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 –
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.” – Maya Angelou (1928-2014), a world-renowned poet, memoirist, civil rights activist, and performer. She published seven autobiographies, several poetry collections, and three essay books. Her 1969 memoir I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings is her best-known work. Angelou also acted and sang in musicals, plays, and on screen, earning Emmy and Tony nominations. As a civil rights activist, she worked with Malcolm X and Martin Luther King Jr.
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 –
The Playhouse and The Penguin Project present Honk Jr.
In what has become a joyous celebration of performing arts and believing in the possible, Honk Jr (a shortened, 75-minute no-intermission adaptation of the full musical) runs from Aug 14-17. This is a wonderful show, presented by a special troupe of performers that will leave every audience member’s heart forever touched. Interview at 12 Noon in this week’s show.
https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-penguin-project-production-of-honk-jr/
Beaverdale Books – Book Launch for local Author Stephanie Caffrey
Debut novel combines suspense and romance.
Join us on Tue Aug 12 at 6:30 p.m. as local author Stephanie Caffrey launches her new romance/thriller, Decoding the Heart. Beaverdale Books is thrilled to feature debut authors and looks forward to celebrating each new writer’s work.
Restaurant Week
Savor exclusive dishes and special deals Aug. 15-24. Try a new spot or revisit an old favorite with prix fixe menus starting at $15 for lunch and $40 for dinner.
https://dsmmagazine.com/dsm-dish-restaurantweek2025/
2025 Cloris Awards Nominees have been released
41 shows produced by 11 regional theatre companies will vie for top honors at the 2025 Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards at Hoyt Sherman Theatre on Sunday August 24 beginning at 5 PM. This inclusive collaborative celebration brings performers, technicians and patrons together for a free evening of recognition for a year of stellar performing arts. Check out the postings every 30 minutes beginning this Wednesday at 9:30 AM on the Cloris Awards Facebook page – and, make plans to join the entertainment and honoring on August 24.
https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/
Ingersoll hosts ‘ultimate neighborhood block party’
Ingersoll LIVE features live music and family-friendly fun on August 23
Get ready to celebrate at the ultimate neighborhood block party! Ingersoll LIVE, presented by Bankers Trust, will take over the 2800 block of Ingersoll Avenue on August 23 with two stages of live music, family-friendly entertainment, local food and drinks and community vendors from 3-10 p.m.
To see the full entertainment line-up and schedule, visit: www.theavenuesdsm.com/ingersoll-live-2025/
Art on The Avenues opens neighborhood event series
Local artists, neighbors creating all summer with support from Invest DSM
Wonder Week from August 23-29.
https://investdsm.org/2025/05/27/art-on-the-avenues-opens-neighborhood-event-series/
Public Service Announcement
Trump shut down America’s LGBTQ+ suicide and mental health hotline, but CANADA opened a US toll-free number to theirs…so our citizens can get help anytime, at no cost.
1-877-330-6366
Kindness & empathy have no borders. Please share this information with those who care.
https://translifeline.org/hotline/
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Releases this week. Celebrated author Karin Slaughter again captivates her continually growing legions of fans with her lates, We Are All Guilty Here. Listen as Karin shares peeks into this gripping thriller. “The basic elements of escapist crime fiction: adroit scene-setting, vivid characterization and (crucially) impeccable plotting are studded throughout Karin Slaughter’s 25-year career, and her latest is the author en pleine forme.” — Financial Times https://www.karinslaughter.com/
11:18 AM – William R. Douglas presents a marvelously detailed history of Iowa’s religions in his landmark book, The People Are Kind: A Religious History of Iowa. Bill begins his presentation with the indigenous tribes of Iowa and carried it through the diversity of Iowa’s settlement eras. “William R. Douglas delivers an enticing, comprehensive history of Iowa’s religious transitions in beautiful prose, context, and clarity. After diving into his masterpiece tome, one will have a much greater appreciation for this aspect of Iowa’s history.” – The Culture Buzz https://wipfandstock.com/9798385224456/the-people-are-kind/
11:35 AM – Returning to the show with a new work, part of a trilogy of topic-related thrillers, Patricia Leavy releases Cinematic Destinies. Patricia takes readers on an immersive adventure
“Leavy’s latest must-read novel features a trio of romantic storylines about the quest for love and identity in the shadow of a Hollywood fairy tale. This powerful novel is less about the magic of the movies, and more about the search for magic in our lives. Cinematic Destinies is a spellbinding ode to love, art, and what it means to live.” — Mary E. Weems, author of Blackeyed https://patricialeavy.com/
11:47 AM – One of the world’s foremost experts in translating ancient Roman history and people into dynamic historical novel reading is Douglas Boin. His latest is a masterpiece: Clodia of Rome: Champion of the Republic. Listen as Doug provides some glimpses into how he vividly fleshes out the anchor facts left from millenia as he successfully bridges this enigmatic woman of Rome with the twenty-first century. “A brilliant portrait of the most glamorous, enigmatic, and fascinating woman in the history of the late Roman republic—a book I have been waiting to read since studying Cicero’s evisceration of her when I was sixteen.” – Tom Holland, author of Rubicon: The Last Years of the Roman Republic https://www.religiousdirt.com/
