Saturday, October 4, 2025

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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

By John Busbee

12/3/2024

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_buzz2014 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 –

   “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” – Oprah Winfrey, an American talk show host, television producer, actress, author, and media proprietor. 

Newsletter content:

I. Iowa Flash Buzz – cultural news of the week

CNA - Stop HIV (October 2025)CNA - Alcohol/Cancer (October 2025)

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 –

  • Mainframe Studios First Friday: Ceramics Invitational Fri Dec 6 from 5-8 PM. This special exhibition will celebrate the talent of local and regional ceramic artists, showcasing a diverse range of functional and sculptural works. Free admission, and a great opportunity to browse an incredible array of artists’ studios for gifts.    https://www.mainframestudios.org/events-archive/first-friday-dec-24
  • The West Des Moines Historical Society has taken possession of the historic Nolte/Lynn log cabin from the State Historical Society of Iowa. The disassembled pieces are now in storage, awaiting reconstruction and joining the Historic Campus portion of Legacy Woods Arboretum & Nature Sanctuary to be used to tell the stories of the lives of West Des Moines’ early pioneers. We need to raise money for a cement pad and reconstruction to make this dream a reality. You can be part of this project by adopting a log! Your $100 “adoption fee” includes a frameable certificate of adoption that would be a wonderful gift for the history buff. If you purchase 5 logs, you receive the certificates, and your name or a name of your choosing will be included on a permanent plaque which will be part of the recognition of supporters of the Historic Campus.   https://www.wdmhs.org/historic-log-cabin/
  • Micro Road Trip for a classic show: Gracing the Norman Lear Theater stage is the regional performing troupe, The Cumberland Rose Players, in an iconic performance piece, It’s a Wonderful Life: A Radio Play. Make the short trip to Greenfield IA, and enjoy the historic restoration gem, the Warren Cultural Center (154 Public Square), a classic vintage opera house in the uniquely paid out town square. Fri and Sat, 7 PM. Adults $15 (cash or check only) high school students and younger, free.
  • Another worthy road trip – Old World Christmas Market at the Museum is this weekend!
  • The National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library celebrates its 50th anniversary, and its annual Old World Christmas Market happens Sat Dec 7, 9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Sun Dec 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., 1400 Inspiration Place SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404, 319-362-8500. Two days of celebrations featuring: Hands-on family-friendly crafts, Free access to all museum exhibits, “Culinary Tastes with Chef Tom” offers traditional Czech & Slovak Cuisine, Live entertainment, Wreath Raffle sponsored by Czech Heritage Foundation, The ever-popular Cookie Walk, and SHOPPING.   www.ncsml.org
  • Central Iowa Wind Ensemble presents DECK THE HALLS
    Two shows: 
    Sat Dec 14 @ 7:30 p.m. – Marth Ellen Tye Recital Hall, Simon Estes Music Hall, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
    Sun Dec15 @ 3 p.m. – Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines, IA
    ADMISSION: FREE!
    Tickets are required for all events. Available at www.ciee.org.

