dsm CultureCast

Matthew McIver, Iowa Stage Theatre Co.'s artistic director, is ramping up for "The Cake," which launches its 2021-22 season opener on Friday, Nov. 12. We go over his thoughts on the show, what the past year and a half as been like, and why this is a season opener like no other. Find out more information about Iowa Stage Theatre online. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Tobi Parks, a leader in the local music scene. She helped launch Station 1 Records, a label focused on growing music talent locally, and xBk, a live music venue. We go over what Tobi has been up to lately, her journey in music and more. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Madison Ray, a musician, actor and active member of the local arts scene. We chat about his beginnings in music, travels to Japan and return to Des Moines. We also go over what he's been up to lately, including his work with The Finesse, a local band. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Tiffany Johnson, artistic director with Pyramid Theatre Co., and Mark Pullen, actor with the Des Moines Community Playhouse, to talk about a new show, "A Love Offering," which opens Friday, June 4. The performance is the first in a collaboration between the Playhouse and Pyramid Theatre. You can find more information here Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Larassa Kabel, a local artist known for her large-scale, out-of-the-box creations. We discuss her beginnings in art, some of her favorite works and her upcoming exhibition at Moberg Gallery this summer. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Hannah Sung, a local artist who moved to Des Moines to find the space and support to explore new creative avenues. We chat about her path to the Midwest, creative process, what she's up to now and more. Follow Sung on Instagram or on her website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Ryan Mullin, manager at Moberg Gallery, the contemporary art gallery on Grand Avenue — a new location as of several months ago. We chat about adapting to the new space, reflecting on the past decade, and what's coming up, including a new exhibition. To stay up to date with Moberg Gallery, go to their website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Eleanor Bernsten, who performs by the name EleanorGrace, a 17-year-old local singer and songwriter. She started writing lyrics when she was 11 and has recently hit a half-million streams on Spotify for her song "Lighthouse," which she wrote at 14 years old. We talk about her upbringing in the industry, her inspiration for "Lighthouse" and how she balances being a teenager and a musician. You can follow Eleanor's career on her website and find her music on Spotify as well as other audio platforms. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Robert Moore, a local artist who has made a name for himself in his social activism. His project, "Harvesting Humanity," helped spread the message of the Black Lives Matter movement throughout Iowa. Moore discusses the role art plays in his life by countering addiction, his inspiration and creative process. If you want to follow Moore, check out his Instagram or website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Levi Robb, a local artist and architect. Robb is known for finding unexpected beauty in a number of things, like junkyards full of cars, porcelain dolls or black sand from Iceland. We chat about Robb's creative process, inspiration, what he's been up to lately and more. If you want to read our recent profile of Robb in the January issue, click here. You can also learn more about Robb at his website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Bonne Finken, who grew up in Central Iowa and played in cover bands around the area. She has since created original music and is ticking off some big achievements in her career. We chat about her music beginnings, creative process, favorite genres and more! You can find out more about Finken here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by James A. Autry (Jim Autry), local author and former publishing executive. Autry has written 15 books, spanning topics such as poetry, leadership and children's books. We discuss his writing beginnings, creative process and the book he co-wrote with his son called "Everyday Virtues: Classic Tales to Read With My Kids." Learn more about Autry here. And find out more about his new book, "The White Man Who Stayed," here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Sid Juwarker, founder and operator of Teehee's Comedy Club in downtown Des Moines. Juwarker is a comedian himself and is passionate about providing a stage for aspiring performers. We discuss his beginnings in comedy, his joke creation process and an update on Teehee's. If you want to learn more about Teehee's, go to their website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Ballet Des Moines' Blaire Massa (executive director) and Amelia Grubb (dancer). It's been a weird season for the organization, as it has been for everyone, but they have taken it in stride. We talk about the virtual fall season, best ballet memories, favorite parts of Des Moines and more. You can find out more about Ballet Des Moines on its website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Atwain Clarke, a local artist. Antwain has an inspiring and interesting background. He grew up in Jamaica but moved to Des Moines on a whim. Much of his work stems from his home country, as he draws from natural landscapes and culture. You can find out more about Antwain on his Instagram. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Dan Tedesco, a local songwriter and alt-folk rock musician. We've changed the format of the podcast a little bit, focusing on local creators and their backgrounds and inspiration. We chat with Dan about his new online music platform, his career in music and his creative approach to songwriting. If you want to learn more about Dan, you can go to his website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Matthew McIver, artistic director with Iowa Stage Theatre Co., which is hosting its fall season virtually. Up next: Tuesdays With Morrie, launching Oct. 20. We chat about rehearsals during the pandemic, the arts and culture landscape and more. Find out more about Iowa Stage Theatre here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Patrick Fleming of Gloom Balloon, the local musician who is releasing a new album on Sept. 25 called "So Bergman Uses Bach To Get Point Across, I Feel Like I Have Chosen Rock But At What A Cost." Fleming chats about that, his music inspiration and the music industry as a whole. For more information, visit Gloom Balloon's website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Max Wellman, co-owner and general manager of Noce, the downtown jazz club. Noce was one of the first venues to switch to a virtual model in mid-March. And today, the club is still putting on hybrid events in front of socially distanced and virtual crowds. Learn more at their website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Barbra Stinson, president of the World Food Prize Foundation, which recognizes and celebrates agricultural sustainability to increase the quality, quantity and availalbilty of food for all. The World Food Prize has been working with its partners all over the globe to push important innovations during a period of increased food insecurity due to the pandemic. You can find more information about the World Food Prize here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Amy Day with Living History Farms, the Urbandale destination that transports visitors back to Midwestern agricultural roots. Living History Farms has been open for about two months and has implemented safety protocols. During these times, the organization has tried to step up to educate and entertain the community. Find more information on the Living History Farms website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Siobhan Spain, executive director of Mainframe Studios, a nonprofit organization that provides affordable spaces for local artists. Mainframe Studios is bringing back its First Friday event on Friday, Aug. 7. The theme is "Art of Our Time," featuring an exhibition showcasing art that addresses the pandemic and Black Lives Matter movement. You can find out more information on the Mainframe website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Shawn Bennigsdorf, chef at Aposto, the intimate venue in the Sherman Hill neighborhood. Aposto has adjusted plenty due to the pandemic and is using its patio to expand seating areas. You can find more about Aposto at its website or Facebook. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Jeff Bruning, co-owner and operator with Full Court Press, which operates more than a dozen eateries and bars around Greater Des Moines. Bruning chats about a new concept, Lucky Horse Burgers and Beers, and opening a restaurant during the pandemic. You can find out more about Full Court Press here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Diego Rodriguez, executive chef at Proof, the Mediterranean-style restaurant near the John Pappajohn Sculpture Garden in downtown Des Moines. Proof still hasn't reopened its dining room to the public, but it has been hosting Second Saturday events on its patio with five-course meals. We also discuss how the restaurant managed business during the pandemic. You can find more information on Proof's website and Facebook. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Ben Godar, president of the board of directors for the Des Moines Film Society. The organization has been launching a project to renovate the Varsity Theater into a nonprofit cinema for the Greater Des Moines community. It has also held virtual cinema series throughout the pandemic, providing at-home entertainment while partnering with local businesses. We chat about all of it on this episode. For more information on the Des Moines Film Society, click here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Claudia Cackler, executive director of the Iowa Architectural Foundation, which has been forced to completely shift its business due to the pandemic. But with things starting to reopen, more fun and engaging events, like tours and virtual classes, are planned. Learn more about the Iowa Architectural Foundation on its website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Tom Colvin, CEO of Animal Rescue League of Iowa. ARL Iowa has been busy during the pandemic, dealing with an increase of adoptions and interest while volunteer staff has decreased. But the organization has stayed true to its mission and has pushed out important messages to the community via social media. You can check out ARL Iowa at its website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Rachel Buse, a local artist and one of several organizers behind Art Week Des Moines. The event has shifted to become hybrid, with some things brought online and others viewable from a safe distance. What went into that decision? And what are events both art lovers and casual art fans need to check out? We go over all of it in this discussion. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Tiffany Johnson, producing artistic director, and Ken-Matt Martin, founder and former executive director, with Pyramid Theatre Company, which elevates and celebrates black voices. We discuss upcoming projects and the Black Lives Matter movement. Enjoy this powerful conversation. For more information, visit the Pyramid Theatre Co. website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by David Kilpatrick, executive director of the Des Moines Community Playhouse. The Playhouse is launching a drive-in theatre initiative next week that allows people to social distancing while still enjoying theater. You can find more information on the Playhouse website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Derek Eidson, executive chef and partner at Django, the downtown Des Moines restaurant that serves food with a French twist. Last week, Django reopened its doors with social distancing measures for the first time in two months. It's been a slow start and there are a lot of unknowns going forward, Eidson says. But they are committed to offering a full menu for both dine-in and carryout. You can find out more information at the Django website or Facebook page. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Lynn and Sarah Pritchard with Table 128, the Clive restaurant that serves up fresh modern American cuisine. When the pandemic forced eateries to close their dine-in areas in March, Table 128 was one of the first places to pivot to a curbside model. They've continued it throughout the last two months and have learned plenty along the way. You can find out more about Table 128 at their Facebook page or website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Jerry Lorenson, a local musician and one of the people behind DSMTV Live, a Facebook page that live streams local artists and events. When the pandemic shut things down in March, musicians were out of work. Lorenson, along with Tony Bohnenkamp, Jon Locker and Brad Seidenfeld, put together this page rather quickly, hoping to give musicians a voice and provide some reprieve. Two months later, the brand has become bigger than they imagined. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Curt Simmons, president and CEO of the Science Center of Iowa, and Emilee Richardson, director of marketing and public relations. They discuss how they transformed SCI's social media into a steady stream of engaging and entertaining content, which is absolutely essential in these trying times. You can visit their Facebook page or take a look at their website. Don't forget to subscribe to dsm CultureCast Podcasts on your favorite listening platforms, like Apple Podcasts, Google Play Music, Spotify and more. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Michael Egel, general and artistic director with the Des Moines Metro Opera. It's been a whirlwind of a week for Egel and his team. They had to make the tough decision to cancel the in-person 2020 summer festival. But the good news: Thanks to a partnership with Iowa PBS, the Opera will hold a Virtual Festival. We go through all the details on this episode. To learn more about the Des Moines Metro Opera or to support, visit desmoinesmetroopera.org. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Jordan Powers, director of marketing and public relations with the Des Moines Art Center, and Jason Gross, vice president of innovation at EMC Insurance Companies and Art Center board trustee. They touch on the new Art Center virtual tour, which launched a few weeks ago, including how it came together, easter eggs and more. You can see the virtual tour here. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Peter Stevenson, executive director of the Civic Music Association, which just launched a new Facebook live series Get Music, Get Happy Hour. The series takes place at 6 p.m. every Friday with various musicians. You can watch on the organization's Facebook page and support on their website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Mark Vukovich, CEO of the Blank Park Zoo, and Ryan Bickel, chief marketing officer at the Blank Park Zoo. They discuss some of the wonderful content the zoo has been pushing on Facebook, including educational live streams for children, pictures of animals wandering the zoo and more. You can find more info at the Blank Park Zoo Facebook page or website. Music by Admiral Bob.

Today we are joined by Maestro Joseph Giunta, the music director and conductor with the Des Moines Symphony. Giunta discusses the Symphony's newest initiative "DMSO at Home," an online series featuring local musicians, a weekly score study series with Giunta and mini Facebook concerts from Symphony musicians. You can find more info on the Symphony's website or Facebook page. Music by Admiral Bob.

dsm Magazine is joined by Sally Dix, the executive director of Bravo Greater Des Moines, which supports arts, culture and heritage organizations throughout Greater Des Moines. Because of COVID-19, we are in uncertain times. Sally discusses how arts and culture organizations have adapted and what the community can do to support them. Thanks for tuning in! Music by Admiral Bob.