Greetings, Cultural Adventurers:
10/13/2026
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 –
“Never be limited by other people’s limited imaginations.”
– Mae Jemison, an American engineer, physician, and former NASA astronaut. She became the first African-American woman to travel into space when she served as a mission specialist aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour in 1992.
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 Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1. https://dmplayhouse.com/
Comedy Xperiment. Oct 16-17. https://tallgrasstheatre.thundertix.com/events/236874
Daughters of Norway Presents Annual Taste of Norway
Daughters of Norway–Eva Nansen Lodge presents Taste of Norway, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, Saturday, Oct. 17, at Valley High School, 3650 Woodland Ave, West Des Moines. The popular annual event features Scandinavian baked goods, lefse demonstrations, and artisans. A Scandinavian café also has baked goods and coffee for sale, and a fiddle duo will play Norwegian folk songs.
Daughters of Norway members will have popular, traditional sweets for sale such as kringla, lefse, kransekake, krumkake, rosettes, spritz, almond bars, and more. Lodge member Kay Sacquitne will demonstrate lefse making. Fiddlers and lodge members Lynne Flater and Cindy Prior will play Norwegian folk tunes throughout the event.
Items decorated with the Scandinavian art of rosemaling and ornaments featuring nisse, a Scandinavian household spirit, will be featured. Jewelry makers, master wood carvers, and textile artists will have their wares for sale. Handmade crafts for sale include tote bags, mobiles and wind spinners, candles, soaps, jams and jellies, Christmas décor, stained glass ornaments, kitchen items, magnets and coasters, crib sheets, pet bandannas, and books.
Daughters of Norway is a national organization of women who wish to preserve the Norwegian heritage, maintain among members a knowledge of the history, culture and language of Norway; and build a strong support system and bond of friendship within the sisterhood. Eva Nansen is the only Iowa chapter, located in Des Moines. Cultural programs are held the first Tuesday of most months. For more information on Daughters of Norway – Eva Nansen Lodge 46, visit www.daughtersofnorway.org/lodges/list-of-lodges/eva-nansen/
For more information on Taste of Norway, visithttps://www.facebook.com/DaughtersofNorwayEvaNansenLodge
Jazz at Caspe. Oct 18. Joe Fonda and the New Origin Trio. Abe Goldstein welcomes his latest internationally acclaimed jazz artist to Des Moines. https://jazzatcaspe.weebly.com/
Des Moines Performing Arts – Wellmark Family Series
Velveteen A New Musical. Sat Oct 17. This performance is sensory-inclusive and a judgement-free environment.
Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES Oct 23-24, 7 PM.
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
Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1. https://www.dmyat.org/
Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/final-act-ensemble-halloween-show/
AUDITIONS. Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Mon Oct 19, 6 PM. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
AUDITIONS. I Never Sang for My Father, Ankeny Community Theatre. Sun Oct 18 and Mon Oct 19 at 6:30 PM. https://tinyurl.com/ACTauditionform
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 the theatre company websites for more information. They are all listed below.
II. This week’s guests on The Culture Buzz –
11:00 AM – NYC Jazz Artist coming to Des Moines Oct 18. Listen as Joe Fonda shares insights into a rich life of jazz prior to traveling from his NYC base with his New Origin Trio for a concert in the magnificent confines of Caspe Terrace. Abe Goldstein and his wife, Jackie, produce this exceptional series, and this show promises to be one of the best. Tickets include a meet-the-artists dessert reception following the concert.
“There is more to creative mastership than the surface of satisfaction and political certainty. The music of Joe Fonda is part of a living tradition of belief and dedication. Future historians will be surprised at the breadth of Mr. Fonda’s offerings. This is a real virtuoso and composer of the highest order.”
– Multi-reedist Anthony Braxton
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https://jazzatcaspe.weebly.com/
11:16 AM – Venus Morris Griffin shares her incredible story in The Other Side of Perfect: A True Story of Love, Lies, and Learning to Forgive. Forged I the fires of seemingly insurmountable challenges, Venus does indeed arise with an inspirational verve from which we all can learn. Listen as she shares glimpses into her experiences and triumphs.
“The Other Side of Perfect is a powerful anthem for every person who has been told to stay quiet, stay small, or stay broken. It is not just a narrative of survival; it is also a celebration of resilience and the unyielding spirit of those who dare to dream beyond their circumstances.”
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https://www.venusmorrisgriffin.com/
11:30 AM – Celebrated board book author brings a seasonal treat for little ones without the high sugar content…other than its sweet reading experience with them. Silly Witch delivers a fun reading romp during the Halloween season, and should be part of every little one’s library.
“A fine first joke book for youngsters who love the spooky season.”
