Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
9/10/2024
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
Quote of the Week –
“There’s not one wise man among twenty will praise himself.” – William Shakespeare (d. 1616), an English playwright, poet and actor, from Much Ado About Nothing.
Newsletter content:
I. Iowa Flash Buzz – news of the week
II. Guests on this week’s show;
III. Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
IV. Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
V. Auditions and other Opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
VI. Planning ahead;
VII. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
VIII. Best-sellers, life resource books, Greater Des Moines performing arts organizations, Central Iowa indie book stores, cultural exploration resources, health & welfare resources
I. Iowa Flash Buzz –
Multicultural Fall Festival
Sat Sep 14, 11AM – 2 PM. Arts & Crafts, Exhibits, Performances.
Join the fun at Evelyn K Davis Park for a parade and celebration with food, entertainment, and community! Parade begins at 10:30 AM at United Way Building, 1111 9th Street and finishes at the park. Planned and supported by Des Moines Parks and Recreation, Friends of the Forest Avenue Library, John R. Grubb YMCA, King Irving Neighborhood Association, Mondamin Presidential Neighborhood Association, Neighborhood Finance Corporation, Polk County Community Betterment Grant. https://www.dmpl.org/event/multicultural-fall-festival-97562
The Food Dude Abides
Consider this your best tip of the day. One of the region’s cultural icons, Jim Duncan, has been penning culinary reviews, tips and news for decades. He is a top source for discovering new dining venues while also getting great deals in grocery shopping. Each weekday, his “Food Dude” postings in the e-newsletter, Daily Umbrella, from the fine folks at Cityview, provide daily insights for culinary exploration and food shopping savings. The newsletter is free, the advice and content – priceless. https://www.thedailyumbrella.com/
IN Tandem Arts & Authors Gallery and Bookstore’s First Birthday
Join us thru Sep 14 as we CELEBRATE the FIRST Anniversary of IN Tandem Arts & Authors!!!
Artist Demos and Balloons on the 7th and the 14th, as well as several special exhibits and in-store specials! (Details to follow on our Facebook page!) Coffee/Soda/Lemonade EVERY day, as well as special treats… Come in and Celebrate with us!!! https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
Lateria Night
Sep 16, 5:30-8 PM, Big Grove Brewery, 555-17th Street, Des Moines. Latino artists works for sale to benefit artists and programming for Alexito Iowa. https://www.alexitoiowa.org/
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Now available. The new issue of Iowa History Journal is out and it features a marvelous story by historian and superb storyteller, Dennis Spragg. The life of musician Glenn Miller is captured in a two-part cover story series, and Dennis shares glimpses into what this inaugural part of the story is about.https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
11:18 AM – Monsignor Frank Bognanno is generous in sharing his inspiration, insights and spiritual encouragement with others. He chats about capturing such wisdom into a beautiful, beneficial life resource, Three Minutes with God: Reflections and Prayers to Encourage, Inspire, and Motivate. We all need external support, and Father Frank delivers. “This book is a double treat. Not only do you get to spend Three Minutes with God on each and every page, you get to spend time with Monsignor Frank Bognanno. Father Frank’s wisdom, compassion, humor and peaceful presence permeate each page. He has been a source of comfort and strength to me and to many of my cancer patients who have had the opportunity to have him accompany them on their journey.” — RICHARD L. DEMING, MD, Medical Director, MercyOne Cancer Center; Founder, Above + Beyond Cancerhttps://threeminuteswithgod.com/
11:31 AM – Susan Werner captivating lyrics and music delight in “Florida La La La” from her recent album.https://susanwerner.com/
