Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
5/14/2024
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 (this site is currently under renovation – apologies for any inconvenience.)
Quote of the Week –
“Libraries are one of the last non-commercial spaces we have where everyone is welcome. They strike me as a little glimpse of how we cold live if we chose to be a generous society rather than a fearful one.” Jenny Offill, an American novelist and editor. Her novel Dept. of Speculation was named one of “The 10 Best Books of 2014” by The New York Times Book Review.
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 –
Call for Artists – Polk County Heritage Gallery’s Iowa Exhibited 2024
Our annual juried show returns this summer from Jun 27 to Aug 15. Artist Ben Millett is our juror. This is a great opportunity for Iowa artists to showcase their work in a great space!
ARTIST WILL BE ABLE TO SUBMIT THEIR WORKS STARTING FRI MAY 17 THROUGH FRI MAY 31. SELECTED WORKS WILL BE ANNOUNCED WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#iowa-exhibited-2024
MIXED PICKLES: THE ART OF VICTORIAN PHOTO COLLAGE
The Jordan House Museum, 2001 Fuller Rd., West Des Moines. Sun May 19, 2 – 4 PM.
The West Des Moines Historical Society and Olson-Larsen Galleries have teamed up again
to combine art and history! In the parlors and drawing rooms of grand homes, and amidst the flickering glow of gas lamps, Victorian women composed visual symphonies showcasing family in whimsical and fantastic settings. Thus, the exquisite art of Victorian photo collaging was born. Participants in the Mixed Pickles activity will have the opportunity to learn about the history of photo collage and spend an afternoon creating your own personalized works with guidance from Olson-Larsen Galleries artist, Mary Jones, all while enjoying tea and confections in the parlor of the Jordan House Museum. Some images will be provided, but please bring photographs, magazines or old books that you don’t mind cutting up and manipulating through coloring or combining with other images. Tickets are $20 per person and will cover supplies and treats. The event capacity is 20 participants, so get your tickets before they’re gone! I’ll be the perfect Sunday Funday activity for gal pals or kids + parents! Ages 12 and up are welcome.
Purchase tickets HERE:
https://westdesmoineshistoricalsociety.ticketspice.com/mixed-pickles-the-art-of-
victorian-photocollage?fbclid=IwAR3Y3hnK3A0tNzV5FzRKm-
9iA1HQpg6x3FQT5bDbbgrxURpFlPjOr2f5azc
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/
Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden & dsm Magazine
Thu May 23, dsm Magazine’s new “Festival of Festivals” hosts this year’s dsm Discover Diverse Des Moines event. This is a fun sampler of festivals that enliven Central Iowa throughout the year. Come experience demonstrations, information and details. https://dsmmagazine.com/discover-diverse-des-moines-2024/
I. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Julia Franklin took the Executive Director leadership reins recently for Mainframe Studios, ushering in the next-level of development for this nationally recognized artists’ enclave. Listen as Julia shares insights and an open invitation for all to enter and benefit from the enticing variety of artists, events, activities and learning experiences available in the most colorfully-clad building in Iowa, this Creative Community that includes its recurring First Friday themed artist open studio event.
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https://www.mainframestudios.org/
11:17 AM – Steve Berry is one of the most exceptional thriller writers, delivering another powerful, compelling Cotton Malone adventure in The Atlas Maneuver. Listen as Steve shares glimpses into this story as he brilliantly weaves history and bit currency into a gripping tale.
“Berry’s talent for mixing nonstop action with history is in full swing in his latest. How does the creation of cryptocurrency tie in with the plundering of a vast treasure by Japan near the end of WWII? The answers will surprise and shock even die-hard Berry fans. Whether you are a long-time reader of Cotton’s adventures or a newcomer, this book is terrific.”
— First Clue Reviews
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11:27 AM – Iowa Poet Laureate Debra Marquart talks about poetry, the process of engagement, and her new book, The Night We Landed on the Moon: Essays between Exile and Belonging.
“Debra Marquart writes with a beguiling, inclusive pen, drawing readers into her work, delivering memorable and evocative experiences. The Night We Landed on the Moon: Essays between Exile and Belonging is the newest such literary seduction.” – The Culture Buzz
https://debramarquart.com/
11:42 AM – Jane Boulware captures more than her personal journal in unWorthy: From Cornfields to Corner Office of Microsoft. The wisdom, experiences and insights gained from her memoir will resonate with everyone in this universal language of understanding.
“Worthy is raw and relatable – an authentic look into the leadership mechanics of how resilience builds from failure and success builds confidence.”
– Teri Citterman, Author of From the CEO’s Perspective
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https://www.janeboulware.com/thebook
11:57 AM – Esteemed poet Jennifer Perrine reads her “If Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade.”
