Heartland Men's Chorus Kansas City presents Back to the 80s
March 20-22, 2026 | The Folly Theater
Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor
HEARTLAND MEN'S CHORUS SEASON 40 SPONSORS
Thank you to our season sponsors, whose support makes our concerts possible. Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City applauds the organizations and businesses whose logos appear below for their generous support of our mission and legacy. We are also grateful to these foundations and government agencies that invest in making Kansas City a great place to live and explore the arts:
Missouri Arts Council
Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund
ARTS KC
E. Kemper Carter and Anna Curry Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a. Trustee
Francis Family Foundation
Henderson Engineer Foundation
Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City
Miller-Mellor Association
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family Foundation
Richard J. Stern Foundation for the Arts - Commerce Bank, Trustee
heartland men’s chorus BOARD OF DIRECTORS
our mission
Through our collective voice we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity.
board chair
Eric Aufdengarten
treasurer
Ben Walker
vice-chair
Chris Madden
secretary
Danny Shervington-Bair
president of the chorus
Jason Castaneda
board of directors
Lolly Cerda | Rhonda Dolan | Jenny Harris-Patterson
Joe Piatczyc | Michael Seely | Christal Williams
HMCKC COMMITTEE CHAIRS
executive committee
Eric Aufdengarten
board development
Chris Madden development
Michael Seely
finance
Ben Walker human resources
Danny Shervington-Bair
membership services
Scott Ferrell-Garcia
Many HMCKC committees welcome participants from outside the Chorus membership to assist with our work. If you have expertise or interest in a certain area and would like to become involved, please submit a volunteer form on our website.
DUDLEY HOGUE
Hello, everyone, and welcome to Back to the 80’s the second mainstage choral theater production of our 40th season!
We’ve had a wonderful season so far, and I want to thank you for being part of the celebration. There is still more to come, and I hope to see many of you again at upcoming concerts and events.
This concert takes us back to the 1980s — a decade marked by fear, loss, and immense hope for the future. It is, after all, the decade in which Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City was created. From that moment, a remarkable institution was born.
Over the years we have faced challenges, and no doubt there will be challenges ahead. But the most important thing is this: we will keep singing.
In a world of division, hatred, and persecution, we will keep singing.
In a world full of hope, joy, and inspiration, we will keep singing.
As my retirement approaches, I look back on my years with GALA Choruses with great pride. Through my work with many choruses, and during my time on the GALA Choruses board and staff, I have formed friendships that will last a lifetime. I cherish every one of those organizations.
But none have I loved more than the chorus right here in Kansas City.
Thank you for your support of me, of the chorus, and of this incredible chorus family. Please continue that support — because right now, we need you more than ever. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the 80’s one more time!
Welcome to Back to the 80s!
As we celebrate Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City’s 40th season, this concert feels like the perfect invitation to cut loose, turn it up, and step into a decade that was larger than life. The 80s gave us spectacle. It gave us style. It gave us songs that still live in our bodies the second the first beat drops. Tonight, we get to relive all of that together.
Act I takes us back to 1986, the year Heartland Men’s Chorus was born, with a soundtrack drawn from the hits of that singular year. Act II, Rewind, opens up the full decade, exploring songs from across the 1980s that helped shape a generation. But of course, the 80s were never just neon, hairspray, and synth. For many in our community, it was also a decade of contradiction — of bold self-expression and deep fear, of pop brilliance and profound loss. Even so, queer people kept creating joy. Kept finding each other. Kept building community in the middle of it all. That kind of joy was never shallow. It was survival. It was defiance. It was power.
It’s that spirit that helped bring this show to life.
Tonight is about big voices, big feelings, big memories, and the kind of music that makes you want to dance, laugh, remember, and maybe even tear up a little before the night is over. It’s a celebration of an era, yes — but it’s also a celebration of what music does for us now: it brings us together, lets us breathe a little deeper, and reminds us that joy is still one of the most powerful things we can make.
And in a world that can feel heavy, complicated, and loud in all the wrong ways, maybe that’s exactly what we need: a room full of people, a chorus in full voice, and an evening that lets us escape, reconnect, and smile.
