’s captivating “The Politzer Saga” invites readers to join her in her journey of discovering generations of family she had previously not known about. With a gift for capturing the vibrant stories of her family coupled with wonderful research, Linda shares some glimpses into this must-read offering.

“The Politzer Saga is the account of many generations of a highly accomplished Hungarian-Jewish family. Over three centuries, from the mid-18th to the end of the 20th, the Politzers produced remarkable men and women: entrepreneurs and industrialists, medical doctors and lawyers, writers and collectors of art, and benefactors of their community. Told in lively vignettes, their stories lend rich personal detail to the overarching historical narratives of Jews in the Habsburg Monarchy and Hungary, from successful assimilation to antisemitic persecution. Interwoven with these is another narrative, that of the author’s gradual discovery of her ancestry, hidden by her immigrant parents determined to make a clean break with their past. Ambrus Broenniman’s quest to uncover this history is the ultimate homage to her remarkable family’s legacy.” – Judith Szapor, Author and Associate Professor, History and Classical Studies, McGill University, Montreal, Canada https://politzersaga.com/

11:58 AM – Sally Pederson reads a passage from “Choosing Gratitude 365 Days a Year,” which she co-authored with her husband, James Autry. https://www.helwys.com/sh-books/choosing-gratitude-365-days-a-year/

12:00 PM – Opens this Friday. The Des Moines Community Playhouse prepares for its eagerly anticipated show, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, running Apr 5-21. Director Katrina Ploof is joined by Charlotte Proctor (who portrays Carole King), giving a lively discussion about this show with plenty of insight. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/

12:14 PM – This Sunday – the best jazz in Central Iowa Apr 7. Abe Goldstein has spent a career sharing his passion for jazz, now sharing one of the Community Jazz Center’s signature events: the CJC Jazz Appreciation Month Concert Apr 7. Abe shares glimpses into this cavalcade of veteran and emerging jazz artists, all awaiting audiences during this 6-hour festival. https://www.cjc-dsm.org/

12:26 PM – Susan Werner’s livens this edition of TCB with “Iowa,” a sassy homage to her home state in her landmark album, HAYSEED.

“Always an impressive songwriter, Werner continues to compose sharp, funny, compassionate lyrics, a gift rare enough to set her apart…” – The Washington Post https://susanwerner.com/music/

12:30 PM – Ankeny Community Theatre prepares to immerse its audiences in a suspenseful classic as “Dial M for Murder” opens Apr 12. Listen as Director Dan Chase, and two cast members, Paul Olson (as Tony) an Shelby Jensen (as Margot) share great glimpses into this production as it develops towards opening night. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/dial-ldquomrdquo-for-murder.html

12:43 PM – Just released. Sarah Cart’s deeply personal and moving story about how two people cope with catastrophic illness resonates. On My Way Back to You: One Couple’s Journey through Catastrophic Illness to Healing and Hope reverberates with hope, dedication and unquenchable love.

“When someone else’s journey is so intimate, so personal as Sarah Cart’s On My Way Back to You, it is irresistible. She captures a universality of understanding and empathy to share with readers wise enough to savor the richness of this telling.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.onmywaybacktoyou.com/

II. Performance Arts

1. Des Moines Community Playhouse. Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. Apr 5-21. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/beautiful-the-carole-king-musical/

2. Iowa Stage Theatre Company – Special Event. The Inheritance of Women poems by Suzanna de Baca. Apr 15, 7 PM at TeeHee’s Comedy Club. Iowa Stage’s ScripTease in April, celebrates Poetry Palooza Apr 19-20 at Grand View University, and Iowa Stage’s own season of “Ladies First”. Join Iowa Stage with an evening of poetry presented by a number of their own Repertory Players. https://www.iowastage.org/scriptease

3. Poetry Palooza. Apr 19-20, Grand View University. This celebration of poetry has quickly become a national sensation. Poets laureate and other poetic stars abound. https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza

4. Comedy Xperiment. Apr 19-20, Stoner Theater at Des Moines Performing Arts. The premier improv comedy troupe in Iowa. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/cxp-april-24/

5. Tallgrass Theatre Company.”The Good Doctor.” Apr 19-May 5. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/

6. Ballet Des Moines at Hoyt Sherman Place. “A Midsummer Night’s Dream.” Apr 26-28. https://www.balletdesmoines.org/midsummer

7. Des Moines Performing Arts. Apr 30-May 5. “MJ the Musical.” Apr 30-May 5. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/mj-the-musical/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

1. Moberg Gallery. Mixing Metaphors Never Looked So Good: The Ultrasounds of Chris Vance. Thru Apr 6. At the beginning of each year, Chris Vance asks himself what, of the previous year, he wants to comment on. The new works in the exhibit, Sampled, are in response to thinking about controversies and conversations around the rise of AI and AI-produced art. For Vance, this relates back to the music of the 1980s, when groups were sampling in their songs, and a shift in how music was made began. https://moberggallery.com/exhibition/chris-vance-march-8/