— School Library Journal
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https://www.sandramagsamen.com/
11:44 AM – Opens next week. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre presents its next show, the delightful musical, The Addams Family School Edition Oct 23-Nov 1. Listen as Stella Hogan (as Morticia) and Mia Boettcher (as an Ancestor) lead a lively discussion about their production.
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12:00 PM – Opens this Fri Oct 16. The Des Moines Playhouse’s celebrated Kate Goldman Family Series presents Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean ItOct 16-Nov 1. For the multitude of young Junie fans, this is a rare treat to see their hero come to life on stage. Listen as Director Katrina Ploof and Fiona Davison-Rippey (in the dual-cast role of Junie) share delightful insights into their production.
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12:13 PM – Rachel Pastan releases her new book, We’re So Lucky to Live Here, a beautiful and moving book about a mother and daughter, making art with others, and creating family in new ways. Listen as Rachel shares intimate insights into the creation of this story.
“We’re So Lucky to Live Here beautifully explores overlapping ideas of community, loss, memory, and change. Rachel Pastan’s novel is both an intimate, compelling mother-daughter story and a broader, sharp-eyed look at the ways in which people live now––or try to live. This is a highly enjoyable, observant, memorable book.”
— Meg Wolitzer, author of The Interestings.
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12:27 PM – Ballet Des Moines has grown into a nationally recognized company for the artists it brings in and for the scope and depth of its artistic staff. These traits converge in their forthcoming ballet, Ghost Stories, Oct 23-24. This trilogy of ballets, conceived and produced by Artistic Director Eric Trope, includes the newest world premiere by company Resident Choreographer, Tom Mattingly.
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https://www.balletdesmoines.org/ghost-stories
12:44 PM – In Side Hustle, Wendy Gee delivers a Carolina Crossfire Mystery as Charleston’s top investigative TV reporter, Sydney Quinn, lives to expose the city’s darkest secrets. So, when a former firefighter takes two paramedics hostage, she talks her way inside, offering to gather intel for the police in exchange for a story that could boost her career. Listen as Wendy shares peeks into the unputdownable story.
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III. Performance Arts
1. Des Moines Playhouse – Kate Goldman Family Series. Junie B. Jones in Boo…and I Mean It. Oct 16-Nov 1. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/junie-b-jones-in-boo-and-i-mean-it/
2. Des Moines Young Artists’ Theatre (DMYAT). The Addams Family School Edition. Oct 23-Nov 1. https://www.dmyat.org/
3. Comedy Xperiment. Oct 16-17. https://tallgrasstheatre.thundertix.com/events/236874
4. Des Moines Performing Arts – Wellmark Family Series. Velveteen: A New Musical. Oct 17. https://www.desmoinesperformingarts.org/whats-on/events/2026-27/wellmark-family-series/velveteen-a-new-musical
5. Jazz at Caspe. Oct 18. Joe Fonda and the New Origin Trio. Abe Goldstein welcomes his latest internationally acclaimed jazz artist to Des Moines. https://jazzatcaspe.weebly.com/
6. Ballet Des Moines. GHOST STORIES Oct 23-24, 7 PM.
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
7. Howie’s Broadway Cabaret – Sondheim Tricks andTreats.
Announcing my amazing cast for Sondheim Tricks and Treats! Don’t miss this wonderful tribute to composer Stephen Sondheim! 12 amazing guest artists! Oct 25, 5-8pm
https://www.facebook.com/share/1GLzEuJBwp/?mibextid=wwXIfr
8. Des Moines Playhouse – Final Act Ensemble. Halloween Show. Oct 27. https://dmplayhouse.com/events/final-act-ensemble-halloween-show/
9. Des Moines Symphony will perform Oct 31-Nov 1 at the Des Moines Civic Center under the masterful leadership of Maestro Giunta. Beautiful Monsters – John Williams & Symphonie Fantastique. Revel in the fantastic and magnificent over Halloween weekend. John Williams’ Devil’s Dancecrackles with energy before Mussorgsky’s Night on Bald Mountain conjures supernatural frenzy. Prodigy Derek Wang dazzles with Liszt’s virtuosic Totentanz. Finally, Berlioz’s famous and feverish Symphonie Fantastiquedescends into hallucination and a haunting and visceral finale like no other.
https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/beautiful-monsters-john-williams-symphonie-fantastique/
10. Des Moines Symphony will perform Nov. 21-22 at the Des Moines Civic Center. When conductor Joseph Giunta was studying the score, he thought it called for dancers — and so he called them. Ballet Des Moines will perform with the orchestra, with new choreography by artistic director Eric Trope. The full program, called Renewal: Four Seasons & Bolero, also includes Vivaldi’s year-round classic and Ravel’s propulsive “Bolero.” https://www.dmsymphony.org/concerts-events/renewal-four-seasons-bolero/
IV. Visual Arts – Exhibitions
Exhibitions –
· “By the Blade: Defining Collage,” through Nov. 4, Polk County Heritage Gallery. Nearly 50 local and guest artists reveal the medium’s range of subjects and materials.