11:35 AM – Appearing in Knoxville and Marshalltown. Wini Moranville blends her experience and expertise as a dining critic with an appealing and deeply information journey behind the restaurant industry in her memoir, Love Is My Favorite Food: A Midwestern Dining Critic Tells All. Wini’s book is a captivating, insightful journey through the eyes of a trusted guide. “Wini Moranville has convinced me that the very best preparation for becoming a restaurant critic is working as a waitress. Fortunately for us, she is a former waitress with a sharp wit and a way with words. Her memories of serving at many Des Moines restaurants in her teens and twenties are entertaining, but also truly enlightening. Her experience, insight, and humanity give us a new window into the restaurant industry. You might just find yourself thinking differently about the restaurants that you love and feeling a little nostalgic for long-gone restaurants you’ve never heard of before. Spoiler alert: it’s never just about the food. Savored or devoured, this book will leave you feeling deeply satisfied.” — Charity Nebbe, Iowa Public Radiohttps://www.winimoranville.com/
11:52 AM – As her ascension in the Midwest musical scene continues to rise, Kathryn Severing Fox shares the title track from her debut album, Sweet Beginnings, a beautiful compendium of alluring music. “When listening to Fox for the first time, one might wonder, how can a young woman make a violin sound so good?” – Cityview Magazine https://www.kathrynseveringfox.com/
11:57 AM – Spoken word & page poet Kesley Bigelow, a presenter and performer at this year’s Poetry on the Prairie, reads “Learned Instinct.”https://www.kelkaybpoetry.com/
12:00 PM – Opens Fri Sep 13. The Des Moines Playhouse has a rich tradition in delivering topnotch musicals, and Jersey Boys: Frankie Vallie & The Four Seasons holds the promise of another masterpiece musical immersion. Director Katrina Ploof shares insight into this production, and the magic of the story and the music.https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/jersey-boys/
12:14 PM – Iowa-based author Marc Dickinson shares insights into the creation of his award-winning (Literary Star’s Gold Star Award) collection of linked short stories, Replacement Parts. “The ordinary lives chronicled in Replacement Parts are chronicled with extraordinary grace. These characters are often lonely and soul-sick, struggling to make ends meet, but we’re very glad to be in their company, because Marc Dickinson explores their lives with heart and intelligence, helping us better understand the beautiful, redemptive struggle of the human condition.” – Benjamin Percy, author of The Ninth Metal, Red Moon, and Thrill Mehttps://marcdickinson.com/
12:27 PM – Kelsey hosting the next poetry open mic night at Beaverdale Books Fri Sep 13. One of Iowa’s rising creative stars is Kelsey Bigelow, a spoken and written word poet who continues to forge her own path of poetic success, engaging the public in expressing themselves in the world of words. Listen to this “Iowa Artist Series” interview about Kelsey, and be sure to follow her creative adventures whenever you can. “Kelsey Bigelow is becoming a controlled creative nova in Iowa, expanding her presence and power well beyond the state’s borders. She is a must-follow creative for anyone seeking inspiration and insight into the powerful world of poetry.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.kelkaybpoetry.com/
12:43 PM – Kristopher Jansma pulls from his family’s amazing history to craft an irresistible historical novel, Our Narrow Hiding Places. Placed in WW II Europe, this story is rich in character, context and locations. “Jansma masterfully weaves past and present to show us how trauma swims down bloodlines as do the folktales and stories that remind us of where we come from and who we are. A breathtaking epic that reverberates with hope.” — Tania James, author of Loot. https://www.kristopherjansma.com/
12:57 PM – Rolly Kent reads “A Summer’s Night in the Forties” from his recent collection, Phone Ringing in a Dark House.https://www.rollykent.com/
III. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Playhouse. Jersey Boys: Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons. Sep 13-29. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/jersey-boys/
2. Beaverdale Books. Poetry Open Mic Night, Kelsey Bigelow, Emcee. Sep 13, 6:30 PM.
3. Java Joes Ankeny – Cabaret. TV Musicals Cabaret. Sep 21, 1 PM. https://www.facebook.com/events/1186345619240079/?ref=newsfeed
4. Tallgrass Theatre Company. It’s Only a Play. Thru Sep 22. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
5. Ankeny Community Theatre. Arsenic and Old Lace. Sep 27-Oct 6. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
Varsity Cinema. Poetry & Film at Varsity Cinema (Poetry Palooza event). Oct 1, 7-8:30 PM: Performance by 3 local spoken word poets (Kelsey Bigelow, Jaleesha Johnson, Sabur Muhammad), Screening of Caleb Rainey’s short film “Willing to Grow,” and a Q&A.