12:00 PM – After a long hiatus, Timothy Rose, creator of the most comprehensive website calendar of Central Iowa theatre, leads a lively conversation about the bounty of upcoming stage productions awaiting the cultural adventurer.
12:14 PM – 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/
12:30 PM – 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.
“J.M. Robinson-Rabon gifts us with a delightfully engaging book to share with children, a reading adventure that will become a staple of story time for parents, grandparents and anyone wanting to share the first steps of literary joy.”
– The Culture Buzz
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https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/charlie-simon-and-the-peanut-patch_j-m-robinson-rabon/39686134/#edition=68017339&idiq=59760572
12:44 PM – Art Week Des Moines 2024 is just around the corner Jun 9-15. This immersive and inspirational journey into five Des Moines communities is anchored by Fellow artists, one developing their own arts experience at each of the sites. Brittany Brooke Crow will share her captivating wheat paste collage celebrating the people and history of the Columbus Part Neighborhood, and shares insights into how she researched and will create this special mural.
“Art Week Des Moines has become a signature event for Des Moines, weaving community, history, and creativity into captivating experiences for everyone to enjoy. For families, creatives, and cultural adventurers, this is a ‘must-do” week to enjoy.”
– The Culture Buzz
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12:57 – Teresa K. Miller reads poem 39 from her newest collection, Borderline Fortune.
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II. Performance Arts
1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. Broadway Karaoke. May 18. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
2. Iowa Stage Theatre Company – Scriptease. The Bad Seed. May 20. https://www.iowastage.org/
3. Des Moines Performing Arts. Iowa High School Musical Theatre Awards Showcase. May 30, 7 PM. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/ihsmta-2024/
4. CAP (Class Act Productions) Theatre. Disney Frozen Jr. May 31-Jun 9. https://www.captheatre.org/main/disneys-frozen-jr/
5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Play That Goes Wrong. May 31-Jun 16. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-play-that-goes-wrong/
III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Polk County Hertiage Gallery – Rick Miller Retrospective. Thru Jun 21. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
2. Moberg Gallery. Chris Vance Annual Show. https://moberggallery.com/
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” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· Polk County Hertiage Gallery – Iowa Exhibited. This annual juried show prepares as submissions go live Fri May 17 through May 31. Ben Millett is juror. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
·
· Audition – Carousel Theatre. Urinetown. Mon/Tue, May 11-12, 7 PM.
· 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
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/
Hurley & Dancers and Fellow Travelers Performance Group
Join these two professional modern dance companies for “Widening the Circle” on June 8/9 at 7 p.m. at Des Moines DanzArts, 2150 Delavan Drive, #8, West Des Moines, 50265. Suggested donation: $20/10. For more information, contact fellowtravelers@yahoo.com or hurley.kathleen@gmail.com.
Directed by Cynthia Adams, Fellow Travelers Performance Group has support for “Widening the Circle” in part by the National Endowment for the Arts and the Iowa Arts Council. Adams is joined by dancer Paula McArthur in a series of whimsical and thought-provoking dance theater duets blurring the edge of dance and theater with text, movement, and audience participation. They will be sharing a portion of the evening-length production they are touring this summer to multiple Fringe Festivals in Canada and the US. Directed by Kathleen Hurley, Hurley & Dancers is a six-person repertoire company. This performance includes choreography by Lisa Lewis, Julie Betts, and Kathleen Hurley with live music by The Motofingers. Performers include: Julie Betts, Elizabeth Ferreira, Kathleen Hurley, Lisa Lewis, and William Schneider. https://tandemtheatreanddance.org/hurley-dancers/
Des Moines Art Center
UPCOMING EXHIBITION
Iowa Artists 2024
b. Robert Moore
Jun 22 – Oct 20, 2024 in the Linda and Tom Koehn Gallery. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/iowa-artists-2024/
VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Jean Logan. Broadlawns: A Century of Caring. May 14, 6:30 PM.
2. Izaak Walton League – Mary Christopher, Mike Rowley. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History. May 14 – 6:45 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books – Jacqueline Astor. Chase It. May 15, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books – Jan Hochstetler. Always More to Learn. May 20, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books – Scott Reister. Baseball Spy. May 21, 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. The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: Their Stories Are Better Than the Bestsellers,
James Patterson
2. Homie, Danez Smith
3. The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, Sarah McCammon
4. All This Could Be Different, Sarah Thankam Matthews
5. Nebraska: Poems, Kwame Dawes
6. Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking–How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age, Caroline Paul
7. Funny Story, Emily Henry
8. Martyr!, Kaveh Akbar*
9. Far From Broken, Kelsey Bigelow*
10. The Cello Still Sings: A Generational Story of the Holocaust and of the Transformative Power of Music, Janet Horvath
* 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
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 –
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