Thank you for being here tonight. I hope you’ll join us again in June as we bring this milestone 40th season to its grand finale with Anthems of Pride, featuring special guest artist Cheyenne Jackson, at the Midwest Trust Center. And thank you for helping us keep building a world of love, pride, and authenticity — with a killer soundtrack.
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CULLEN
Shawn Cullen is a conductor, educator, and creative producer whose work lives at the intersection of musical excellence and mission-driven performance. Known nationally for his innovative programming and collaborative leadership, Cullen has shaped over 50 concert and theatrical productions that blend artistry with advocacy — cementing his role as a dynamic force in the evolving LGBTQIA+ performing arts landscape. Past creative leadership includes eight years as Artistic Director/Conductor for the Reveille Men’s Chorus, Desert Voices Mixed Chorus (Tucson, AZ) and since 2019, Cullen has served as Artistic Director and Conductor of Heartland Men’s Chorus. Under his leadership, the Chorus has entered a bold period of artistic renewal and regional expansion including reimagined mainstage programming, launched a multi-state touring initiative, and has brought nationally recognized works to Kansas City audiences.
Recognized as an award-winning music educator, Mr. Cullen has held positions in K-12 instrumental/vocal music, adjunct faculty at the University of Arizona Fred Fox School of Music and most recently as Graduate Teaching Fellow at the University of Missouri-Kansas City Conservatory. Cullen’s dynamic skill-set has led to a multifaceted career in choral music, instrumental music, and regional musical theater serving as principal conductor for the Arizona Repertory Theater from 2011-2017. Favorite credits include Into the Woods, The Secret Garden, Oklahoma!, EVITA, Avenue Q, and The Full Monty. Mr. Cullen has worked in collaboration with the Tucson Symphony Orchestra as vocal director for Broadway Rocks & Broadway Rocks II, and most recently Broadway’s Leading Men with the Kansas City Symphony.
Cullen served six years on the national Board of Directors for GALA Choruses (2017-2023), helping to shape educational and equity-focused initiatives for LGBTQ+ choruses across North America. He holds undergraduate and masters degrees in Music Education and Conducting from the University of Arizona and completed advanced doctoral studies at UMKC. Cullen’s work reflects a commitment to inclusive education, mental health advocacy, and community engagement through music that affirms and empowers. www.shawncullen.com
Men’s Chorus.
ROBERT LAMAR SIMS
Born in Louisville, Kentucky and raised in Selma, Alabama, Robert Lamar Sims holds B.M. and M.M. degrees in piano performance with an emphasis in vocal accompanying and chamber music from University of Maryland College Park. He has extensive and varied experience as a performer, teacher, coach, and director in church, academic, concert, and theatrical settings. His teachers and coaches include Claudia Faulk, Roy McAllister, Santiago Rodriguez, Bela Nagy, Jorg Demus, Robert McCoy, members of the Guarneri String Quartet, Leon Major, Alcine Wiltz, Richard Crittenden, Timothy Seelig, and Thilde Beuing. Organizations with which he has worked include Friday Morning Music Club, Paul Hill Chorale, Cathedral Choral Society, Washington Opera, National Symphony Youth Fellowship Program, Master Chorale Chamber Singers, and Washington Bach Consort (in the Washington, D.C. area), and Turtle Creek Chorale and the Women’s Chorus of Dallas (in Dallas, Texas). Currently living in Kansas City, Missouri, Lamar continues to be active as a teacher and coach of voice and piano, principal accompanist for Heartland Men’s Chorus, and a soloist and collaborative artist with a variety of performers and organizations throughout the area, including Northland Community Choir, Philharmonia of Greater Kansas City, International School of Music at Park University, Kansas City Repertory Theater, Lyric Opera of Kansas City, City in Motion Dance Theater, Byrd Productions, Black Repertory Theater, Kansas City Women’s Chorus. He also works with members of Kansas City Chorale, Kansas City Symphony and Symphony Chorus. Lamar is proudly celebrating his 21st season as principal accompanist with The Heartland Men’s Chorus.