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

  • 11:00 AM – Gary E. Parker has an exceptional track record in delivering a bounty of captivating stories, and his latest is especially engaging. The Playbook is a wonderful cross-generational read that will stimulate great conversations exploring the topics presented in it. Listen as Gary provides some back story and glimpses into this gem.   “THE PLAYBOOK by Parker is a heartwarming and inspirational tale set in a picturesque mountain town where football is more than just a game…The novel excels in portraying personal growth, the essence of teamwork, and the impact of mentorship. A thoughtful exploration of community and self-belief, akin to Friday Night Lights and Strong Like You.”   —EDITOR’S PICK OF BOOKLIFE-PUBLISHER’S WEEKLY   https://www.garyeparker.com/
  • 11:15 AM – In Gracie Under the Waves, author Linda Sue Park admits to satisfying her own love of snorkeling in crafting this beautiful story into a wonderful young reader’s adventure. Listen as Linda Sue shares some insights into this story’s origins and motivations.   “Using high-energy prose and high-stakes plotting, Park delivers a splashy tale ferried by an undercurrent of compromise, climate activism, and earnest love for the natural world.”   —Publishers Weekly   https://lindasuepark.com/
  • 11:29 AM – Christopher Vuk, originally from Iowa, trained at one of the world’s most prestigious musical schools, the Berklee College of Music, parlays his wealth of experience and innovation into a captivating, multi-sensory musical experience with his touring show, Candlelight Christmas. Shared with a passion and flawless professionalism, this show will become an “instant classic” for the holidays.   “Raised on a ranch in Northeastern Iowa, the Blue Violin is a conservatory trained, rock and roll violin virtuoso. With soul-stirring melodies and an electrifying stage presence, Blue Violin’s shows are an immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.”   https://blue-violin.com/
  • 11:44 AM – The joy that author, physician, and researcher Laura Gabayan MD radiates in this conversation reflects the palpable energy in her new book, Common Wisdom: 8 Scientific Elements of a Meaningful Life. Listen as Laura shares peeks into this excellent life resource book, a superb addition to anyone’s personal library.   “Gabayan consistently returns to her eight wisdom elements throughout the guide, with accessible language that makes the counsel easy to follow. Above all, she reminds readers that the ‘search for wisdom is just the beginning of a journey to a better life’.”   — BookLife by Publishers Weekly   https://lauragabayan.com/
  • 12:00 PM – The magic of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast comes to vibrant life at the Des Moines Playhouse Dec 6-29 (4 added performances due to advance ticket demand). Listen as Steve Betz (as Cogsworth) and Dane Van Brocklin (as Lumiere) share some wonderful insights about the special appeal of seeing this beloved musical classic live.   https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/
  • 12:15 PM – Gracing the Temple for Performing Arts stage for an extended run in December, Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End will not only rekindle the flames of admiration for generations of fans, but introduce new fans to the wit, wisdom and humor of an iconic columnist and writer. Writers Allison and Margaret Engel share insights into distilling a very compelling overview of Bombeck, performed by the gifted Pam Sherman. December 3-21.
  • When asked if she had her life to live over, Erma Bombeck replied, “There would have been more I love yous … more I’m sorrys … more I’m listenings … but mostly, given another shot at life, I would seize every minute of it … look at it and really see it … try it on … live it … exhaust it … and never give that minute back until there was nothing left of it.”   https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/temple-comedy-series/erma-bombeck
  • 12:32 PM – Just mentioning the author’s name, David Baldacci, and images of adventure, pulsating writing, and unforgettable characters immediately come to mind. In his latest 6:20 Man novel, To Die For, he quickly draws his readers into a pulse-pounding story that will enthrall. Listen as David shares some back story and wonderful enticements.   “Seamlessly blends a twisty whodunit and a propulsive action plot.” – Publishers Weekly   https://www.davidbaldacci.com/
  • 12:46 PM – Michael Hoffen is preparing for college and already has a wonderfully engaging book that he wrote and had published under his belt. Inspired by a bygone culture, his Be a Scribe: Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt is a rewarding and clever introduction into what ancient Egypt was like for a young man when searching for a trade to learn. Listen as Michael shares glimpses into this beautiful illustrated book.   “Michael Hoffen has created an immersive, captivating understanding in Be a Scribe: Working for a Better Life in Ancient Egypt. Filled with eye-candy illustrations, Hoffen’s story brings an ancient world to vibrant life and understanding.” – The Culture Buzz   https://www.beascribe.com/

III. Performance Arts

  • Temple Theatre – Des Moines Performing Arts. Erma Bombeck: At Wit’s End. Dec 3-21. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/temple-comedy-series/erma-bombeck
  • Des Moines Playhouse. Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Dec 6-22. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast/
  • Ankeny Community Theatre. White Christmas. Dec 6-15. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
  • Tallgrass Theatre Company. A-Sisters Holiday Cabaret. Dec 6-8. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
  • Des Moines Performing Arts. Chicago. Dec 6-8. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/chicago

IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

  1. Moberg Gallery. Debuts “Between Earth and Sky.” Larassa Kabel is curator and participates with new-to-the- gallery artists she connected with online, from Montana, Las Vegas and Santa Fe. Kabel determined to exhibit them together as they all use horses as motifs — “to represent passion.” https://moberggallery.com/
  2. Olson-Larsen Galleries. “<Artist/Couple>” at Olson Larsen Gallery, an eclectic mix of represented and invited artists who also happen to be life partners: Jen P. Harris & R. Kauff, Olivia Valentine & Firat Erdim, Randy Richmond & Audrey Brown, Michael Banning & Melanie Pankau, George Porteus & Holly Murkerson. https://olsonlarsen.com/