Des Moines Symphony. Santino Fontana, Tony Award-winning Broadway star, headlines this Des Moines Symphony pops concert. Oct 5, 7:30 PM. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/santino-fontana/
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1. Des Moines Art Center – Sep 12, 4:30 – 7 p.m. Des Moines Art Center’s Community Access Teaching Artist Exhibit Opening (including poetry by Kelsey Bigelow & Aminah Muhammad). https://desmoinesartcenter.org/classes/community-access-program/
2. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Polk County Heritage Gallery and Erin Mathisen are proud to present ART/WORK.
An exhibition to celebrate the working artist. All around us, contributing to every professional field, art-related or non, are talented individuals also maintaining personal artistic careers. here, the heart of the artist is firmly demonstrated. We recognize the tenacity and devotion it takes to keep one’s practice alive while operating between passions, professions and opportunities. The exhibition will run thru Oct 11. Featured artists include: Ethan Edvenson, Paige Knotts, Jon Lemons, Madison Bishop, Christian D’Cruz, Zoë Violett, Tyler Erickson, Maggie Douglas, Cynthia O’Hern, Matt Niebuhr, Yvette Sutton, Chuck Purviance, Robin Mulvey, Chase Lilleholm, Leah Landrum, Nick LaPole, and Ryan Koning. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#art/work
3. Des Moines Art Center. Hurricane Season – Caribbean Art + Climate Change. Thru Sep 22. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/hurricane-season/
4. Des Moines Art Center. b. Robert Moore: In Loving Memory. Thru Oct 20. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/iowa-artists-2024/
5. Des Moines Art Center. Coexist. Thru Sep 15. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/coexist/
6. Olson-Larsen Galleries – R.J. Kern. Divine Animals: Photographs By R. J. Kern. Opening reception Thu Aug 29. See how Kern’s interest in animals, community, photography, and light combine in large and small scale photographic prints and artist books. https://olsonlarsen.com/show/olson-larsen-galleries-divine-animals-photographs-by-r-j-kern
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. Des Moines Playhouse. Adventure Clubhouse. Sep 17, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/adventure-clubhouse/
- Auditions. Des Moines Playhouse. Beauty and the Beast. Sep 23, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/
- Ankeny Community Theatre: ACT’s Annual Membership Event and Awards will be Sat Sep 14 at 10 AM. Brunch will be provided. A little business – annual report, welcoming new board members, thanks to board members whose terms are expire. Outstanding performance awards to be announced, including the Darel Hildreth Outstanding Volunteer Award. You can become a member by donating $20 to ACT prior to the event for full benefits. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.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
Abbe Creek Gallery celebrates with Grand Opening
Sat Sep 14, 6-9 PM. 105 First Street NW, Mount Vernon, Iowa. Located in the idyllic NE Iowa town of Mount Vernon, this artist-owned gallery features a tantalizing array of fine art and items created by local, regional, and nationally renowned artists. https://www.abbecreekgallery.com/
Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival
Immerse yourself in the rich cultural traditions of the Latino community at Iowa’s Latino Heritage Festival on September 21st-22nd at Western Gateway Park in downtown Des Moines. This celebration is the only two-day Latino Heritage festival in Iowa featuring a wide range of activities, including Latin musical performances, cultural booths representing various Latin American countries, art exhibits, and Latin food vendors. https://www.latinoheritagefestival.org/
Octagon Art Festival
Sun Sep 22, 10 am – 4 pm, Main Street, downtown Ames
The Octagon Center for the Arts is proud to present the 53rd Annual Octagon Art Festival. There will be plenty for art enthusiasts of all ages to experience in downtown Ames on Sunday, September 22 from 10 am – 4 pm. 85 artists from all over the Midwest will fill Main Street in downtown Ames with artistic creations. www.octagonarts.org
2024 Art Harvest Tour
Sept. 28-29, 10A-5P. Self-guided tour of 22 artists at 11 unique studio locations.
