The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

By John Busbee

6/18/2024

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 Iowa History Journal 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 –

(In advance of the summer solstice on June 20) “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?

Thou art more lovely and more temperate.

Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May,

and summer’s lease hath all too short a date.”

Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines,

And often is his gold complexion dimmed;

And every fair from fair sometime declines,

By chance, or nature’s changing course, untrimmed:

But thy eternal summer shall not fade,

Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st;

Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade

When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st:

So long as men can breathe or eyes can see,

So long lives this, and this gives life to thee. –William Shakespeare, Sonnet 18

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

Iowa Flash Buzz –

Internationally recognized, gold medal Des Moines Arts Festival beckons

The Des Moines Arts Festival® presented by Nationwide has announced the lineup of interactive arts programming and special happenings at the Festival, June 28 – 30, 2024. The award-winning Festival will be held in Western Gateway Park surrounding the John and Mary Pappajohn Sculpture Park. The activities are free as is admission to the Festival. https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/

Irish artist returns to Central Iowa for memorable house concert

Sat Jun 29. Keith Harkin is an Irish-born, Los Angeles-based singer-songwriter, touring internationally over the last fifteen years. His debut solo album soared to the #1 Billboard spot in Canada and the US. Every so often, he stops in Central Iowa’s Ackworth, to present a house concert in an outdoor venue that is very special to him. Come see your favorite Irish artist play in “one of the most amazing outdoor settings in Iowa under the oak trees and sunset views.” https://keithharkin.ticketleap.com/keith-harkin—ackworth-ia-usa-summer-tour-24/

Okoboji Writers Retreat adds major musical focus to immersive event

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/

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

11:00 AM – One of Iowa’s most celebrated musicians is Greg Brown. He distilled a broad sweep of his career in his captivating book, Ring Around the Moon: A Songbook. This candid and revealing sharing is discussed with Greg in this delightful chat. “One of the leading contemporary folk artists of the American Midwest, Greg Brown’s music reflects a poetic spirit while also sounding thoroughly down to Earth. His deep, craggy voice expresses quirky humor and the mysteries of life and love with equal skill, and over the course of a career that’s spanned more than five decades, he’s earned a passionate following for his heartfelt and uncompromising music.” – Pitchfork Social https://www.ramshacklepress.org/greg-brown.html

11:15 AM – Daniella Dayoub Forrest crafted an appealing and beneficial life resource with her new book, Own Your Wellness: Giving You the Tools to Break Through Your Health Plateaus. Listen as Daniella shares glimpses into this guide for self-improvement. https://www.dfitlife.com/

11:29 AM – In Walk the Web Lightly, Mary Pascual delivers another powerful story sure to capture the reader’s attention. Mary’s writing pops off the page, engaging from page one. Listen as Mary shares details about the creation of this story. https://marypascual.com/

11:44 AM – Ann Taylor shares a wonderful overview of the Wallace Centers of Iowa, with its two primary destinations and its ever-enticing offerings of events. With its foundation of the internationally renowned Henry A. Wallace, Wallace Centers delivers a relevance to its rich history in the context of today. Anchored by Iowa’s seasonal changes, many of the events celebrate these differing times of year. https://wallace.org/

12:00 PM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Jun 23. Sarah Becan is the artist who teamed up with author Ken Forkish for the vibrantly illustrated Let’s Make Bread!, a beguiling invitation to immerse oneself into the rewarding world of bread making. “A fun and refreshing addition to every baker’s library.” —Ciril Hitz, certified artisan bread baker, author, and educator https://sarahbecan.com/

12:13 PM – Erik Larson once again crafts the pieces of history into a brilliantly captivating story, bringing a bygone time to vibrant life. The Demon of Unrest is a masterpiece, providing deep insight into the turbulent times leading up to America’s Civil War – and, its relevance to today. “A feast of historical insight and narrative verve . . . This is Erik Larson at his best, enlivening even a thrice-told tale into an irresistible thriller.” —The Wall Street Journal https://eriklarsonbooks.com/

12:29 PM – Crash Course: A Founder’s Journey into Saving your Startup and Sanity is Ricardo Jimenez’s masterpiece in guiding other entrepreneurs through the challenging waters of success. “In ‘Crash Course’, Ricardo Jiménez recounts his personal startup failure so that other entrepreneurs and business founders may learn from his mistakes as they chase their own business dreams.” https://www.ricardojimenezh.com/

