Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

1/28/2025

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 Podcast 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 –
 
“Do not train a child to learn by force or harshness; but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of the genius of each.” – Plato (428-347 B.C.) was a Greek philosopher and student of Socrates. He is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy and is known for his dialogues and metaphysical theory of forms.
 
Newsletter content:
I. Iowa Flash Buzz – cultural 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 –
 
I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa
Celebrating the 2025 Heritage Legacy Award Honorees. The I’ll Make Me a World in Iowa Annual Heritage Legacy Awards are statewide recognition for Iowans and organizations who exemplify our mission; and through their actions and community contributions, showcase excellence.
Please join us in congratulating these community heroes!!!
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT HONOREES:
–Ako Abdul-Samad
–Teree Caldwell-Johnson (Posthumously)
–Dwight Jackson
EVELYN K. DAVIS YOUTH HONOREE:
–Hadley Harvey
Awards will be presented during the Embracing Excellence Grand Gala on Friday evening January 31, 2025 at 7PM at the FFA Enrichment Center, Ankeny, IA . Tickets are available at https://www.worldiniowa.org/gala2025

Writing Workshop
Brooke Van Sickle | Picture Book Perfection: How to Write a Book that Sells to Publishers (and Readers)
Feb 18, 6 – 8 pm at Beaverdale Book
Join us for a free writing workshop hosted by Brooke Van Sickle (This Is My Castle,  the 2020 Distinguished Favorite Preschool Picture Book), owner and founder of Journey to Kidlit, an online educational platform that teaches thousands of aspiring children’s book writers from over 35 countries around the world about how to write and publish a children’s book based on her own award-winning writing journey.

• 6:00 – 6:30 Meet and Greet
• 6:30 – Workshop
• 7:30 – 8:00 Q&A

The workshop will be based on her new book, Picture Book Perfection, an easy-to-consume resource for crafting stories for children ages 2 to 8. Some of the techniques covered include how to:

• Get started with your idea
• Know if you have a “good” story idea
• Craft characters kids can relate to
• Spin your narrative into a complete plot
• Successfully finish your manuscript and prepare it for publication

Whether you’re brand-new to children’s book writing, or have tried unsuccessfully to see your book in print before, this will show
you how to craft a story that will appeal to young readers, parents, agents, and editors.
 
Iowa Bird Rehabilitation’s 2nd Annual Gala
Wings of Iowa, A Celebration of Birds
On Mar 8, please join us for food, fun, and entertainment, as we celebrate and honor Iowa’s wild birds. “Wings of Iowa, a Celebration of Birds” is a way for us to bring awareness of the importance of wild birds in Iowa and the impact on our communities, our environment, and our future. Iowa is a major flight path for migratory birds, and also home to hundreds of species of birds who choose Iowa as a place to raise their young each summer. Many bird populations are experiencing major population declines due to habitat loss, climate change, light pollution, and decrease in food sources. It is our goal to support and help injured, orphaned, and sick birds, while serving our community. We hope to be a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration as we share our future goals, dreams, and stories during a magical night below the birds. Come and listen to our special guest and keynote speaker Anne Shimerdla, CEO and president of the Blank Park Zoo and enjoy music from Iowa’s own Chad Elliott, watch live art, bid on the silent auction, play games, connect, and be inspired. You are who the birds count on for their future, and with your attendance, you are giving birds a second chance and creating a future for our feathered friends. Iowa Bird Rehabilitation is at a point where for us to continue doing our work, we need to grow and expand, and we need you to do so. This is going to be a night to spread your wings and have some fun!
This year’s gala will be located at the elegant and sophisticated event venue The Monroe, 1805 90^th St, West Des Moines, IA 50266. Time: 6-9pm. Individual seats or a table of 8 can be purchased at: Early Bird pricing until Feb 8, 2025. www.iowabirdrehab.org
 
Botanical Blues back in full swing
Sundays through Mar 30, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden.
https://dmbotanicalgarden.com/botanical-blues-details/
 
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –

11:00 AM – Now through Feb 2 at the Civic Center. Coming to Des Moines Performing Arts Jan 28-Feb 2 is the new musical comedy, Shucked. Listen as leading man Quinn VanAntwerp (“Gordy”) shares wonderful insights into his journey with a show that is making its first national tour. “…flat out hilarious!” – The Wall Street Journal https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/shucked