12:00 PM – Opens this week. The Des Moines Playhouse continues one of America’s best partnerships as it collaborates with The Penguin Project to present Honk Jr, the wonderful musical adaptation of Hans Christian Andersen’s beloved fairy tale, The Ugly Duckling. Listen as Lee Ann Bakros, the Playhouse’s Marketing & PR Director shares the magic that will unfold onstage with this show. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-penguin-project-production-of-honk-jr/
12:13 PM – Denise Forney, the Cloris Awards facilitator and producer, joins this year’s host, Julie Larson, to share insights into the 2025 Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards. Today is the systematic release of the 2025 Cloris Awards Nominees, every half hour beginning at 9:30 AM through https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/. Be sure to join Central Iowa’s theatre community – performers, production personnel, patrons – on Sun Aug 24 at the Hoyt Sherman Theatre at 5 PM for Greater Des Moines’ answer to the Tony Awards. “The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards have proven to be a legacy honoring celebration of performing arts for its namesake, Des Moines’ own Oscar and Emmy Award-winning star. This annual recognition party has united the Greater Des Moines theatre community as never before, and the results in production values prove the benefits to all.” – The Culture Buzz https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/
12:29 PM – Releases this week. Returning with another exceptional novel, Dan Schorr provides tantalizing peeks into Open Bar. Crafting this story from his wealth of experience, his story vibrates with a rare irresistible energy. “Dan Schorr taps his years of real-world experience investigating sexual misconduct allegations to deliver a suspenseful, propulsive, and heart-wrenching novel. Open Bar is a mesmerizing page-turner that takes us deep inside the cynical pressure campaigns, dysfunctional human resources departments, and unethical litigation strategies that purport to seek justice but instead render countless lives irreparably scarred.” — Gretchen Carlson, Acclaimed Journalist, Co-Founder Lift Our Voices, Female Empowerment Advocate, Best-Selling Author https://danschorrbooks.com/
12:44 PM – Gordon Korman has been enchanting his readers for decades with a wonderful array of stories, and Snoop is the latest addition to his legacy. Listen as Gordon shares insights about his career and the inspiration for this book. https://gordonkorman.com/
III. Performance Arts
1. Ankeny Community Theatre. The Perfect Rendezvous: A Musical. Thru Aug 17. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/
2. Des Moines Playhouse and The Penguin Project. Honk Jr. Aug 14-17. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/events/the-penguin-project-production-of-honk-jr/
3. The Cloris Leachman Excellence in Theatre Arts Awards. Hoyt Sherman Theatre hosts this annual celebration. Aug 24. 5 PM. Free and open to the public. https://www.facebook.com/ClorisAwards/ina
4. Goodstock 2025. Music of the late 60s/early 70s. Peace, love, and jazz. New Hope United Methodist Church (4525 Beaver Ave) hosts this event, featuring the Community Jazz Center Big Band, and presents a free show, with a cadre of regional great singers, including Tina Haase Findlay and Preshia Paulding. Donations benefit Peace Ministries and the Texas Flood Victims. Sun Aug 24, Cool Activities start at 3 PM, Live jazz 4-6 PM.
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/
Des Moines Art Center – Exhibition Firelei Báez. The exhibition runs through Sep 12. https://desmoinesartcenter.org/event/exhibition-opening-firelei-baez/
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 – Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Buried Child by Sam Shepard, directed by Sean Canuso. Tue Aug 12, 6-10 PM. Callbacks (if needed) Wed Aug 13, 6:30 PM. Scheduled via audition form. Actors who cannot make this time may submit a self-tape by 8 PM Aug 12. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
· AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever! Mon Aug 18, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/the-best-christmas-pageant-ever/
· AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse. Disney’s Frozen: The Broadway Musical. Mon Sep 15, 6 PM. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions/disneys-frozen/
· 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. About Time Theatre Company. https://abouttimetheatre.com/shows/
2. Ankeny Community Theatre. https://www.ankenycommunitytheatre.com/audition.html
3. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. https://carouseltheatre.org/?page_id=344
4. Class Act Productions (CAP). http://www.captheatre.org/main/expect/
5. Des Moines Community Playhouse. https://www.dmplayhouse.com/audition-2/
6. Des Moines Performing Arts. https://desmoinesperformingarts.org/
7. Des Moines Young Artists Theatre. https://www.dmyat.org/
8. Iowa Shakespeare Experience. https://www.iowashakespeare.org/
9. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. https://www.iowastage.org/audition
10. Once in a While Productions. https://www.facebook.com/groups/6717224708342610/
11. Pyramid Theatre Company. http://pyramidtheatre.org/
12. Tallgrass Theatre Company. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/audition/
13. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
14. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/
VII. Planning ahead
University Museums at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa offers free events and educational programs open to all who wish to attend.