2. Olson-Larsen Galleries. HERE & THERE. Thru Apr 13. https://olsonlarsen.com/

3. Heritage Art Gallery. Des Moines Public Schools High School Art Exhibition \ March 31 – April 27. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/calendarmain#calendar-1

4. 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”

· Audition – Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Auditions for “Melancholy Play: A Chamber Musical” By Todd Almond & Sarah Ruhl. (run dates: Jun 7-16, 2024). Mon Apr 8, 6-9 pm. Callbacks on Apr 9 as needed. Actors who cannot make this time can schedule a time BEFORE this date to be seen, or may self-tape. Contact production@iowastage.org to schedule or submit. Iowa Stage Theatre Company Rehearsal Space. 1472 NE 69th Pl, Ste 101, Ankeny, Iowa 50021 https://www.iowastage.org/audition

· Audition – Ankeny Community Theatre. Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Apr 13 at 1:30 PM, Apr 14 at 6 PM. Possible call backs on Apr 15 at 6 PM. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf.html

· Audition – Des Moines Community Playhouse. School of Rock. Apr 15 at 6:30 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/school-of-rock/

· Audition – Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Prom. Apr 20, 21 from 1-4 PM at Franklin Jr High. https://www.dmyat.org/theprom

· 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

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

Spring Gallery Night on April 19, Valley Junction showcases new work by regional, national, and international artists. Check out original artwork, custom jewelry, ceramics, glass, furniture, folk art, fine art reproductions, and other one-of-a-kind objects at multiple locations throughout the district. This event is free and open to the public. https://valleyjunction.com/valley-junction-events/gallery-night/

Des Moines Symphony – Discover Gershwin

Des Moines Performing Arts, presenting a one-night only performance by multi-talented actress and singer Renee Elise Goldsberry, on Saturday, April 27th. She’s perhaps BEST known for her Tony, Grammy and Drama Desk award-winning performance as Angelica in the musical phenomenon Hamilton. She’s also an Emmy-nominated performer from Girls5eva, She Hulk and The Good Wife. Backed by the Des Moines Symphony, Goldsberry will perform Broadway hits, jazz standards and gospel numbers. Tickets for An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry, featuring the Des Moines Symphony, are available now, at DMPA.org, and at the Civic Center Ticket Office.

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.’

To learn more about the event: https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/

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

1. Beaverdale Books – Kelsey Bigelow. BOOK LAUNCH. Far From Broken. Apr 4, 6:30 PM.

2. Beaverdale Books at Caspe Terrace, Waukee – Janet Horvath. “The Cello Still Sings – A Genrational Story of the Holocaust and the Transformative Power of Music.” Apr 4, 6:45 PM.

3. 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.

4. AViD Author Series at Scottish Rite Consistory, 519 Park Street – James Patterson, “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.” Apr 10, 7 PM.

5. Beaverdale Books – Sarah McCammon. The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church. Apr 12, 6:30 PM.

6. Beaverdale Books – Tom McKay. “Lost in the Black Hologram.” Apr 13 2:30 PM.

7. Beaverdale Books at Franklin Avenue Library – Lyndsay Currie. The Mystery of Locked Rooms. Apr 15, 6:30 PM.

8. Beaverdale Books – Meet the poets, Kwame Dawes and Danez Smith. “Nebraska” and “Homie.” Apr 15, 6:30 PM.

9. 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.

10. Beaverdale Books – Dennis Maulsby, poet. KU. Apr 17, 6:30 PM.

11. Beaverdale Books – Poetry Palooza at Gand View University Apr 19, 20. https://www.poetryamp.org/poetry-palooza

12. Beaverdale Books – Dave Markward. “From Dubuque to Selma and Beyond: My Journey to Understand Racism in America.” Apr 25, 6:30 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)

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/

March bestsellers are:

1. This American Ex-Wife: How I Ended My Marriage and Started My Life, Lyz Lenz*

2. Tending Iowa’s Land: Pathways to a Sustainable Future, Cornelia F. Mutel*

3. The Women, Kristin Hannah

4. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry, Austin Frerick*

5. Wandering Stars, Tommy Orange

6. Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar*

7. James, Percival Everett

8. Welcome Home, Bonne Doron*

9. Reading Genesis, Marilynne Robinson*

10. North Woods, Daniel Mason

* Iowa authors

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. Axios – Des Moines – this free, weekday newsletter is a quick-read, reliable Greater Des Moines news resource by two veteran news journalists, Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta. https://www.axios.com/local/des-moines

7. 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/

8. 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.

9. 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/

10. 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/

11. 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/

12. 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/

13. 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/

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

15. 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