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The Culture Buzz

Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:

By John Busbee

7/8/2025

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:
 
“I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of man is to live, not exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.”  — Jack London (1876-1916) an American novelist, journalist and activist. A pioneer of commercial fiction and American magazines, he was one of the first American authors to become an international celebrity and earn a large fortune from writing.

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:

  • Des Moines Playhouse: Opens this Friday. Waitress. Runs Jul 11-27. This award-winning musical has heart, action and a whole lotta pie-bakin’ inspiration. This week’s show features an interview with lead actors Hannah Zepeda (as Jenna) and Alex Schaeffer (as Dr. Pomatter) at 12 Noon. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/waitress/
  • JAZZ IN JULY: Continues at Hoyt Sherman Place Tue Jul 15, featuring:
    5:30-6:15 PM: CJC Youth Combo outside on John & Penny Krantz Stage
    6:30-8:15 PM: Christian Ertl Quartet outside on EMC Plaza Stage
    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. https://hoytsherman.org/event/jazz-in-july-2025-night-2/
  • Des Moines Metro Opera Summer Festival 2025. The full schedule includes The Flying Dutchman – Jul 4, 12, 15, 17, 20; The Rake’s Progress – Jul 5, 10, 13, 18; Cunning Little Vixen – Jul 6, 8, 11, 19. https://desmoinesmetroopera.org/2025season/
  • Des Moines Art Center: Enjoy the cool confines in the reflective environment of two great exhibits currently. “Light Within Ourselves” – Haitian Art in Iowa (thru Sep 7) and “Firelei Báez Exhibition” (thru Sep 21). https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/
  • Belin Quartet at Salisbury House & Gardens – season finale: Tue Jul 8, 5:30 PM. https://civicmusic.org/belin-quartet-summer-concert-series/

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

  • 11:00 AM – The incomparable thriller duo of Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child returns with their latest. Badlands brings their keen storytelling skills to razor sharp execution in another unputdownable Nora Kelly novel. These two share fascinating glimpses into this story’s creation. “Preston and Child’s fifth adventure featuring Nora Kelly and Corrie Swanson (following Dead Mountain) tackles a terrific story while highlighting the continued growth of two stellar characters…Preston and Child were brilliant to team up Kelly and Swanson in their own series, bringing the legends and geography of the New Mexico badlands to life. This installment would be a great launching point for readers who haven’t read one of their books.” ― Library Journal (starred review) https://www.prestonchild.com/
  • 11:15 AM – In The Omnivore’s Deception: What We Get Wrong about Meat, Animals, and Ourselves is a thought-provoking dive into another perspective of humankind’s consumption practices. John Sanbonmatsu delivers a well-researched and compelling argument for changing how the world sustains itself. “This book is a must-read for anyone prepared to honestly confront the moral obscenity, and the fatefulness for all life on Earth, of the world-wide killing field so often sanitized with the label ‘animal agriculture.’ The Omnivore’s Deception recounts with relentless clarity how the ecocidal magnitude of the crime of human-animal relations is repeatedly concealed with comforting myths about ‘humane slaughter’, ‘happy meat’, and ‘enlightened omnivorism’. It is a lesson, as invaluable as it is terrible, that we must imbibe if we are to move toward a more just and livable future.”  — Alice Crary, author of Inside Ethics: The Demands of Moral Thought https://www.johnsanbonmatsu.com/
  • 11:32 AM – CAP Theatre (Class Act Productions) has annually produced their CAP Classic show for a decade, and this year brings one of the Bard’s best to the stage with A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Listen as Director Jolene Gentzler, Corley Blackford (as Puck), and Megan Witzenburg (as Helena) provide insight into their work on this production.
    https://www.captheatre.org/home/a-midsummer-nights-dream-25-cap-classic
  • 11:46 AM – Abigail and Alexa Save the Wedding is a delightful romp of a read as only the gifted writer Lian Dolan can deliver. Listen as she shares insights into her muse’s prodding for the delightful tale “Reading Lian Dolan is like sitting next to a delightful and hilarious friend with a fine glass of champagne.” – Bestselling author Patti Callahan Henry https://www.liandolan.com/
  • 12:00 PM – The Des Moines Playhouse presents a blockbuster musical, Waitress, this summer. Listen as two of its leads, Hannah Zepeda (as Jenna) and Alex Schaeffer (as Dr. Pommatter) share their experiences in the rehearsal process and their passion for being part of this show. “The Des Moines Playhouse is nationally recognized for its high production values, never resting on its laurels as it continues to forge excellence on the stage.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.dmplayhouse.com/
  • 12:13 PM – Jessica Guerrier penchant for spinning an engaging story is at its best in Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea. This amazing fiction debut novel from this experienced writer paints a compelling, immersive reading experience in bold, vivid life colors. “A brave confrontation of the distance between who we were and who we are, explored with razor-sharp honesty. The relational complexities are written with breathtaking precision, and the intimate experience of Leah’s journey into marriage and motherhood is book club gold. BETWEEN THE DEVIL AND THE DEEP BLUE SEA is an urgent call to drop all pretense, stop numbing, and let the fullness of life come flooding in. The complicated but real loyalties within this family remind us that we are not alone.” — Sarah Damoff, bestselling author of THE BRIGHT YEARS https://www.jessicaguerrieri.net/
  • 12:30 PM – Gifted journalist and writer Ross Halperin delivers a spine-chilling insight into lives trying to live honorably in a vicious world. Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land follows two friends as they attempt to resist the murderous saturation of their region. “This riveting book reads like a thriller―two friends trying to prevent murders in one of the most dangerous places on earth. But it’s a true story, about not only the extreme danger they put themselves in, but also the nauseating moral quandaries they faced.” — Larissa MacFarquhar, author of Strangers Drowning https://www.rossahalperin.com/
  • 12:44 PM – The new Iowa History Journal is available, and features a captivating story by C. J. Williams (author of A Monster in Mount Pleasant) about Judge Charles Bradley and his near-encounter with death during the Great Depression from an angry mob. “If you aren’t a subscriber to Iowa History Journal, you are missing one of the best bargains in reading and cultural adventurism.” – The Culture Buzz https://iowahistoryjournal.com/