V. 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.

VI. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –   “The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)

  • Auditions – Ankeny Community Theatre. Harvey. Sun Dec 8 at 6:30 pm & Mon Dec 9 at 6:30 pm. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-harvey/
  • Auditions – Vagrant Fear Theatre. To Hell and Back. Dec 8, 6 PM at Kirkendall Library, Ankeny. Vagrant Fear is gearing up for another play in February. Paid gig. Horror/love combo. New script, locally written. https://www.facebook.com/share/1DckmYTure/
  • Auditions – Tallgrass Theatre Company. Ripcord. Mon Dec 9, Tue Dec 10 at 6:30 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
  • Auditions – Des Moines Playhouse. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Tale. Mon Jan 6, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/knuffle-bunny-a-cautionary-musical/
  • Directors needed. Ankeny Community Theatre is gearing up for an exciting 2025-2026 season, and we’re looking for experienced directors to bring our productions to life. If you have a passion for theater and a knack for directing, we want to hear from you! Planning starts now – be a part of our creative journey. Interested? information@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/

VII. Planning ahead

Terrace Hill’s annual Holiday Teas!
During this treasured, annual event, guests will enjoy tea service and hors d’oeuvres in the historic rooms of Terrace Hill while adorned for the holiday season.
The Holiday Teas will take place on Mon Dec 9 with a morning tea at 10:30 am and an afternoon tea at 2:30 pm. Tickets are $50 per individual + processing fees, with pre-registration required.
To purchase tickets to the 10:30 am tea, visit the following link:   https://terracehillholidaytea1030.eventbrite.com
To purchase tickets to the 2:30 pm tea, visit the following link: https://terracehillholidaytea230.eventbrite.com

DMPA programming has much more than Broadway shows
All DMPS single tickets on sale now.
Dance Series:

  • Momix: Alice | February 12, 2025
  • The Remember Balloons | March 29, 2025
  • Chicago Tap Theatre | April 17, 2025

Explorer Series:

  • Pink Boots and a Machete | January 21, 2025
  • East Meets West: In the Footsteps of Marco Polo | March 11, 2025
  • The Blue Zones: Unlocking the Secrets of Longevity | May 1, 2025

Family Series:

  • Fiesta Con Sonia De Los Santos | February 22, 2025
  • The Remember Balloons | March 29, 2025
  • Underneath a Magical Moon | April 19, 2025
  • 360 All-Stars | April 27, 2025

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

  1. Beaverdale Books – Melissa Rose Harris. Where Our Humanity Meets Our Divinity. Mon Jan 6, 6:30 PM.
  2. Beaverdale Books – Jamie Seitz. Weight of Water. Tue Jan 7, 6:30 PM.
  3. Beaverdale Books – Charles R. Kniker, Dianne Prichard. Raising America: Building a More Perfect Union. Feb 5, 6:30 PM.
  4. Beaverdale Books – Traci Brimhall. love prodigal. Feb 6, 6:30 PM.
  5. Beaverdale Books – Curtis Sittenfeld. Show Don’t Tell. Mar 11, 6:30 PM.

 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. 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. 2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
  3. 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. 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/

Current bestsellers are:

  1. Hooligans, Rebels, and Rabble-Rousers, Paula Kermin*
  2. Vessels of Love: Prayers and Poems for the Later Years of Life, Joyce Rupp*
  3. The Perennial Kitchen: Simple Recipes for a Healthy Future, Beth Dooley
  4. Replacement Parts, Marc Dickinson*
  5. Helen Button, Carol Roh Spaulding*
  6. Shapeshifter: The Art of Family Tragedy and How to be Amazing Anyway, Amy Putnam Koenig*
  7. When My Husband Ran for President and Other Short Stories, Ruth Harkin*
  8. Serviceberry, Robin Wall Kimmerer
  9. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*
  10. James, Percival Everett

*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. 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

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