The “ART HARVEST TOUR” is a free studio tour of central Iowa artists held annually the last full weekend in Sept. Enjoy the beautiful fall weather and scenery as you visit the studios and galleries of the area’s best artists. In addition to enjoying the studios, you’ll see a much wider selection of the artists’ work, and great prices and specials too. A number of artists will be demoing their work as well.
There will be around a dozen stops on the approximately 90-mile loop around the beautiful Des Moines River Valley. Several locations will be hosting multiple artists. This lets us include artists without sufficient studio space to host, as well as keeping the number of stops manageable so you can do the tour in an afternoon. https://www.facebook.com/events/3103032370002661/?active_tab=discussion
AMES TOWN & GOWN’S 75th CHAMBER MUSIC SEASON – INNOVATES, EDUCATES, AND CELEBRATES
Ames Town & Gown Chamber Music Association’s 75th season is sure to thrill audiences with its combination of internationally renowned performers and local talent! The concert season features five unique concerts that are both exciting and innovative in their programming, Town & Gown has shown that chamber music can be grand in scope, while intimate in scale! Our opening concert will be a CELEBRATION IN SONG, featuring three winners of the prestigious Young Concert Artists International Vocal Competition: Chelsea Guo, soprano/piano; Erin Wagner, mezzo-soprano; Joseph Parrish, baritone; and pianist Ye Ik Kwan. The program will feature each of the three singers in art song, with the second half of the concert devoted to operatic arias, duos, and trios. The concert will take place Saturday, September 28 at 7:30 p.m. at ISU’s Martha-Ellen Tye Recital Hall. www.amestownandgown.org
VI. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Marc Dickinson. Replacement Parts. Sep 11, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books. Poetry Open Mic Night, Kelsey Bigelow, Emcee. Sep 13, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. Kaveh Akbar. Martyr! Sep 16, 7 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Scott Dominic Carpenter. Paris Lost & Found: A Memoir. Sep 20, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books – Beaverdale Books. Penguin Random House present the Banned Wagon. Sep 22, 12-4 PM.
6. Des Moines Public Library – 2024 Fall Author Series. Austin Frerick. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of America’s Food Industry. Sep 25, 7 PM at Central Library. https://www.dmpl.org/dmpl-fall-author-series *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. Barons: Money, Power, and the Corruption of the American Food Industry, Austin Frerick*
2. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*
3. Pony the Moose, Emily Mitchell*
4. Antiracism as Daily Practice: Refuse Shame, Change White Communities, and Help Create a Just
World, Jennifer Harvey*
5. The Demon of Unrest: A Saga of Hubris, Heartbreak, and Heroism at the Dawn of the Civil War, Erik
Larson
6. Autocracy, Inc.: The Dictators Who Want to Run the World, Anne Applebaum
7. Growing Older Gracefully: 31 Reflections on Finishing Well, David Classen*
8. Thunder from the Prairie: The Life of Harold E. Hughes, Jerry Harrington*
9. The Women of Swenson Farm, Jeanne Martz*
10. The Women, Kristin Hannah
*Iowa Author!
*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.
Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
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. Our New World of Adult Bullies: How to Spot Them, How to Stop Them. Bill Eddy. This is Bill Eddy’s insightful and informative guide to meet the challenges that this growing social trend has created.
“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
2. Change Your Diet, Change Your Mind: A Food-First Plan to Optimize Your Mental Health. Dr. Georgia Ede. Combine the surprising truth about brain food with the cutting edge of brain metabolism to achieve extraordinary emotional, cognitive, and physical health. “This book is an invaluable resource and guide for anyone looking to enhance their health and life through the thoughtful integration of nutrition.” – David Perlmutter, MD https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mind
3. 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/
4. 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
