Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
4/29/2025
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:
“Rivers do not drink their own water; trees do not eat their own fruit; the sun does not shine on itself and flowers do not spread their fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a rule of nature. We are all born to help each other. No matter how difficult it is…Life is good when you are happy; but much better when others are happy because of you.”
– Pope Francis
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:
Unity Center of Des Moines will hold its Spring 2025 Spirit Seekers Fair on Sat May 3, 10 AM to 5 PM, 414 – 31st Street, Des Moines. This event is free and open to the public opportunity to casually explore many aspects of metaphysical benefits. “For anyone seeking enhanced ways to improve their lives, this is an exceptional sampler event that presents a wide range of modalities and opportunities. The Spirit Seekers Fair, presented by Unity Center of Des Moines, is superb.” – The Culture Buzz
image.png https://www.unitydesmoines.com/SPACERENTAL
Des Moines Metro Opera
Mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce to present Des Moines concert on May 3!
Fresh off a “definitive” (Opera Today) role debut as Rosina in our 2024 production of The Barber of Seville, mezzo-soprano Sun-Ly Pierce brings her “ravishing” and “stellar” voice to Des Moines this spring for an intimate musical program before returning this summer for a role debut as the Fox in The Cunning Little Vixen. Join us at Plymouth Church on Sat May 3 for the 2025 Artist Recital featuring Sun-Ly Pierce with DMMO’s own Allen Perriello at the piano.
General admission tickets are $30 for adults and $10 for students. Don’t miss your chance to catch this rising star in the gorgeous sanctuary at Plymouth Church! https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/events/event-401/
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.
Optik Interactive Installation Comes to Cowles Commons in May
An interactive installation featuring 20 six-foot-tall gyroscope-like forms is coming to Cowles Commons from May 2 – 26. The installation invites users to manipulate the movement and reflection of light, while each unit becomes a different musical instrument. The installation is co-presented by Des Moines Performing Arts (DMPA) and Operation Downtown in partnership with the Greater Des Moines Partnership. Optik was created by The Urban Conga in collaboration with Serge Maheu, produced by Init and powered by Creos. A May 2 grand opening is being planned, and the public is welcome to attend. Dynamic soul-pop band The Finesse will provide live music. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2025-26/free-outdoor-events/optik
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz:
11:00 AM – 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
image.png https://davidgessner.net/
11:15 AM – Dessy Levinson brings seekers of self-improvement a wonderful life resource in From Overwhelm to Flow: Sailing the Seas of Self with Courage, Meaning and Resilience. Dessy shares glimpses inside this masterwork, a distillation of her experienced, insightful career. “Dessy Levinson masterfully weaves cutting-edge cognitive neuroscience with insightful wisdom, offering a roadmap to integrate the rational and emotional mind. This deeply engaging work equips readers with effective tools to understand and navigate their emotions while fostering courage and flow. A must-read for anyone seeking inner harmony and resilience.”
-Dr. Wendy Suzuki, Ph.D.Seryl Kushner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Neural Science and Psychology, New York University, bestselling author of Good Anxiety and Healthy Brain, Happy Life
image.png https://www.crate.com/
11:31 AM – Teal Wicks stars in the national touring production of & Juliet, stopping at Des Moines Performing Arts May 6-11. Listen as the uber-talented Ms. Wicks shares insights into her grateful role in this dazzling gem of a musical. “Blending fireworks, both literal and metaphorical, & Juliet is a girls’ trip of self-discovery set to a jukebox score provided by powerhouse, Grammy-winning, pop songwriter and producer, Max Martin.” – Stage & Cinema
image.png https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/broadway/and-juliet
11:47 AM – The new issue of Iowa History Journal is out, and its cover story celebrates the 50th anniversary of then Governor Robert D. Ray’s amazing welcoming of refugees to Iowa. Writer Tim Walch shares insights into this cover story.
image.png https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
12:00 PM – The Des Moines Playhouse opens its next show, a Kate Goldman Family Series production of Alice in Wonderland. May 2-18, this show brings Lewis Carroll’s beloved story to vibrant life on stage and is a marvelous intergenerational experience for audiences. Chloe Coffman (as one of the dual-cast Alice roles) and Kasey Dunifer (as the Queen of Hearts) lead a lively conversation about this show.
image.png https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/alice-in-wonderland/
12:13 PM – The Laramie Project will begin its two-week run at the Stoner Studio Theater in Des Moines Performing Arts’ Civic Center May 2. Listen as cast members Jenny Weis and Isiah Daly are joined by director Cheryl Clark to share insights about the power of this show.
