Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
9/8/2026
From Iowa’s cultural epicenter, Mainframe Studios at 900 Keosauqua Way in Des Moines, Iowa comes your Listener-supported Community Voice, the Award-Winning indie radio station,
KFMG-LP 98.9 FM (streaming simultaneously at www.kfmg.org), bringing you music, literature & cultural content.
Quote of the Week –
“If I were to remain silent, I’d be guilty of complicity.”
– Albert Einstein (1879-1955) a German-born theoretical physicist best known for developing the theory of relativity.
Newsletter content:
I. Iowa Flash Buzz – Iowa/Greater Des Moines 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 engagement opportunities (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
VI. Planning ahead;
VII. Author events (Greater Des Moines/Iowa);
I. Iowa Flash Buzz –
Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Thru Sep 20.
Carousel Theatre of Indianola. 110 Stories. Sep 10-13. Proceeds above the cost of the show will be donated and split between Indianola Police and Fire Department charities. A first responder will be featured each night in our audience. https://carouseltheatre.org/
Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Sep 11-27. https://tallgrasstheatre.org/
Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Sep 11-Oct 4. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/come-from-away/
Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Rewired Live with Vanessa McNeal. Sep 11. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/rewired-live-with-vanessa-mcneal
Cemetery Tours
https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R216.php
Woodland Cemetery Historical Tour by Archie Cook
Sat Sep 12, 1-3 PM. Gold Cart-Assisted Tour.
Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Ave.
Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret. “What, Like it’s hard?” Broadways most difficult songs- big vocal range, comedic timing, emotional depth, speed, and more! They will push their comfort zones and tackle jaw dropping show stopper performances! Sept 20, 12-3pm at TJ’s Bagels 127 North Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, United States, 50023. https://www.facebook.com/events/1608889120906002/
AUDITIONS – Des Moines Playhouse.
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Mon Sep 21, and Tue Sep 22. Roles for 8 and up. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions. Questions about auditions should be directed to Derek Phelps, Playhouse volunteer and production manager, dphelps@dmplayhouse.com.
2026 Okoboji Writers & Songwriters Retreat Sep 27-30. Experienced national talent to newcomers will experience the power of a truly supportive and growth-oriented experience. Literary agents, authors, Pulitzer Prize winners, journalists, memoirists, songwriters, screenwriters, poets, and more fill a roster of enticing appeal.
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https://okobojiwritersretreat.com/
The Renaissance Faire at Sleepy Hollow – Weekend 2
This celebrated immersion into worlds of yesteryear, fantasy, and fun continues its 3-weekend run this Sat and Sun. Each weekend presents a different theme, which is why so many fans flock to the festivities every weekend. Get the details at the website.
https://sleepyhollowrenfaire.com/
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – Judy Foreman, author and journalist, delivers another captivating tale in The Scallop Ploy. This riveting Cape Cod Thriller weaves environment intrigue with a compelling story. Listen as Judy provides insightful glimpses into this gem.
“A compulsively readable, environmentally conscious crime story whose activist message doesn’t inhibit plot and pacing….”Those who have a keen interest in coastal life or environmental policy would do well to put this on their summer beach-reading list.”
–Kirkus Review
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11:16 AM – Opens this Thursday. Carousel Theatre of Indianola brings the dynamic story of 9/11to its stage 110 Stories, a powerful series of first-person sharings that will resonate in audiences’ hearts and souls. Listen as director Shawn Pavlik provides glimpses into this powerful show. Proceeds above the cost of the show will be donated and split between Indianola Police and Fire Department charities. We will also be featuring a first responder each night in our audience.
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11:28 AM – Returning to the how 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
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11:43 AM – Susan Werner delights with another sassy selection, “Speed Bump” from her new album, EIGHT MORE UNNECESSARY SONGS.
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11:46 AM – Opens this Friday. Preview of Tallgrass Theatre Company’s She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Series. Listen as cast members regale us with insights about the show: Audrey Henning (Vera), Ian Williams (Miles/Cube), Uriyah Esch (Ensemble), Isaiah Dale (Ensemble).
