Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

4/8/2025

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:

“Integrity can be neither lost nor concealed nor faked nor quenched nor artificially coe by nor outlived, nor, I believe, in the long run, denied.” – Eudora Welty (1909-2001), from “Must the Novelist Crusade,” in The Eye of the Story (1978). Eudora Alice Welty was an American short-story writer, novelist and photographer who wrote about the American South. Her novel The Optimist’s Daughter won the Pulitzer Prize in 1973. Welty received numerous awards, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Order of the South.

 

Newsletter content:

• Iowa Flash Buzz – cultural news of the week
• Guests on this week’s show;
• Performance Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
• Visual Arts (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
• Auditions and other Opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
• Planning ahead;
• Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
• Best-sellers, life resource books, Greater Des Moines performing arts organizations, Central Iowa indie book stores, cultural exploration resources, health & welfare resources

Iowa Flash Buzz:

• 2nd Oboe Chair Opening Announcement
  The Des Moines Community Orchestra announces an opening for the 2nd Oboe Chair. Auditions will be held on the morning of Saturday, April 12, 2025, with the specific audition times TBD. Oboists can access the audition excerpts here:   https://www.desmoinescommunityorchestra.org/uploads/1/5/0/0/15005474/dmco_oboe_audition_excerpts.pdf
• Applications Now Open for Community Outreach Program
  The Des Moines Arts Festival® presented by Nationwide has opened applications for the Community Outreach Program presented by the MidAmerican Energy Foundation. The award-winning program offers non-profit organizations the opportunity to participate in the Festival and share their mission and programming with thousands of guests free of charge, thanks to funding from the MidAmerican Energy Foundation. The Des Moines Arts Festival is June 27 – 29, 2025 in Western Gateway Park. Applications close May 9; selected organizations notified on or by May 19.   www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/cop

This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz:

• 11:00 AM – Dr. William A. Keyes captures amazing stories about a legacy program he built that feeds into a successful future for its participants and the country. The Stories They Hear: Expecting Greatness as a Key to Success is inspiring and insightful. Listen as co-host Rachelle Chase and William share why this book, a documentation of Keyes’ Institute for Responsible Citizenship, is so appealing and uplifting.   “The Stories They Hear is an inspiring guide for mentors, educators, and anyone invested in helping young people unlock their potential to create a legacy that empowers future generations.”   https://theinstitute.net/
• 11:29 AM – Krable Mentzer, Chief Communications Officer, shares insights and updates about the important work done through Easter Seals of Iowa.   https://www.easterseals.com/ia/
• 11:44 AM – One of the landmark sites along Ingersoll Avenue is about to rise from the ashes in grand fashion when the Ingersoll Dinner Theare plans to reopen late this year in fully renovated and updated historical restoration project. Listen as Steve Peters of VeneWorks and Connor Delaney of White Oak Realty share the excitement of what will be a regional destination.   https://www.theingersoll.com/
• 12:00 PM – The Emerald Earring is the 10th anniversary Sarah Frank & Jack Balcombe Dream Project for Tallgrass Theatre Company. Listen as Director Jennifer Nostrala and playwright Justin Nostrala share glimpses into this compelling and appealing world premiere dark comedy.   https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
• 12:16 PM – Shelby Mahurin delivers The Shadow Bride, her much-anticipated second part of the captivating duology set in her vivid world of Serpent & Dove. This adult fantasy fiction is an immersive journey for readers, and Shelby shares some glimpses into the fantastic storytelling awaiting her readers.   https://www.shelbymahurin.com/
• 12:30 PM – Colleen Murphy shares ways to explore one of Iowa’s most appealing volunteer adventures as the 2025 Des Moines Arts Festival ramps up preparing for the 2025 internationally awarded arts event June 27-29.   https://www.desmoinesartsfestival.org/get-involved
• 12:44 PM – The March-April issue of Iowa History Journal is available, and it is another dandy packed with captivating stories about Iowa’s heritage. Listen as Publisher Michael Swanger takes time to share some insights into this new issue.   “If you don’t invest in the nominal cost of a subscription to Iowa History Journal, you will be depriving yourself of hours of fascinating storytelling as you learn amazing things about Iowa’s past. Enjoy the diversity of exceptional writers as they deliver captivating glimpses into history.” – The Culture Buzz   https://iowahistoryjournal.com/