12:41 PM – Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them is Bill Eddy’s wonderful and informative guide to meet the challenges that this growing social trend has created. Listen as Bill provides glimpses into this exceptional book. “Our New World of Adult Bullies is timely! Anyone can be bullied. Bill Eddy explains not only the damaging toxicity and effects of bullying but the psychological understanding of how to stop it. Poignant examples, from history and everyday life, bring it home. This book empowers and offers solutions instead of reactions. Much needed in a time of great divide and polarization.” —Karyl Mcbride, Ph.D., author of Will the Drama Ever End? Untangling and Healing from the Harmful Effects of Parental Narcissism https://highconflictinstitute.com/ https://www.unhookedmedia.com/stock/p/our-new-world-of-adult-bullies

12:56 PM – Susan Werner provides another delightful musical diversion with “City Kids,” from 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/

II. Performance Arts

1. Des Moines Metro Opera – 2024 Festival Season. The Barber of Seville, Salome, Pélleas & Mélisande and American Apollo presented in repertory. Thru Jul 21. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/2024season/

2. Civic Music Association – Belin Quartet. This great outdoor free concert tradition continues in partnership with Salisbury House and Gardens each Tue thru Jul 13. In case of inclement weather, the performance will move inside the Temple downtown. https://civicmusic.org/belin-quartet-summer-2024/

3. Des Moines Performing Arts. STOMP! Jun 21-23. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/stomp-2024/

4. Pyramid Theatre Company – Stoner Theatre. The Black Feminist Guide to the Human Body. Jun 22-30. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/the-black-feminist-guide/

III. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

1. Moberg Gallery. Sara Grant, New Directions. Moberg Gallery (2411 Grand Avenue, Des Moines) https://moberggallery.com/

2. Polk County Heritage Gallery – Rick Miller Retrospective. Thru Jun 21. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/

3. Olson-Larsen Galleries – Annual Landscape Show. https://olsonlarsen.com/show/olson-larsen-galleries-annual-landscape-show-2024

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)

· Auditions – Tallgrass Theatre Company. It’s Only a Play. Jul 14, 15 at 6:30 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/

· 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

Momentum Art Program.

We have created a Community Art Project around belonging called Hands of Hope. It will have its grand opening reception as part of our Community Support Advocates HeadQuarters on Jun 25 from 4-6pm in West Des Moines. There will be food, music, art and more. teamCSA.org

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/

Ames Public Library

Swift Youth Writers – Free Creative Writing Workshop, Jun 24-28, Grades 6-12. 10 AM – 12:30 PM. Sponsored and presented by the Ames Writers Collective. https://www.amespubliclibrary.org/event/swift-youth-writers-workshop-49130

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 – Storytime. Jun 20, 10 AM.

2. Beaverdale Books – Kelsey Bigelow, Poet & Host. Open Mic Poetry Night. Jun 21, 7 PM.

3. Beaverdale Books – Elaine Cooper. American Revolution Series: Love’s Kindling, Winter’s Ravage, Chiseled on the Heart, Scarred Vessels. Jun 22, 2:30 PM.

4. Beaverdale Books – Sarah Becan. Let’s Make Bread. Jun 23, 2:30 PM.

5. Beaverdale Books – Nia & Katie J. Chiaramonte. Embracing Queer Family: Learning to Live Authentically in Our Families and Communities. Jul 10, 6:30 PM.

6. Beaverdale Books – B. John Burns. Dessyre. Jul 16, 6:30 PM.

7. Beaverdale Books – Meet the Poets Series. Abraham Smith. Insomniac Sentinel. Steve Timm. Rule of Composition. Jul 23, 6:30 PM.

8. Beaverdale Books – Wini Moranville. Love Is My Favorite Flavor: A Midwestern Dining Critic Tells All. Jul 24, 6:30 PM.

*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.

Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz

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. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*

2. Broadlawns: A Century of Caring, Jean Logan*

3. The Exvangelicals: Loving, Living, and Leaving the White Evangelical Church, Sarah McCammon

4. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, Erik

Larson

5. Baseball Spy, Scott Reister*

6. The Women, Kristin Hannah

7. For Love of the Broken Body, Julia Walsh*

8. An Unfinished Love Story: A Personal History of the 1960s, Doris Kearns Goodwin

9. My Father Called Us Monkeys: Growing Up Mexican American in the Heartland, Mario Duarte*

10. Unmatched: Caitlin Clark’s Remarkable Journey, From Her Iowa High School Career to Breaking

Collegiate Records and Captivating the Nation, Des Moines Register*

*Iowa Author!

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