ACT 1: 1986
Kyrie
Music and Lyrics by Richard Page, Steve George, and John Lang
Sledgehammer / Amadeus
Music and Lyrics by Peter Gabriel; Falco, Rob Bolland, and Ferdi Bolland featuring: Matthew Reeves, Woaden Tayler
Livin’ on a Prayer
Music and Lyrics by Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and Desmond Childt
Heart of Dreams
(These Dreams / Total Eclipse of the Heart)
Music and Lyrics by Bernie Taupin and Martin Page featuring: Rick Sams
The TV
(Thank You for Being a Friend / The Facts of Life / Where Everybody Knows Your Name)
Music and Lyrics by Andrew Gold; Alan Thicke, Gloria Loring, and Al Burton; Gary Portnoy and Judy Hart-Angelo; Mike Post and Pete Carpenter solo: Brett Helling, Matthew Miller, Justin Perryman
Saturday A.M. Cartoons
(Chip ’n Dale Rescue Rangers / DuckTales / Disney’s Adventures of the Gummi Bears / Jem)
Music and Lyrics by Mark Mueller; Mark Mueller; Michael and Patty Silversher; Barry Harman and Christopher Keene solo: Evan Childress, Marcus Simmons, Justin Abromovitz
Say You / That’s What Friends Are For
Music and Lyrics by Lionel Richie; Burt Bacharach and Carole Bayer Sager solo: Storm Davis, Cedar Valdez
Glory of Love
Music and Lyrics by Peter Cetera, David Foster, and Diane Nini featured dancers: Matthew Allen, Derek Thompson
How Will I Know / I Wanna Dance with Somebody
Music and Lyrics by George Merrill and Shannon Rubicam dancers: John Edmonds, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Brett Helling, Eryk Larabee David Loethen, Matthew Reeves, Anthony Robinson, Christopher T. Roberts, Marcus Simmons, Samuel Zorn
15-MINUTE INTERMISSION
ACT 2: REWIND
Celebrate (Celebration / I’m Coming Out / I’m So Excited)
Music and Lyrics by Kool & The Gang; Nile Rodgers and Bernard Edwards; June Pointer, Trevor Lawrence, Anita Pointer, and Ruth Pointer dancers: Joshua Belz, Sean Carder, Ezra Combs, John Edmonds, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Ryan Neeland, Terraye Watson, Jackson Welsh
Sexual Liberation (Physical / Don’t You Want Me / Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) In the Air Tonight / Relax)
Music and Lyrics by Stephen A. Kipner and Terry Shaddick; Adrian Wright, Jo Callis, and Phil Oakey; David Stewart and Annie Lennox; Phil Collins; Peter Gill, Holly Johnson, and Mark O’Toole
solo: Garret VanArsdale
Time After Time
Music and Lyrics by Rob Hyman and Cyndi Lauper featuring: The HeartAches
The Movies (Wind Beneath My Wings / Up Where We Belong / Let the River Run Xanadu / What a Feeling / We Don’t Need Another Hero / Fame)
Music and Lyrics by Larry Henley and Jeff Silbar; Will Jennings, Buffy Sainte-Marie, and Jack Nitzsche; Carly Simon; Vangelis; Jeff Lynne; Giorgio Moroder, Keith Forsey, and Irene Cara; Terry Britten and Graham Lyle; Dean Pitchford and Michael Gore featuring: The HeartAches: Sean Carder, Storm Davis, Benjamin L. DuBois, John Edmonds, Scott Ferrell-Garcia, Dustin Griffin, Brett Helling, Joseph Marrocco, Christopher T. Roberts, Brandon Shelton, Marcus Simmons, Woaden Tayler, Samuel Zorn
The MTV Videos (Mickey / Maniac / Whip It / Heaven Is a Place on Earth / Thriller)