· “Luis Jiménez: The Mythic Southwest,” through Dec. 18, Iowa State’s Christian Petersen Art Museum, Ames. See a collection of drawings and prints from the sculptor (1940-2006) whose larger-than-life works include the famous “Blue Mustang” at the Denver airport.
· “Artists on Fire,” through Jan. 10, Des Moines Art Center. The print gallery is a hot spot for prints, drawings and photos that explore fire literally and conceptually through flame, smoke, Greek gods and depictions of hell.
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.
V. Auditions, Volunteer, and other Enhancement Opportunities –
“The Arts is a Contact Sport” (A Culture Buzz creed)
· AUDITIONS. Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress. Kate Goldman Family Series. Mon Oct 19, 6 PM. 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.
· AUDITIONS. I Never Sang for My Father, Ankeny Community Theatre. Sun Oct 18 and Mon Oct 19 at 6:30 PM. https://tinyurl.com/ACTauditionform
· AUDITIONS. Les Misérables. Des Moines Playhouse. Sun Nov 1, 6 PM. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
· AUDITIONS. The Lifespan of a Fact. Des Moines Playhouse. Mon Nov 9, 6 PM. www.dmplayhouse.com/auditions.
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/
VI. Planning ahead
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 Invitational Art Fair, taking place November 6-7, 2026, at the historic Val Air Ballroom in West Des Moines, Iowa.
The event will be open to the public on Saturday, November 7, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Advance tickets are $5 and may be purchased online. Tickets will be $8 at the door. Tickets are available now at www.theinvitational.org.
An online artist gallery featuring participating artists is currently available at www.theinvitational.org.
Musical Feast II – a pre-Thanksgiving Show
A Sunday funday to support KFMG Community Radio. Sun Nov 15, 3-7 PM at xBk, 1159 – 24th Street, Des Moines. Hosted by Chip Albright and Ron Sorenson. Dartanyan Brown, Joe Knser, Brian Joens, Kat Darling, Get Off My Lawn.
https://wl.eventim.us/event/musical-feast-2-a-pre-thanksgiving-show-free/705014?afflky=xBkLive
Announcing the official 2026 cast of Broadway Next Gen – Nov 28 from 6-9pm in Indianola at St. James Celebrations! These incredibly talent student performers will blow you away! Don’t miss this! PLUS a reunion of the DMYAT cast of RENT!
https://www.facebook.com/events/2389049524834165/
VII. Between the covers – author/book events worth noting:
1. Beaverdale Books. Annastacia Stegall. Tears, Bra, and All. Wed Oct 14, 6:30 PM.
2. Beaverdale Books. Josef Benson. Infinity Land: The Untold Story of Jeffrey Dahmer. Fri Oct 16, 6:30 PM.
3. Beaverdale Books. D. M. Pulley. Stone Mad. Sun Oct 18, 2 PM.
4. Beaverdale Books. Roger Thurow. Abiding Hunger: An American Paradox. Mon Oct 19, 2:30 PM.
5. Marshalltown Public Library. Allen Eskens. The Quiet Librarian. Mon Oct 19, 6 PM.
6. Beaverdale Books. Tom Lin & Bonnie Jo Campbell. Babylon, South Dakota and The Spirits. Mon Oct 19, 6:30 PM.
7. Beaverdale Books. Ken Chester. Two-Hour Entrepreneur: Build a Real Business in Two Hours a Week. Tue Oct 20, 6:30 PM.
8. Beaverdale Books. Sister in Crime – Iowa. Wed Oct 21, 6:30 PM.
9. Beaverdale Books. Debra Landwehr Engle. The Writer’s Miracle Method: A Practical and Spiritual Guide to Writing with Freedom and Joy. Thu Oct 22, 6:30 PM.
10. Beaverdale Books. Andy Douglas. Strength for What Lies Ahead: Restoring Balance in a Time of Crisis. Mon Oct 26, 6:30 PM.
11. Beaverdale Books. A Panel of Weird Writers. Iowa Weird, Volume 2. Wed Oct 28, 6:30 PM.
12. Beaverdale Books. Mike Pace. Pace on Poetry: A Preview of Poetry Palooza. Thu Oct 29, 6:30 PM.
13. Beaverdale Books. Ryan T. Pozzi. The Mess that Made Them: How History’s Greatest Artists Failed, Floundered, and Made Something Brilliant Anyway. Sun Nov 1, 2:30 PM.
14. Beaverdale Books. Nancy Post. Reframe: From Automatic Reactions to Intentional Living. Mon Nov 2, 6:30 PM.
15. Beaverdale Books. Heather Mylan-Mains. Unwrapping Forgiveness. Tue Nov 3, 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