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12:00 PM – Opens this Friday. The Des Moines Playhouse begins its season with a stellar offering: Come from Away (Sep 11-Oct 4), the brilliant musical capturing the heart and soul of a real experience in Gander, Newfoundland. Listen as Sandy Henry and Dan Kuttle provide glimpses into this show’s brilliant story.
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https://dmplayhouse.com/events/come-from-away/
12:16 PM – Happening this Sunday. One of the region’s signature end-of-summer events happens Sun Sep 13 as PorchFest 2026 delivers a day of diverse music. Listen as founders and producers Dave and Anne Ducharme-Jones share insights into this year’s magnificent lineup.
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12:30 PM – In Always November: Lessons in Loss, Love, and Resilience, Arik Housley bares his heart and soul about the loss of his daughter in a compassionate telling of his journey.
“Housley’s journey shows that even unimaginable grief can become a catalyst for growth…Read this book and be encouraged!”
– Jon Gordon, 17x bestselling author of The Carpenter and The One
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12:45 PM – Now available. The new issue of Iowa History Journal brings another delightful and informative dive into Iowa’s diverse history through its award-winning storytelling. Cover story author, Linda Betsinger McCann, shares glimpses into the powerful force that helped America win WW II – Rosie the Riveter.
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https://iowahistoryjournal.com/
III. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Performing Arts. Wicked. Thru Sep 20.
2. Carousel Theatre of Indianola. 110 Stories. Sep 10-13. Proceeds above the cost of the show will be donated and split between Indianola Police and Fire Department charities. We will also be featuring a first responder each night in our audience.
3. Tallgrass Theatre Company. She Kills Monsters: Young Adventurers Edition. Sep 11-27.
4. Des Moines Playhouse. Come from Away. Sep 11-Oct 4.
5. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Rewired Live with Vanessa McNeal. Sep 11.
6. Des Moines Metro Opera. Carmen. Des Moines Metro Opera (DMMO) is excited to announce its first-ever Opera in the Park with a free outdoor screening of Carmen on Thursday, September 17, at 6:30pm at the Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park.
in partnership with the Water Works Park Foundation and Iowa PBS, the event invites longtime opera fans and curious newcomers alike to experience one of the world’s most beloved operas in an outdoor setting.
Iowa PBS recorded the performance live at the Blank Performing Arts Center during DMMO’s 2023 Festival Season. Originally produced for statewide broadcast, “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Carmen” received an Upper Midwest Regional Emmy® Award for Outstanding Program in Entertainment: Long Form Content. The two-and-a-half-hour presentation also includes behind-the-scenes footage and interviews with members of the cast and creative team.
Carmen is sung in French with English captions. Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and picnics. Prior to the screening, there will be a variety of food trucks with delicious treats, the Des Moines Biergarten, and a special preview of this world-famous opera beginning at 6:00 pm. Admission is free. Advance reservations are encouraged at dmmo.org/operainthepark,
EVENT DETAILS
What: A free outdoor screening of “Des Moines Metro Opera Presents Carmen”
When: Thursday, September 17, 2026, at 6:30 pm
Where: Lauridsen Amphitheater at Water Works Park, Des Moines
Run time: Approximately two and a half hours
Language: Sung in French with English captions
Admission: Free
More information: www.dmmo.org/operainthepark
7. Michael Howland’s Broadway Cabaret. “What, Like it’s hard?” Broadways most difficult songs- big vocal range, comedic timing, emotional depth, speed, and more! They will push their comfort zones and tackle jaw dropping show stopper performances! Sept 20, 12-3pm at TJ’s Bagels 127 North Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny, IA, United States, 50023. https://www.facebook.com/events/1608889120906002/
8. DES MOINES PLAYHOUSE AUDITIONS FOR ANNIE, SEPT 21
Roles for Ages 8 and up
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22. All auditions are open to the public; no one is pre-cast. Those auditioning must bring a prepared solo, preferably in the style of the show. It is preferred that auditionees bring sheet music and sing with a live accompanist provided by The Playhouse. Those auditioning may bring an accompaniment track to play from an iPhone or similar device. To learn more, visit www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions. Questions about auditions should be directed to Derek Phelps, Playhouse volunteer and production manager, dphelps@dmplayhouse.com.