11:15 AM – Ankeny Community Theatre prepares its next show, the beloved tale of an affable man and his 6+ foot tall invisible rabbit – Harvey. Running Feb 7-16, this show brings Mary Chase play wo the 1945 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and this rare opportunity to experience it live on stage is not to be missed. Listen as Director Lauren Mills is joined by lead brother and sister duo, Sean Canuso as Elwood and Beca Shell as Veta Louise in a lively chat about this production. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/

11:30 AM – Appearing at Beaverdale Books Wed Feb 5, 6:30 PM. Charles R. Kniker and Dianne Prichard joined forces in this meticulously researched and developed handbook for democracy and freedom, Raising America: Building a More Perfect Union. Anyone seeing foundational information and inspiration on the honorable principles upon which America was built should read this book. “Raising America is a balm for individuals, families, and communities who are feeling overwhelmed by the realities of political polarization…With well-formatted and resource-rich chapters, Kniker and Prichard edit this collection as a practical guide to building knowledge and understanding for how to engage in the political process with a heart for the common good. It is a book that will inform and form communities with capacities for empathy and understanding amidst socio-political difference. In that, it is a book that can take us beyond righteously drawn sides of partisan commitment and help us build a way forward to liberty and justice for all, or as James Baldwin put it, to achieve our country.” – Deborah Krause, President, Eden Theological Seminary https://www.raisingamericabook.com/

11:46 AM – Poet Laureate for Iowa Vince Gotera shares insights into his recent and very engaging collection, Dragons & Rayguns. Listen as Vince shares this collection’s origin story, and some thoughts about the importance of poetry in everyone’s life. Vince will be a featured presenter at the 2025 Poetry Palooza, Apr 4-5, at Grand View University. https://vincegotera.blogspot.com/.    http://finalthursdaypress.com/

12:00 PM – Opens this Fri Jan 31. Tallgrass Theatre Company is ready to share the Iowa premiere of Ripcord, a captivating blend of humor, humanity, and relationships. This show promises to touch your heart while also tickling your funny bone. Listen as director Tom Perrine shares glimpses into this soulful comedy with leading actresses Julia Noyce (as “Marilyn”) and Susan Smith (as “Abby”). Jan 29-Feb 16. “Elderly one-upsmanship was never so hilarious…or, so touching.” – The Culture Buzz https://tallgrasstheatre.org

12:15 PM – David Gessner has a wealth of writing experience sharing his revelations in nature, environment, and more with readers. His new book is a special one – The Book of Flaco: The World’s Most Famous Bird. Serving as the meeting point for a wealth of first-hand accounts and exploring the NYC landscape that this freed owl roamed makes a fantastic story in David’s hands.“For nature-writing enthusiasts, Gessner needs no introduction. His books and essays have in many ways redefined what it means to write about the natural world, coaxing the genre from a staid, sometimes wonky practice to one that is lively and often raucous.” – WASHINGTON POST https://davidgessner.net/

12:29 PM – Running Feb 7-Mar 2. The Des Moines Playhouse has a wonderful talent for sprinkling its programming with special shows the are thought-provoking, funny, eye-opening, and more. Men on Boats is such a show, a playwright’s imaginative approach at examining a moment in history – John Wesley Powell’s watery trail-blazing of the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Except, there isn’t a single older white male in the cast. Magnificent. Listen as Director Kristin Larson and Mary Bricker (as Old Shady) share great insights about this gem. This will be presented in the new studio theater at the Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/men-on-boats/

12:45 PM – Sat Feb 1 at Beaverdale Books. Join a band of five regional authors in this special Local Authors Book Fair from 1-3 PM on Sat Feb 1. Tiffany Killoran (Uncharted Therapy) and Angela Youngers (Another Dance) lead a lively conversation about this free to the public opportunity to meet emerging authors.“With a dedicated, informed staff and an impressive penchant for creating marvelous connecting experiences, Beaverdale Books is a Midwest leader in author events. Their Book Fair series is a wonderful way for curious literature explorers to not only learn about excellent new books, but to meet their authors.” – The Culture Buzz https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/local-author-fair-february-2025/