Music and Lyrics by Nicky Chinn and Michael Chapman; Dennis Matkosky and Michael Sembello; Mark Mothersbaugh and Gerald Casale; Ellen Shipley and Rick Nowels; Rod Temperton "Thriller" original choreography by Michael Peters with Michael Jackson solo: Christopher T. Roberts
dancers: Jody Cates-Collins, Zachary Hampton, Liv Jackson, Eryk Larabee, Byron LeGrand, David Loethen, Matthew Miller, Ryan Neeland, Matthew Reeves, Danny Shervington-Bair, John Sims, Eli Smith, Terraye Watson, Cedar Valdez, Mitch Weber
The Girls (Straight Up / Tell It to My Heart / Conga / Express Yourself / Vogue / Girls Just Want to Have Fun)
Music and Lyrics by Elliot Wolff; Ernie Gold and Seth Swirsky; Enrique Garcia; Madonna Ciccone, Stephen Bray, and Shep Pettibone; Robert Hazard "Vogue" original choreography by Vincent Paterson, José Gutiérrez Xtravaganza & Luis Camacho Xtravaganza featuring: The HeartAches
dancers: Matthew Allen, Joshua Belz, Russ Czeschin, Charles Gilmore, Derek Thompson, Jackson Welsh
The Closing (Shout / Karma Chameleon / Walk Like an Egyptian / Hungry Like the Wolf Never Gonna Give You Up / Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now)
Music and Lyrics by Roland Orzabal and Ian Stanley; Jonathan Moss, George O’Dowd, Roy Hay, Phil Pickett, and Michael Craig; Liam Sternberg; Duran Duran; Mike Stock, Matt Aitken, and Pete Waterman; Albert Hammond and Diane Warren
✚
♥
the voices of HEARTLAND MEN′S CHORUS KANSAS CITY
TENOR 1
Justin Abramovitz ( 2025 )
Matthew Allen ( 2024 )
Zack Baker ( 2025 )
Alex Brewer ( 2022 )
♥ Sean Carder ( 2018 )
Martin Blake Cram ( 2025 )
Brayden Dannecker ( 2025 )
♥
Benjamin L. DuBois (2008)
Luke Englert ( 2024 )
Charles Gilmore ( 2023 )
Shawn Helmstadter Jr ( 2025 )
✚ Randall Humbird ( 2004 )
John Jeppson ( 2023 )
Powell Minnis ( 2004 )
Darrell Naeger (2002)
Justin Perryman ( 2022 )
Matthew Reeves ( 2025 )
David Rodriguez ( 2025 )
Timothy M. Ryan ( 2016 )
Michael Smith-Harris ( 2023 )
Benjamin Tuimauga ( 2025 )
Wilson L. Welch ( 2011 )
Jeff Williams ( 1996 )
✚
Ricky Wilson ( 2017 )
TENOR 2
Paul W. Backer ( 1991 )
Joshua Belz ( 2026 )
Domenick Bisacca ( 2025 )
Robert Bradbury ( 2013 )
✚
Evan Childress ( 2022 )
Parker Crist ( 2023 )
Russ Czeschin ( 2023 )
♥
✚ Storm Davis ( 2023 )
Jordan Eleison ( 2025 )
Keith Grahl ( 1986 )
♥
✚ Dustin Griffin ( 2018 )
Scotty Guerrero ( 2022 )
Zachary Hampton ( 2025 )
♥ Brett Helling ( 2025 )
Jesse Hight ( 2026 )
Jacob Horton ( 2019 )
James Jennings ( 2025 )
Jerryn Johnston ( 2022 )
Eryk Larabee ( 2010 )
Byron Le Grand ( 2025 )
David Loethen ( 2018 )
Grant Mayfield ( 2022 )
Matthew Miller ( 2022 )
Brad Norris (2020)
Bradley Petzold ( 2022 )
Jeffrey Porter ( 2022 )
Mark Pridmore ( 2010 )
Christopher T. Roberts ( 2023 )
Rick Sams ( 2024 )
♥
Brandon Shelton ( 2004 )
Danny Shervington-Bair ( 2022 )
Patrick Shoup ( 2025 )
Ron Simmons (2005)
Eli Smith ( 2025 )
Ken Stewart ( 2019 )
Jon Tyree (2020)
Cedar Valdez ( 2025 )
Mitch Weber ( 2019 )
Jackson Welsh ( 2026 )
BARITONE
Mike Anderson ( 2017 )
Bryan Atkins ( 2026 )
Eric Aufdengarten ( 2007 )
Paul Budd (2000)
Jody Cates-Collins ( 2024 )
Billy Clark ( 2025 )