9. Des Moines Symphony. “Unity – American Mosaic & West Side Story.” Sep 26-27.
10. Iowa Storytellers Project
Presented by Hoyt Sherman Place Foundation in partnership with Des Moines Register – “Voyages” – Tue Sep 29 – 7 PM. hoytsherman.org.
11. Iowa Stage Theatre Company. Reefer Madness. Oct 2-11
12. Des Moines Performing Arts – Live at the Temple Series. Alysha Brilla. Oct 2.
13. About Time Theatre. Building the Wall. Oct 2-11.
14. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Theatre. Bluebird Improv. Oct 3.
15. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1.
16. CAP Theatre. CAP Radio Hour: Live! Poe’s Dark Tales. Oct 2-4.
17. Des Moines Performing Arts – Temple Comedy Series. Hold on to Your Butts. Oct 4-11.
18. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1.
19. Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:00PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:00PM
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE. Featuring the world premiere Nevermore inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly, Ghost Ballads by Adriana Pierce, eerie excerpts from Giselle, plus a Thriller of an appearance.
https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
20. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27.
Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Exhibitions –
· Polk County Heritage Gallery. The Friday Group – Ron Dinsdale, Elizabeth Engler, Jim Engler, Tom Murphy, Nancy Prizant, Jeff Rider, Denise Wicker. Thru Sep 24. https://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/up-next#new-page
· 12th Annual Art Harvest Tour. Sep 26-27, 10Am-5PM. This scenic opportunity to visit artist galleries and explore a diverse array of regional artists in the Des Moines River Valley area is enticing. https://www.facebook.com/artharvesttour/
· 55th Octagon Art Festival
Sun Sep 27, 2026, 10 am – 4 pm, Main Street, downtown Ames
The Octagon Center for the Arts is proud to present the 55th Annual Octagon Art Festival. 90 artists from 7 states and all over the Midwest will fill Main Street in downtown Ames with artistic creations. www.octagonarts.org
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. 2https://www.grinnell.edu/campus-life/arts-culture/museum
4. 2AU. West Des Moines. 1,2
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
10. Kunzler Studios. West Des Moines. 1,2 kunzlerstudios.com
11. Liz Lidgett Gallery + Design. Des Moines.
12. Mainframe Studios. https://www.mainframestudios.org/events
13. Moberg Gallery. Des Moines. 2
14. Olson-Larsen Galleries. West Des Moines.1,2 Presents six exhibitions each year.
15. Polk County Heritage Gallery. Des Moines. 2
http://www.polkcountyheritagegallery.org/
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.
Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –
“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· AUDITIONS. ANNIE. Roles for Ages 8 and up.
Auditions for Annie will be held at The Des Moines Playhouse, 6:00 PM, Monday, Sept. 21, and Tuesday, Sept. 22. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions. Additional volunteer opportunities abound – 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 out these theatre companies to consider a wide range of engagement 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.
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. The Ingersoll. https://www.theingersoll.com/
13. Theatre Midwest. https://www.theatremidwest.org/
14. Urbandale Community Theatre. https://urbandaletheatre.com/get-involved/
1. Planning ahead
Breaking Bread is back!
Breaking Bread returns to Highland Park on Sunday September 20th 1:00-3:00 PM! Enjoy fresh bread baked in the outdoor Highland Park oven as we take over the alleyway by Chuck’s Restaurant on 6th Ave. Bring your dips and spreads to share! Enjoy music provided by Deejay Lizz and art activities. This event is free and all are welcome. Supported by InvestDSM.
Butler Bass’s keynote address, titled “God and Caesar: A Different Path,” will be delivered on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026 at 2 p.m. at Sheslow Auditorium on the Drake University campus. This keynote will explore the space between two competing visions of human flourishing and will consider other paths forward as Americans navigate the confusion and vitriol of our current political, cultural, and religious situation.
“Diana has written extensively about the culture and values of the Roman empire in Jesus’s time and the completely opposite values he espoused while living under its oppression,” said Dialogue Series committee member Aimee Beckmann-Collier. “Her speech will focus on the Gospel-based message of non-violence, compassion, and respect for human dignity and its contrast to a political and cultural framework – repeated throughout history – that prioritizes domination, violence, and greed.”