image.png https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2024-2025/des-moines-young-artists-theatre/the-laramie-project
12:26 PM – Unity Center of Des Moines will hold its Spring 2025 Spirit Seekers Fair on Sat May 3, 10 AM to 5 PM. Listen as the fair’s coordinator, Stevie Lang, shares insights into this free and open to the public opportunity to casually explore many aspects of metaphysical benefits. “For anyone seeking enhanced ways to improve their lives, this is an exceptional sampler event that presents a wide range of modalities and opportunities. The Spirit Seekers Fair, presented by Unity Center of Des Moines, is superb.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.unitydesmoines.com/SPACERENTAL
12:38 PM – Extraordinary poet Tony Keith Jr. PhD delivers an energetic introduction into his new collection, Knucklehead. This captivating and eye-opening gem is a brilliant and unfiltered look at Tony’s insightful writing as he captures essential elements and converts them into powerful messages. “A poignant, hip-hop-fueled collection of poetry that’s equal parts memoir, love letter, and rallying cry to Black boys. Searing language and palpable messaging permeate this dazzling, from-the-heart poetry collection that’s sure to inspire the eponymous knuckleheads and beyond to find their voice and use it for liberation.” – Publishers Weekly (starred review)
image.png https://www.tonykeithjr.com/
12:55 PM – Pulling from some of Susan Werner’s earlier works, here is the title track from her album, Kicking the Beehive. Enjoy. “To bond with Susan Werner’s musical mastery is to immerse oneself into her beguiling world of lyricism, enlightenment and delectably seductive music. The journey will always be profound and rewarding.” – The Culture Buzz
image.png https://susanwerner.com/
III. Performance Arts:
1. Tallgrass Theatre Company. The Emerald Earring. Thru May 4. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/tickets/
2. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Theatre. Alice in Wonderland. May 2-18. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/alice-in-wonderland/
3. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre. The Laramie Project – Ten Years Later. May 2-11. https://www.dmyat.org/
4. Des Moines Performing Arts. & Juliet. May 6-11. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/events/and-juliet/
5. About Time Theatre Company – at The Haunt Speakeasy. Squeamish. May 30-31, Jun 6-7. www.AboutTimeTheatre.org
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions:
1. 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/
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:
· AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse for Waitress. Mon May 5, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/waitress/
· 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.
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:
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 Polk 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.
JAZZ IN JULY
Hoyt Sherman Place is excited to announce their free concert series, Jazz in July, is back for 2025 with four total performance dates! Concerts are scheduled for Tuesdays, July 8, July 15, July 22, and July 29. For the first three weeks, openers will perform at 5:30 PM and headliners will perform at 6:30 PM, all outside on the lawn. On July 29, music will start outside at 5:30 PM and move inside to the theater at 7:30 PM.
This free summer program wouldn’t be possible without the help of its premier sponsor, Principal Foundation, as well as expertise from Jazz in July’s Arts Advisor John Krantz.
Patrons are encouraged to bring a blanket and lawn chairs to spread out and enjoy the music outside. Attendees will be able to purchase food as well as beverages provided by the venue on site. Events will go on, rain or shine. For additional information about Jazz in July, please visit hoytsherman.org.
VIII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books – Bill R. Douglas. The People Are Kind: A Religious History of Iowa. Mon May 12, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books with AViD Author Series at the Franklin Event Center – Abby Jimenez, Say You’ll Remember Me, Just for the Summer. Thu May 15, 7 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books – Dr. Eric Idehen. Born to Serve: The Story of a Change-Maker & Bridging Expectations: Healing the Divide Between Those Who Give and Those Who Expect. Mon May 19, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books – Karin Winegar. Horse Lovers: Unpacking the Female Fascination. Tue May 20, 6:30 PM.
5. Beaverdale Books – Laura Julier. Off Izaak Walton Road: The Grace That Comes Through Loss. Thu May 22, 6 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books – B. John Burns. The German Helmet on the Basement Shelf. Thu May 29, 6:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books with AViD Author Series at the Central Library – Kevin Wilson. Run for the Hills. Tue Jun 3, 7 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 (2nd Tue, 7:00 PM); Beaverdale Book Browsers Club (2nd Thu, 6:30 PM); Urbandale UCC Book Club (3rd Thu); Books and Bonbons (3rd Thu, 7:00 PM); Environmental Book Club (3rd Sat); Mystery Book Club (4th Tue, 7:00 PM)
2. Storyhouse Bookpub – Storytimes (Saturdays 11:00 AM)
3. Dogeared Books – Dog-Eared official book club (one Thu/month, 10-11 AM); Between the Covers (one Sat/month, 7-8 PM); Women from Other Words book club (one Mon/month 5-6 PM); Translation book club (one Fri/month, 7-8 PM); Books & Beverages – the book club experience without the commitment (one Thu/month, 6-7 PM)
4. Capital City Pride – Book club meets every other month, rotating to different independent book stores. For titles being read and dates, locations, visit: https://www.capitalcitypride.org/pride-book-club
VII. Beaverdale Books provides Bestseller Lists on their website, including a parade of Iowa-authored books to consider. Many Iowa authors also have recordings archived in The Culture Buzz Podcast Library (https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz). https://beaverdalebooks.com/news/
Current bestsellers are:
1. Everything Is Tuberculosis: The History and Persistence of Our Deadliest Infection, John Green
2. The Serviceberry: Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World, Robin Wall Kimmerer
3. Sunrise on the Reaping, Suzanne Collins
4. I Don’t Swim: A Memoir, Helen Miller*
5. Say You’ll Remember Me, Abby Jimenez
6. Great Big Beautiful Life, Emily Henry
7. The Murderbot Diaries Vol. 1: All Systems Red, Artificial Condition, Martha Wells
8. On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century, Timothy Snyder
9. The Antidote, Karen Russell
10. Who Is Government?: The Untold Story of Public Service, Michael Lewis
*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 https://www.diagnosisdiet.com/change-your-diet-change-your-mind
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 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
C: 515-707-1532