Patrick Collins ( 2026 )
Ezra Combs ( 2022 )
Ryan Conrad ( 2014 )
Phil Eatherton ( 1995 )
♥
John Edmonds ( 1995 )
Scott Feaster ( 2013 )
✚ Kevin Flesch ( 2023 )
David Grantham ( 2022 )
Justin Grawe ( 2025 )
Lou Harris ( 1995 )
Tyler Harvey ( 2014 )
Jordan Hatley ( 2019 )
Chuck Henderson ( 2007 )
Randy Hite ( 1986 )
Liv Jackson ( 2025 )
♥
Joseph Marrocco ( 2024 )
Greg Maupins ( 1998 )
Shawn McCartee ( 2025 )
Ryan Neeland ( 2012 )
David Pasley (2006)
Kyle Phillips (2006)
Ethan Ritschel ( 2023 )
Michael Seely ( 2015 )
♥
✚
Marcus Simmons ( 2023 )
Kenneth Stewart ( 2019 )
Zach Stroth ( 2024 )
Henry Swink ( 2025 )
K. Beacher Uptegrove ( 2007 )
Garrett VanArsdale ( 2026 )
Brian Walters ( 2022 )
Terraye Watson ( 2024 )
Trey Witt ( 2016 )
Edward Wunderlich ( 2017 )
BASS
Mario J. Alcantara ( 2013 )
Jason Blaisdell ( 2007 )
Andy Bolton ( 2024 )
Adam Brown ( 2014 )
Nathan Carvitto ( 2025 )
Jason Castaneda ( 2013 )
Lee Conner ( 2023 )
Nick Coyan ( 2023 )
Steve Dodge ( 1995 )
Paul Elo (2000)
♥
Scott Ferrell-Garcia ( 2022 )
Eric Forseth ( 2024 )
Andy Gosling ( 2024 )
✚
Dustin Greer ( 2019 )
Dennis Hayden ( 1987 )
Ron Hobert ( 2023 )
Jeremy Ingram ( 2023 )
Richie Johnson ( 2022 )
Jason Landrum (2020)
Ryan Laudermilk ( 2026 )
Joseph Lenz ( 2025 )
Jeff Light ( 2011 )
Robbie McGowan ( 2024 )
Chancey Parker ( 2026 )
Rick Presley ( 2026 )
Michael Reyes ( 2024 )
Zachary “Z” Riker ( 2025 )
Anthony Robinson ( 2022 )
Reid Samuel ( 2025 )
Diego Schutt ( 2025 )
Ben Sherman ( 2026 )
John J. Sims ( 1997 )
Nathan Smith-Harris ( 2025 )
Neil Solomon ( 1986 )
Ben Southard ( 2025 )
♥ Woaden Tayler ( 2024 )
Derek Thompson ( 2015 )
Brian Wadley ( 2025 )
✚
Randall Wrisinger ( 2004 )
Travis Allen Zirkle ( 2015 )
♥ Samuel Zorn (2009)
HEARTLIGHT
Dan Brown ( 2015 )
Larry Burroughs ( 2025 )
Larry Chester ( 2010 )
Tim Collins ( 2024 )
Troy Johnson ( 2014 )
Dennis Maddux-Phillips ( 2024 )
Jason R. Ramirez ( 2026 )
✚
Drew Tayler ( 2024 )
Donny Zirkle ( 2024 )
Drew Tayler ( 2024 )
Donny Zirkle ( 2024 )
THE CREDITS
hmckc staff
Shawn Cullen | Artistic Director & Conductor
Dudley Hogue | Executive Director
Tom Dillon | Operations Manager
Robert Lamar Sims | Principal Accompanist
Brandon Shelton | Brand Manager & Designer
Mitch Weber | Communications Manager
artistic team
Kelly Michale | Resident Stage & Production Manager
Sally Farrand | Lighting Designer
Nic Aldrich | Resident Audio Engineer
Valerie Martin | Resident Choreographer
Randall Wrisinger | Assistant Conductor
Tyler Harvey | Assistant Accompanist
Robin Olson | ASL Interpreter
Peige Turner | ASL Interpreter
John Edmonds | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Video)
hmckc would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff and crew of the folly theater.
OUR FRIENDS
we can’t sing without your support
Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City is the largest LGBTQIA+ cultural organization in the Great Plains. We’ve witnessed so many wonderful changes over our 38 years of singing, yet many challenges still exist, especially in Kansas and Missouri. Only with your support can we continue to make a difference!