Performance Arts:

• Des Moines Performing Arts. Hadestown. Apr 11-13. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/hadestown-2025/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. The Emerald Earring. Apr 18-May https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
• Ankeny Community Theatre. Witness for the Prosecution by Agatha Christie. Thru Apr 13. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
• Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Children’s Theatre. Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical. Thru Apr 13. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/knuffle-bunny/
• Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Theatre. Alice in Wonderland. May 2-18. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/alice-in-wonderland/
• Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later. May 2-11. https://www.dmyat.org/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. & Juliet. May 6-11. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/and-juliet/

Visual Arts – Exhibitions

• Des Moines Art Center. “Time Travelers,” Thru 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/

Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

• 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/
• 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
• The Grinnell College Museum of Art. Grinnell. 2 https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
• 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2 http://www.2aulimited.com/
• 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/
• Heritage Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• Hoyt Sherman Place Art Gallery. 2 Des Moines. https://hoytsherman.org/gallery/
• IN Tandem Arts & Authors. 1,2 Des Moines. https://www.facebook.com/INTandemArtsAndAuthors/
• Kavanaugh Art Gallery. West Des Moines. 1,2 https://kavanaughgallery.com/
• Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
• Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines. https://www.lizlidgett.com/
• Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2 https://moberggallery.com/
• Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 https://olsonlarsen.com/
• Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2 http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• Ritual Café. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ritualcafedesmoines/
• Slow Down Coffee Shop. Des Moines. 2 https://www.theslowdowndsm.com/
• Zanzibar’s Coffee Adventure. Des Moines. 2 https://www.facebook.com/ZanzibarsCoffeeAdventure/

1 Visit these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.

2 Check website for current exhibitions.

 

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

• AUDITIONS – Ankeny Community Theatre for A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams. Wed Apr 16 & Thu Apr 17 at 6:30 PM at Ankeny Community Theatre. Run: Jun 6-15, 2025. Director: Charissa Hamel.   https://ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition-notice-a-streetcar-named-desire/
• AUDITIONS – Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre for Spongebob the Musical. Sat May 17, 10 AM – 5:30 PM. One hour time slots. Casting Ages 11 – 20. Callbacks May 18, 2 – 5 PM (Not everyone will be called back). Pre-Audition Parent Informational Meeting, May 7 at 6 PM via Zoom   https://www.dmyat.org/spongebob

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.

• Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
• Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
• Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
• Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
• Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
• Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
• Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
• Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
• Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
• Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
• Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
• Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
• Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/

 

Planning ahead

• Salisbury House Library Collection – Book Talk Series
  Sun Apr 27, 2-4 PM at Salisbury House & Gardens
  The Salisbury House Library Collection at Grinnell College Libraries invites the public to this free event to learn about the ongoing work with this special collection. The panel will be moderated by Grinnell College Library staff to talk about research in the collection, boo history, interacting with the collection in the classroom, conservation updates and more. Selections from the Library Collection will be on display. The first floor of the museum will be open for free self-guided tours.   https://salisburyhouse.org/event.php?event_id=1208_0
• Central Iowa Wind Ensemble
  Live Music Trivia! Sun May 4, 2025 @ 3 p.m. Staplin Performing Arts Center, 3650 Woodland Avenue, West Des Moines, IA. Get ready for a concert experience like no other with the Central Iowa Wind Ensemble! Join us for an afternoon of thrilling music, brain-teasing trivia, and exciting contests that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This performance features Rhapsody in Blue by George Gershwin with Dr. Mei-Hsuan Huang on piano.
  ADMISSION: FREE! Tickets are required for all events. Available at www.ciwe.org.
• A most worthy road trip to SW Iowa – Destination: Art Church and Art House
  Who wants to engage in a political debate? I would rather concentrate on a festival that highlights our shared interests, providing an enjoyable and free experience. The event is scheduled for May 10th outdoors, with a rain date of May 11th. Art Church and Art House will be open, offering Pop-Up services. The inaugural Art Church Festival aims to become an annual tradition. If you have not attended before, please join us, as this event is intended for your benefit. So far, Matt Cox, The Prairie Gators, and Kris Lager have committed to performing, with Kris Lager Band headlining the evening. Interactive art will be available for observation and participation. Further details will be forthcoming. Please bring a lawn chair and a friend, and relax.   https://www.facebook.com/artchurchiowa/
• Iowa Exhibited – presented by the Pol County Heritage Gallery
  One of this dedicated group’s signature exhibitions runs May 8 – Jun 26 in the Beaux Art magnificence of the former Des Moines Post Office lobby in the Polk County Building. Opening reception Thu May 8 6:30-8 PM.   https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
• Every twist and knot tell a story in “The Ties That Bind” 
  Join professional dance company Hurley & Dancers for a modern dance milieu on Friday, May 30 and Saturday, May 31 at 7 p.m. at Des Moines DanzArts Studio, 2150 Delavan Drive, #8, West Des Moines. Suggested donation $20/10. Original choreography by Julie Betts, Elizabeth Ferreira, Alissa Hamer, Kathleen Hurley, Lisa Lewis, and William Schneider. For more information, email hurley.kathleen@gmail.com.

Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:

• Beaverdale Books at the Franklin Event Center 4800 Franklin Avenue (Special Ticketed Event) – Jennifer Weiner. The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits. Fri Apr 11, 7 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Meet the authors. Donald Quist, Kali White VanBaale, Bailey Gaylin Moore. The Past Ten & Thank You for Staying with Me. Sat Apr 12, 2:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Meet Iowa’s Poet Laureate, Vince Gotera. Dragons & Rayguns. Mon Apr 14, 6:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Kurt Burmeister. Twilight of the Gods. Tue Apr 15, 6:30 PM.
• AViD Author Series with Beaverdale Books, Franklin Event Center, 4800 Franklin Avenue – David Baldacci, Strangers in Time & Calamity of Souls. Mon Apr 21, 7 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Amy Wilson. Happy to Help: Adventures of a People-Pleaser: Essays. Thu Apr 24, 6:30 PM.
• Marshalltown Public Library – Jeff Bremer. A New History of Iowa. Sun Apr 27, 2 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Michelle Herman. If You Say So. Sun Apr 27, 2:30 PM.
• Beaverdale Books – Bill R. Douglas. The People Are Kind: A Religious History of Iowa. Mon May 12, 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:

• 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)
• Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
• 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)
• 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. There’s Always Room at the Table: Farmhouse Recipes from My Family to Yours, Kaleb Wyse*
2. Show Don’t Tell: Stories, Curtis Sittenfeld
3. The Quiet Librarian, Allen Eskins
4. Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, John Green
5. Birth Center in Corporate Woods, BJ Soloy*
6. Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins
7. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer
8. Battle Mountain, C.J. Box
9. James, Percival Everett
10. Onyx Storm, Rebecca Yarros

*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. Character: Life Lessons in Courage, Integrity, and Leadership. Robert L. Dilenschneider. This successful person has advised countless Fortune 500 companies while also creating resources that can benefit anyone.   “Based on thirty-one iconic historical figures who embodied such qualities of character, Robert Dilenschneider shares these inspirational and insightful stories to benefit others. As before, he succeeds.” – The Culture Buzz   https://robertldilenschneider.com/
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. 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 engaging, beneficial allegory.   “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.
• Beaverdale Books, Des Moines. http://www.beaverdalebooks.com/
• Storyhouse Bookpub, Des Moines Historic East Village. https://storyhousebookpub.com/
• Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction. https://readinginpublic.com/
• Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
• Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
• Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
• Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
• Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
• Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
• 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:
• 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/
• 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
• 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
• 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/
• 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
• 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
• 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/
• 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.
• 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/
• 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/
• 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/
• 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/
• 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/
• Central Iowa Blues Society is the area’s connecting point for performance, presentations and education in the world of blues. www.cibs.org
• 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