 
III. Performance Arts
 
1.     Des Moines Performing Arts. Shucked. Jan 28-Feb 2. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/shucked
2.     Tallgrass Theatre Company. Ripcord. Jan 31-Feb 16. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
3.     Des Moines Playhouse. Men on Boats. Feb 7-Mar 2. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/men-on-boats/
4.     Ankeny Community Theatre. Harvey. Feb 7-16. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
5.     AUDITIONS. Ankeny Community Theatre. Witness for the Prosecution. Feb 8, 1 PM; Feb 10, 6:30 PM. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-witness-for-the-prosecution/
6.     Des Moines Symphony. Chicago’s Mei-Ann Chen leads the Orchestra. Feb 8-9. The concert opens with Florence Price’s Dances in the Canebrakes, a lively work inspired by African American folk music. Anne-Marie McDermott performs Beethoven’s brilliant Piano Concerto No. 1. Rachmaninoff’s dramatic Symphonic Dances closes the evening. https://dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/chen-conducts-rachmaninoff/
7.     Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. Thru Feb 2. Diary of a Wimpy Kid. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/diary-of-a-wimpy-kid/
8.     Class Act Productions (CAP Theatre). Beauty and the Beast Jr. Feb 14-Mar 2. https://www.captheatre.org/disneys-beauty-and-the-beast-jr/
9.     Vagrant Fear Productions at the Stoner Theater in DMPA. Vagrant Fear: To Hell and Back. Feb 14-15. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/vagrant-fear
10.  Des Moines Symphony. Feb 14-15. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert.
https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/harry-potter-6
11.  AUDITIONS. Des Moines Playhouse. Alice in Wonderland. Feb 17, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/alice-in-wonderland/
12.  Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. Mary Poppins Jr. Feb 21-Mar 2. https://www.dmyat.org/
13.  Tallgrass Theatre Company. Broadway Karaoke. Feb 22, 7 PM. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
14.  Des Moines Performing Arts. Life of Pi. Feb 25-Mar 2. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/life-of-pi
 
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
1.     Des Moines Art Center. “Time Travelers,” Feb 14-May 11. The group show explores the past and how we remember it with a mix of folklore, history and cultural souvenirs. It centers on two very different works in the permanent collection: Tuan Andrew Nguyen’s film “The Boat People” and Mika Rottenberg’s “Cheese,” a surrealist installation built from small TV monitors and old barn wood. https://www.wdmhs.org/historic-log-cabin/
2.     Moberg Gallery. Debuts “Ghosts.” Thru Feb 1. Jeff Fleming delves into family photographs from the 1960s as his source material for this imagery experience. https://moberggallery.com/
3.     Olson-Larsen Galleries. “Winter Sampler,” through Feb 8, Olson-Larsen Galleries. A colorful mixed-media show features Debra Smith’s abstract textiles, Tim Schiffer’s watercolor still lifes, Molly Wood’s photos inspired by the Old Masters, and more. 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. Witness for the Prosecution. Feb 8, 1 PM. https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-witness-for-the-prosecution/
·        AUDITIONS. Des Moines Playhouse. Alice in Wonderland. Feb 17, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/alice-in-wonderland/
·        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.  Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
13.  Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/
 
VII. Planning ahead
 
Vagrant Fear Productions
February 14th and 15th, we present our next original play, Hell and Back, at the Stoner in Des Moines. 
www.vagrantfear.org
 
Through 2025, University Museums is celebrating its 50-year anniversary with special events, exhibitions, acquisitions, projects, historic preservation, conservation and more. University Museums, accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, is a distinctive organization that encompasses two art museums, a National Historic Landmark historic home museum, a sculpture garden, and one of the largest campus public art collections in the nation
https://www.museums.iastate.edu/
 
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:

• 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

 
Terrace Hill Tea & Talk series at 2:00 pm each Saturday in February.
Guests will hear from local speakers, who will cover topics centered around conservation, local Iowa history, arts and culture, and Terrace Hill artifacts and collections. Speakers will give short presentations in Terrace Hill’s Drawing Room. Tickets are $10 per program or $35 for a season pass. The speakers are donating their time and all proceeds will benefit the gardens of Terrace Hill. Tickets are available on Eventbrite at https://terracehillteaandtalk2025.eventbrite.com or by calling the Terrace Hill office at 515.281.7205.
Tickets must be purchased in advance.
February 1 – Molly Thompson, Terrace Hill
February 8 – Michael Morain, Business Publications Corporation, Inc.
February 15 – Tim McMillin, Des Moines Performing Arts and Des Moines Vocal Arts Ensemble
February 22 – Kim Perez, Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
Connecting Plants, People, and the Natural World
 