ON THE BOOKS OR IN YOUR HEART
Despite the progress and setbacks in the Supreme Court or in the voting booth, people make decisions based upon what is in their hearts and minds. That’s why HMCKC creates programming that is musically excellent and socially relevant at a time when people are seeking clarity and understanding of neighbors, friends, family members and themselves.
HMCKC SERVES THE COMMUNITY
When Heartland Men’s Chorus sings, the entire community benefits. We have also sung at hundreds of events in support of area non-profit organizations including the Mayor’s Christmas Tree Fund, Literacy Kansas City, UMKC Pride Breakfast and so many more. It’s not fake news when The Kansas City Star writes: “Heartland Men’s Chorus is one of the most beloved artistic institutions in Kansas City.”
A NATIONAL REPUTATION
HMCKC is recognized as one of the premier LGBTQIA+ choruses in the nation from an artistic and administrative perspective. HMCKC is widely respected for its performances at national GALA Choruses Festivals, statewide conferences and performances throughout the region. Being a leading arts organization is only possible with strong commitment from our members, staff and patrons. Thank you for your support of our voices and our mission.
YOUR SUPPORT IS VITAL
Your tax-deductible contribution can be mailed to: Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City, PO Box 32374, Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. You can also contact us by phone at (816) 931-3338 or by e-mail at hmc@hmckc.org. Even faster and easier is the option to make a secure contribution online at hmckc.org – just click the “Donate” button on the Support page. All donors to the Annual Fund are acknowledged in our programs for the season in which the donation was made. We strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. If you find a discrepancy, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We strive to keep this list as accurate as possible. If you find a discrepancy, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
JOIN A SPECIAL GROUP OF PEOPLE
Conductor's Circle
$15,000+
Directors Circle $5,000-$14,999
Benefactor $2,000-$4,999
Heartland Soul $750-$1,999
Patron $400-$749
Friend $40-$399
FRIENDS of the CHORUS
CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE ($15,000+) ................................................................................................................
E. Kemper Carter and Anna Curry
Carter Community Memorial Trust, UMB Bank, n.a. Trustee
Francis Family Foundation
Missouri Arts Council
Muriel McBrien Kauffman Family
Foundation
Mike Sigler
Richard J. Stern Foundation
DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE ($5,000-$14,999) .........................................................................................................
Risk Strategies, a top national specialty insurance broker, is a proud sponsor of the Heartland Men's Chorus.
We salute their mission to build community, celebrate Pride, and empower authenticity.
Darrel Naeger & Powell Minnis
Brian & Juliana Nelson
Michele Neylon
Zabrian & Kyle Oglesby
Robin Olson
Gary Parker & Jeremy Dewey
Diane Patrick
Bill Pearce
Kathryn Peters
Tim Peterson
John Pfannes
Jim Pimental
Jeffrey Porter
Abby Pratt
Peg Prendergast & Shannon
Hennessy
Mark Raduziner
Terry & Melodie Rayburn
FRIENDS of the CHORUS
SEASON 40
Ken & Katrina Revenaugh
Michael Reyes
Daniel Rice
Stephanie Roberts
Katherine Rodgers
Erin Sack
Brian Schwanz
Matt Schulte
Diego Schutt & Simon Voss
Debra Seely
Judy Simonitsch
Kathryn Sitz
Cynthia Sleeper
David Smith
Susan Stanley & Mark Hamilton
Ann Stevens
Jacque & Bert Stouffer
Evan Swanson
Synergistic Health Solutions
Tim Tatlock
Kurtis Thiel
Beth & Gary Thompson
Greg Thurman & Don White
Robert & Angie Tims
Susan Valdez
Jim Van Halderen
Ann & Ryan VanZee
Wadley Family
Melissa Walje
Benjamin Walker
Madeline Walter
Jordan & Lane Washburn
Todd Wells & Kuebler Perry
Jennifer Winckler
Sheri Wood
ENDOWMENT FUND
The Heartland Men’s Chorus Endowment Fund has received tax-deductible contributions of more than $500,000. Administered by the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, the Endowment Fund is a resource that ensures the long-term financial health of the Chorus. The fund was created in 1998 to honor Bill Casey and Reuben Reynolds for their years of service to the Chorus. Additional fundraising efforts have been made in honor of former Artistic Director, Dr. Joe Nadeau (2013), and former Executive Director, Mr. Rick Fisher (2022). Join this special list of donors by contacting the chorus office at hmc@hmckc.org or 816-931-3338..