III. Performance Arts

IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions

  • Des Moines Art Center – “Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa”
    “Light Within Ourselves: Haitian Art in Iowa” showcases a selection of the rich holdings of Haitian Art in the Waterloo Center for the Arts’ collection—the largest public collection of Haitian Art in both Iowa and the United States. Thru Sep 7. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/art/exhibitions/light-within-ourselves/
  • Iowa Quilt Museum hosts a bold show in Winterset
    On the south side of the Winterset square, the Iowa Quilt Museum’s current exhibit, “Tiny Pieces, Vast Visions,” features four quiltmakers who share a creative bond. They each bring their own aesthetic to their work, but all use tiny pieces of fabric to create larger patterns. Small pieces come together to tell unique visual stories throughout their work, resulting in one-of-a-kind pieces of quilted artwork. The show remains through Aug. 3. https://www.iowaquiltmuseum.org/current-exhibits/
  • Des Moines Art Center – Exhibition Firelei Báez. Opening Celebration Jun 12. The exhibition runs through Sep 12. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/exhibition-opening-firelei-baez/

V. Visual Arts – Galleries & Found Space Exhibition Sites

1Visit these galleries open during semi-annual Historic Valley Junction Gallery Nights.
2Check website for current exhibitions.

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

VI. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities:

Check the websites of the theatre companies listed below to consider a wide range of volunteer opportunities.

VII. Planning ahead

  • Art on The Avenues opens neighborhood event series: Local artists, neighbors creating all summer with support from Invest DSM
    In the Drake neighborhood, The Magic of the Night invites neighbors to make lanterns for a July 11 parade and enjoy the sights, sounds and flavors of a night market at 2718 Kingman Boulevard.
    Wonder Walk encourages installations in curb gardens, front yards or sides of buildings in the Franklin Area (northern Waveland Park and southern Beaverdale neighborhoods), culminating in Wonder Week from August 23-29. https://investdsm.org/2025/05/27/art-on-the-avenues-opens-neighborhood-event-series/
  • 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.
  • Chad Elliott at xBK Annex: Americana roots & folk artist Chad Elliott takes the xBk Annex stage on Friday, July 18 for an intimate evening of songs & stories! Check out this revived old firehouse building as it reverberates with the iconic sounds of one of Iowa’s best.
  • 2025 – 26 Prairie Meadows Temple Theater Comedy Series announced: Three shows make up the Season Ticket Package, with one add-on option. Headlining the season is the Temple Theater’s longest-running show ever, Triple Espresso. The highly caffeinated comedy is coming home for the holidays! This production performed at the Temple Theater for a record 68 weeks from October 2002 to February 2004. This will be Triple Espresso’s eighth engagement in Des Moines. Three-show Season Ticket Package: Disenchanted | October 14 – 19, 2025; Triple Espresso: A Highly Caffeinated Comedy | November 18 – December 7, 2025; Twilight Zone UnScripted | March 17 – 22, 2026. Add-on engagement: The Naked Magicians | February 12 – 14, 2026 https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/series/temple-comedy-series

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

  • Beaverdale Books. Jeffrey Boldt. Big Lake Troubles. Wed Jul 9, 6:30 PM.
  • Special Event – Kids Day of Reading at Big Grove Brewery, 555-17th Street, Des Moines. Jul 13, 11 AM – 12 PM.
  • Special ticketed event – Franklin Event Center. Chris Whitaker. All the Colors of the Dark. Mon Jul 14, 6:30 PM.
  • Beaverdale Books Pop-Up Shop at The 44DSM, 4326 Hickman Road. Wed Jul 15 11AM – 1 PM. 44DSM and Beaverdale Books will host a pop-up shop for 44DSM residents and the general public.
  • Special ticketed event – Franklin Event Center. Christine Brennan. On Her Game: Caitlin Clark and the Revolution in Women’s Sports. Tue Jul 15, 6:30 PM.
  • Beaverdale Books. Poet Charlie Peck. The World’s Largest Ball of Paint. Fri Jul 18, 6:30 PM.
  • Beaverdale Books. Lauren Joiner. Silly Animal Tales 3. Mon Jul 21,
  • Beaverdale Books. Jim Zeller. Des Moines: Wallscapes Unseen. Wed Jul 23, 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).
Current bestsellers are:

  1. Pinch Me, Barbara Boyle
  2. American Teenager: How Trans Kids Are Surviving Hate and Finding Joy in a Turbulent Era, Nico
    Lang
  3. Sea of Grass: The Conquest, Ruin, and Redemption of Nature on the American Prairie, Dave Hage
    and Josephine Marcotty
  4. Jill Is Not Happy, Kaira Rouda
  5. A Monster in Mount Pleasant: A Story of Murders and Justice, CJ Williams*
  6. Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid
  7. The Emperor of Gladness, Ocean Vuong
  8. Radio Free Pittsburgh, Edward McConnell*
  9. Remarkably Bright Creatures, Van Pelt, Shelby
  10. My Friends, Fredrik Backman

* 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:

  • 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/
  • 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
  • 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.

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.

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

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