The events for the fall 2025 semester are relevant to exhibitions at the Brunnier Art Museum, Christian Petersen Art Museum, Farm House Museum, Anderson Sculpture Garden, and/or the Art on Campus Collection.
“The schedule of events for the fall 2025 semester truly continues our 50th anniversary celebration, paying homage to the role University Museums has played in conservation and preservation throughout our history. It celebrates our past, honors our present and looks to our next 50 years– continuously offering programs that are free and accessible to all.” -Allison Sheridan, curator and communications manager, University Museums
Programs and events are subject to change. All University Museums programs and events are free and open to the public. Registration is not required unless noted. Locations of in-person events are listed and all virtual events are on Zoom. The University Museums website and Facebook page will have the latest information. Attendees should check the ISU Parking Division website for the latest parking information.
Church of Cash – Johnny Cash Tribute Band
For all fans of the man in black, one of the most honored tribute bands will be at Prairie Meadows Sep 18 at 7 PM. If you’re going to capture the mystique and resonance of Johnny Cash onstage, you better have the raw prowess as well as the reverberating voice. Jay Ernest, the driving force propelling Minneapolis-based Church of Cash, has both in spades. With his bandmates, Ernest brings the iconic Man in Black to life every time he takes the concert platform.
www.churchofcashmusic.com
https://tickets.midwestix.com/event/johnny-cash-tribute-pm2025/listing
GAIA II: The Pale Blue Dot Exhibition at Grand View University
Christine A. Curry joins Mary Kline-Misol for an extraordinary Climate Crisis Dialogue in the Prairie Meadows Gallery in the Rasmussen Center at Grand View University Oct 20-Nov 21, 2025. Catered gallery reception Fri Oct 24, 5-7 PM.
VIII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Stephanie R. Caffrey. Decoding the Heart, Profiling the Heart Series 1. Tue Aug 12, 6:30 PM.
2. Special Ticketed Event at the Shop DSM – Event Center. Tallgrass – The Des Moines Festival of Ideas. Fri Aug 15, 5:30 PM, Sat Aug 16, 9 PM. This event returns for its third year. https://beaverdalebooks.com/event/lyceum-festival-of-ideas/ https://www.lyceummovement.org/tallgrass
3. Beaverdale Books. Laura Kina and Jave Yoshimoto. Word of Mouth: Asian American Artists Sharing Recipes. Fri Aug 15, 6:30 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Elise Wayland. Join Romance writers in conversation. Rivals to Lovers. Fri Aug 22. 6:30 PM.
5. Marshalltown Public Library. Denise Wiliams. Just Our Luck. Thu Aug 28, 6:30 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books – Book Launch. Arbor Sloane. Not Who You Think. Sat Aug 30, 3 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. Judy’s Birdhouse, Anna Zimney*
2. Des Moines Wallscapes Unseen, Jim Zeller*
3. Adopting Grace, Anna Jinja*
4. Seven, David Wolf*
5. Bury Our Bones in the Midnight Soil, V.E.Schwab
6. Becoming Caitlin Clark: The Unknown Origin Story of a Modern Basketball Superstar, Howard
Megdal
7. Atmosphere, Taylor Jenkins Reid
8. Monster in Mount Pleasant: A Story of Murders and Justice, CJ Williams*
9. Big Lake Troubles, Jeffrey D. Boldt
10. Remarkably Bright Creatures, Shelby Van Pelt
* 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.
About Time Theatre –
https://abouttimetheatre.com/
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 (CAP Theatre) –
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. The Little Book, Des Moines (Highland Park District). https://www.thelittlebookdsm.com/
4. Shelf Love DSM, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://shelflovedsm.com/
5. Nos Books, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://www.nosbookstore.com/
6. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction. https://readinginpublic.com/
7. Indie Authors Book Expo, Valley West Mall. https://iabe515.wordpress.com/
8. Pageturners Bookstore, Indianola. http://www.pageturnersbookstore.com/
9. Dog-eared Books, Ames. https://dogearedbooksames.com/
10. Read a Book Nook, Marshalltown. https://read-a-book-nook.business.site/
11. Book Vault, Oskaloosa. https://bookvault.indielite.org/
12. Pella Books, Pella. https://pellabooks.com/
13. 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