Charles E. Burch, Jr. in memory of Raymond E. Boring, DC
Scott Francis
Mary Kay McPhee & William Pfeiffer, Sr.
William E. Pfeiffer, Jr.
Reuben M. Reynolds III & Bill Casey
Mike Sigler
MAJOR BENEFACTOR .........................................................................................................................................
“What I love most is our culture — and the incredible people who bring it to life. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with so many talented, supportive colleagues across departments, and their energy and commitment never cease to amaze me.”
Joyce C. Palmer in honor of Thomas H. Sullivan, J.D.
Matthew Powell & Daniel Allen
Mark Raduziner & Mike Slater
Clay H. Rawhouser
Emilee Rose & Tim McMulin
Matthew E. Rowland
Steve & Vicki Scanlon
Shalon Fund
Diane & Wilson Stafford
Marian Thomas
Belinda Rea Manos
Dennis Mosby
Emaline Newton
Kip Niven
Becky & Rob Parrott
Peg Prendergast & Shannon Hennessy
Dana Russell
Gary & Michelle Salzman
Gifts in memory of John R. Sigler
Jeff Spangler & Ceton Van Meter
Don & Nancy Thomas
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LEGACY SOCIETY
Through a bequest to Heartland Men’s Chorus, you can show your continued support for our work. Heartland Men’s Chorus Legacy Society is a group of donors who have remembered the Chorus in their estate planning. A list of Legacy Society members will be included in each program. For more information on contribution plans or for any questions you might have about HMCKC's Legacy Society, please contact:
Dudley Hogue, HMCKC Executive Director
Heartland Men’s Chorus PO Box 32374 Kansas City, MO 64171-5374. (816) 931-3338. hmc@hmckc.org
Tax ID: 43-1490366.
LEGACY SOCIETY MEMBERS
Mark A. Besinger
Robert J. Cody
Russell Derringer
Steve Dodge
Benjamin DuBois
Paul Elo
Scott England
Rick Fisher
Mark Giersch
Randy Hite
Patrick Kelley
John Mark Lambertson
Powell Minnis
Darrell Naeger
Mark E. Patterson
Michael Phelps
Dr. Jesse Roberts
Steven Sanders
Cliff Schiappa
J. Michael Sigler
David S. Vaughn
Todd Wegener
BECOME PART OF THE MUSIC
our vision
Singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance.
Build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity with your talent! HMCKC is always looking for talented TTBB singers & passionate non-singing volunteers to continue our Kansas City legacy of musical excellence! We are a choral ensemble beginning our 40th season specializing in “choral theater” productions attached to our vision. There is room for everyone over the age of 18 in HMCKC: men, women, trans, non-binary, gay or straight!
INTERESTED IN SINGING WITH HEARTLAND MEN’S CHORUS?
Auditions for new singers take place at the beginning of each concert cycle, in August/September, December/January and March/April. We’ll be conducting auditions for our June show, Anthems of Pride, on Tuesday, March 31. Click here to learn more and sign up.
If you can’t make an audition time you can still come check us out! You’ll have a chance to get to know us by coming to the first Tuesday night rehearsal of each concert cycle from 6:30-9:30 p.m. in Founders’ Hall at Grace & Holy Trinity Cathedral in downtown Kansas City, MO. Our first Summer rehearsal is Tuesday, April 7, 2026. Contact the Chorus office (hmc@hmckc.org) so we’re ready to welcome you! After that, you’ll schedule a short vocal audition with our Artistic Director.
INTERESTED IN NON-SINGING OPPORTUNITIES WITH THE CHORUS?
Those who don’t sing or can’t make the weekly rehearsal commitment are invited to join our nonsinging fifth section, HeartLight. This group gives an opportunity for interested people to be members of the Chorus and provide a wide range of essential support functions. HeartLight members are incorporated into Chorus events as their personal schedules permit. If you would like to know more about HeartLight, or you would like to volunteer specific skills to the Chorus, please submit a volunteer form on our website