Victorian Photocollage Program
The Terrace Hill Partnership will host a Victorian Photocollage Program Sunday, September 20, 2026, from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at Terrace Hill, Iowa Governor’s Residence and National Historic Landmark.
Join us as we discuss the world of Victorian Photocollage, learn about its history and impact, and then spend time making our own collages to take home. We’ll provide the history and materials; you provide your creativity. And don’t forget some light refreshments while we work.
Proceeds from this event will benefit the Terrace Hill Partnership, the non-profit organization that supports necessary restoration and enhancement projects at Terrace Hill.
Reservations are $25 per guest and must be made in advance. The registration fee includes collage materials and refreshments. Space for this event is extremely limited. Purchase tickets online through Eventbrite at LINKHERE, or call the Terrace Hill office at 515-281-7205.
The Sherman Hill Historic Home Tour returns Sept. 26 and 27 for its 50th celebration.
Cemetery Tours
https://www.dsm.city/news_detail_T21_R216.php
Glendale Cemetery Historical Tour by Ganesh Ganpat
Glendale Cemetery – 4909 University Ave.
- Saturday, October 3, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
- Saturday, October 17, 2026, 10:00-12:00 PM
Woodland Cemetery Historical Tour by Archie Cook
Woodland Cemetery – 2019 Woodland Ave.
- Saturday, September 12, 2026, 1:00-3:30 PM Golf Cart-Assisted Tour
- Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00-3:30 PM
GHOST STORIES
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 23, 7:00PM
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 24, 7:00PM
HOYT SHERMAN PLACE
Featuring the world premiere Nevermore inspired by Edgar Allan Poe from BDM Resident Choreographer Tom Mattingly, Ghost Ballads by Adriana Pierce, eerie excerpts from Giselle, plus a Thriller of an appearance.
https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
The 2026 Bio-Sanctuary Contest
AgArts announces our 2026 Bio-Sanctuary Contest featuring $1,000 (first prize) and $500 (runner-up prize). We are seeking writing—poetry or non-fiction, 500-word maximum. Along with your writing, submit 1-3 excellent photos that document the specific bio-sanctuary that you’ve enhanced or created. Winners will be published in The Blazing Star Journal and Emerging Voices Substack page. Deadline: Oct 1, 2026. Entry fee: $10
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https://www.agarts.org/agarts-announces-the-2026-bio-sanctuary-contest/
2. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books at Sheslow Auditorium. Sussman Lecture – Brian Goldstone. There Is No Place for Us: Working and Homeless in America. Tue Sep 8, 7:30 PM
2. Beaverdale Books. Poet Aaron D. Wiegert. A Portrait of Energy. Fri Sep 11, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books at the Franklin Event Center. Liane Moriarty. big little truths. Sat Sep 12, 3 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Heather Mylan-Mains. Unwrapping Forgiveness. Mon Sep 14, 6:30 PM.
5. West Des Moines Library. Shadley Grei. Before Closure. Tue Sep 15, 7 PM.
6. Central Library. Eloisa James. The Last Lady B. Tue Sep 15, 7 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books. Ari Weinzweig. Why Democracy Matters: A Deep Understanding of Democracy in Our Everyday Lives. Thu Sep 17, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books. Rebecca Janni. Branch. Mon Sep 21, 6:30 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books at the Franklin Event Center. Jodi Picoult. Hollow Bones. Wed Sep 23, 6:30 PM. Ticketed event.
10. Beaverdale Books. Jaime Zollars. Maybe Monsters. Thu Sep 24, 4:30 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books. John Henkels. The Alabama Prophet. Fri Sep 25, 6:30 PM.
*Highlighted author names indicate interviews are in The Culture Buzz Archive Library.
Please visit: https://archive.org/details/@the_culture_buzz
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).
5. Nos Books, Des Moines (Drake Neighborhood). https://www.nosbookstore.com/
6. Reading in Public Bookstore + Café, Historic Valley Junction.
7. Indie Authors Book Expo, Historic Valley Junction. 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.
13. Prairie Lights Books & Cafe, Iowa City.
https://www.prairielights.com/
Thank you for your cultural adventurism,
John Busbee for The Culture Buzz