VIII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1.     Beaverdale Books – Local Author Fair featuring Laruen Joiner, Tiffany Killoren, Robbie Orr, Lacy Rose, Angela Younger. Sat Feb 1, 1:30-3 PM.
2.     Beaverdale Books – Basi Affia. Aaru En Duat. Mon Feb 3, 6:30 PM.
3.     Beaverdale Books – Charles R. Kniker and Dianne Prichard. Raising America: Building a More Perfect Union. Wed Feb 5 6:30 PM.
4.     Beaverdale Books – Traci Brimhall. love prodigal. Thu Feb 6, 6:30 PM.
5.     Beaverdale Books – Brooke Van Sickle. Workshop: “Picture Book Perfection: How to Successfully Write a Picture Book That Sells to Publishers and Readers.” Tue Feb 18, 6-8 PM.
6.     Beaverdale Books – Sharon L. Clark. I’ll Call You Mine. Wed Feb 19, 6:30 PM.
7.     Beaverdale Books – Angel Bour. Just a Kid. Mon Feb 26, 6:30 PM.
8.     Beaverdale Books at the West Des Moines Library – Allen Eskens. The Quiet Librarian. Thu Feb 27, 6:30 PM.
9.     Beaverdale Books at the Franklin Events Center, 4801 Franklin Avenue – 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.     Beaverdale Books – Hunter’s Classics Book Club (2^nd Tue, 7:00 PM); Beaverdale Book Browsers Club (2^nd Thu, 6:30 PM); Urbandale UCC Book Club (3^rd Thu); Books and Bonbons (3^rd Thu, 7:00 PM); Environmental Book Club (3^rd Sat); Mystery Book Club (4^th 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/
Current bestsellers are:
1. Hooligans, Rebels, and Rabble-Rousers, Paula Kermin*
2. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer
3. Vessels of Love: Prayers and Poems for the Later Years of Life, Joyce Rupp*
4. James, Percival Everett
5. Small Things Like These, Claire Keegan
6. Love Is My Favorite Flavor, Wini Moranville*
7. God of the Woods, Liz Moore
8. Woodland Cemetery in Des Moines: A History, Mary Christopher* and Mike Rowley*
9. Dog Man: Big Jim Begins (Dog Man #13), Dav Pilkey
10. The Women, Kristin Hannah
*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
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

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 

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 Villagemagazine. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
11. Little Village magazine. This Des Moines edition of the iconic Iowa City monthly brings a progressive voice to Central Iowa readers. https://littlevillagemag.com/desmoines/
12. 900Views Podcast. An exploration of arts and community with Host Pat Boddy. Based out of Mainframe Studios in downtown Des Moines, 900Views provides a platform for glimpsing the creative work and lives of the Midwest’s cultural producers and influencers. https://www.listennotes.com/podcasts/900views-pat-boddy-RCELj1xc7Wh/
13. Greater Des Moines Community Jazz Center is this region’s source for a decades-established advocacy group for jazz, and established jazz professionals guiding and nurturing next generations of jazz musicians and fans. http://dmcommunityjazzcenter.org/
14. Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
15. Bryan Farland, for many years, single handedly puts together the most comprehensive list of live and streaming music in Iowa. Bryan reaches out two ways, https://www.facebook.com/TheListDSM and farlanbr@dsmlivemusic.com

 
Resources to help, support and guide during any challenges you or someone you care about may be experiencing:
COVID Iowa Recovery: 800-775-9276 https://covidrecoveryiowa.org/
National Alliance on Mental Illness: 988 or info@nami.org
United Way 211: Dial 211, text ZIP code to 898211 or visit 211iowa.org
CICIL: #CICILServes COVID-19 Hotline: (866) 44-CICIL
Trans Lifeline: (877) 565-8860
LGBT National Youth Talkline: (800) 246-7743
LGBT National Talkline: (888) 843-4564
Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center: dmpcc.org
Broadlawns 24/7 Crisis Team: (515) 282-5752
Your Life Iowa Help Line: (855) 581-8111
Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to crisis counseling
Online Mental Health Crisis Chat: iowacrisischat.org
MercyOne Des Moines Behavioral Health Clinic: 515-643-9030.
Prelude Behavioral Services (substance treatment): 515-262-0349
Instead of 911 – Des Moines area
*Domestic Violence: 515.286.3600
            Polk County Crisis & Advocacy
*Poison Control: 800.222.1222
*Mental Health Crisis: 515.282.5752
            Broadlawns Crisis Team
*LGBTQ+ Abuse: 866.488.7386
*Sexual Assault: 515.243.7386
Children & Families of Iowa
*Veteran Crisis: 800.273.8255 press1
            Veterans & Their Families Health Crisis Line
*Child Abuse/Neglect: 800.422.4453
National US Child Abuse Hotline
Animal Abuse/Neglect: 515.284.6905
Des Moines Animal Control
*open 24/7
 
As always, I appreciate news and information from you out there in the cultural trenches and am ready and willing to pursue a story or interview to share with my audiences.
 
Creatively yours, John Busbee
C: 515-707-1532