HMCKC Presents Our Favorite Things

FRIDAY-SUNDAY | DECEMBER 5-7, 2025 THE FOLLY THEATER SEASON 40 2025-2026 SHAWN CULLEN

artistic director & conductor

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Heartland Men's Chorus Kansas City presents

Our Favorite Things December 5-7, 2025 | 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

TOM MAYFIELD AGENCY, INC. tom.mayfield@amfam.com 913-649-2000

PUBLIC HOUSE & SPORTS

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heartland men’s chorus

BOARD OF DIRECTORS our mission Through our collective voice we build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity. board chair

vice-chair

treasurer

secretary

Eric Aufdengarten

Chris Madden

Ben Walker

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

board development

Eric Aufdengarten

Chris Madden

human resources

development

Michael Seely

Danny Shervington-Bair

finance

membership services

Ben Walker

Jason Castaneda

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 contact Dudley Hogue at dudley@hmckc.org.

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warmth of home,

The

magıc of Chrıstmas. of home, the

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from the executive director

DUDLEY HOGUE

We are so glad you’re here as we officially open our concert season celebrating 40 years of singing out in Kansas City!

Forty years ago, a few men sat on the front porch of a Hyde Park home. One of them had just returned from the GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis and said, “We should have a gay men’s chorus in Kansas City.” And from that simple idea, the journey began.

Four decades later — after countless singers, hundreds of board members, five Artistic Directors, two Executive Directors, so many concerts, and literally thousands of volunteers — the Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City stands as one of the largest and most successful GALA choruses in the country and the world.

Tonight, we honor every person who has had a hand in creating, sustaining, and strengthening what we now proudly call HMCKC. Without you, we would not have the privilege of standing on this stage, singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance.

This is a special year. It is also a challenging one. We are fighting for rights, fighting for visibility, and fighting for authenticity. And yet—here we stand. Our mission guides all we do at HMCKC. We work to build community wherever we go. We celebrate who we are and who we are becoming. And we affirm the right of every person to live their life fully and authentically. And we celebrate YOU. We have an extraordinary season planned, and we need your partnership to keep this work moving forward. Please consider supporting us — through donations, concert tickets, fundraising events, or by joining one of our birthday celebrations throughout the year. You can find everything you need at hmckc.org (and keep an eye out for our new website coming soon!).

Thank you for everything over the last forty years, and thank you for standing with us for the next forty. You truly are some of our favorite things.

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS advertisement

AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE IS PROUD TO SUPPORT HEARTLAND MEN'S CHORUS KANSAS CITY Thomas Mayfield, Agent Tom Mayfield Agency, Inc. tommayfieldagency@amfam.com (913) 649-2000 tommayfield.com

American Family Insurance Company S.I. & its Operating Companies, 6000 American Parkway, Madison, WI 53783 ©2015 008748 – Rev. 1/24 – 23550653

from the artistic director

SHAWN CULLEN

Welcome to the opening of Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City’s 40th season!

Forty seasons is more than a number. It’s thousands of rehearsals, countless stories, and generations of brave souls who chose to sing anyway. When this chorus began in 1986, being part of a “gay men’s chorus” was not something you casually posted about. In our first decade, many singers feared bigotry, discrimination, and retaliation from friends, family, churches, and workplaces. Some refused to have their names printed in the program—because visibility could cost them a job, a relationship, even their sense of safety.

Still, they walked through the door. Still, they stood onstage. Still, they sang.

Tonight’s holiday production, Our Favorite Things, is a thank-you note to that courage and to everyone who has carried this chorus to now. In Act I, The Sound That Built Us, we lean into the rich choral sound that defined our early years, revisiting music from our 1st, 5th, 10th, 20th milestone seasons. From there, we turn up the nostalgia and sparkle, the camp and tenderness, the laughter and stillness — dialing into the fun-loving theatricality our audiences have grown to love. That mix is who we are: part theater, part sanctuary, part joyful noise. And through it all, our mission remains the same: to build community, celebrate pride, and empower authenticity through music that matters. Joy that is loud. Joy that is queer. Joy that does not apologize for existing. The act of gathering here — of filling this hall with sound and color and community — is its own kind of defiance, and its own kind of hope.

As we launch this 40th season, we hope you’ll stay with us for the journey — from heading Back to the 80’s in March, to looking boldly ahead in June with Anthems of Pride, featuring guest artist Cheyenne Jackson, as we turn our focus to the future of this movement and the music that carries it.

Thank you for being here — whether you’ve been with us since those early, unprinted programs or this is your very first concert. When you show up, when you listen, when you celebrate with us, you become part of this legacy.

From all of us onstage and behind the scenes: thank you for being one of our favorite things.

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artistic director & conductor

SHAWN 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

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at the piano

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.

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Shook is proud to support the

Heartland Men’s Chorus.

ATLANTA

MIAMI

BOSTON

NEW YORK

CHICAGO

ORANGE COUNTY

DENVER

PHILADELPHIA

HARTFORD

SAN FRANCISCO

HOUSTON

SEATTLE

JERSEY CITY

ST. LOUIS

KANSAS CITY

TAMPA

LONDON

WASHINGTON, D.C.

LOS ANGELES

T H E C H O I C E O F A L A W Y E R I S A N I M P O R TA N T D E C I S I O N A N D S H O U L D N O T B E B A S E D S O L E LY U P O N A D V E R T I S E M E N T S .

SPECIAL GUESTS

Daisy Buckët (Spencer Brown) is one of Kansas City’s most beloved drag artists, known for razor-sharp vocals, fearless comedy, and heartforward storytelling. A multiple-time winner of The Pitch’s “Best Drag Artist in Kansas City,” she has toured internationally, both as a solo artist and as Trampolina in the acclaimed dragapella quartet The Kinsey Sicks. Daisy’s albums Pansy and Welcome to Springfield each earned “Best Local Album” honors, showcasing her blend of camp, pathos, and powerhouse singing. She has appeared on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, the Season 8 finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race, and in features from Forbes, The New Yorker, and CNN. A passionate fundraiser and advocate, Daisy has helped raise over $100,000 for HIV/AIDS organizations and was honored by Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City as a Hero of Note for her transformative impact on the community.

Tajma Stetson (Michael Tolbert) is a Kansas City drag artist and classically trained clarinetist who moves effortlessly between concert halls and late-night cabaret stages. Known as Kansas City’s only supermodel, Tajma has spent more than seventeen years dazzling audiences with glamorous looks, sharp wit, and powerhouse performances. She holds multiple national and regional titles, including Miss Gay United States 2019 and Miss Gay Missouri America 2022, along with numerous crowns across the prestigious Miss Gay America system. Offstage, Michael is principal clarinet of Kinnor Philharmonic and performs with the Kansas City Civic Orchestra and Midwest Chamber Ensemble, bringing the same musicality and presence to the orchestral world that Tajma brings to the runway. A passionate advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness and LGBTQ+ equity, Tajma uses her platform to champion visibility, build creative community, and spark bold, unfiltered, unapologetic joy—onstage and off.

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Coworking That Includes You Connection | Collaboration | Community www.belongspace.net

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ACT 1: The Sound That Built Us

ACT 2: The Spark That Makes Us Shine

A journey through tradition, excellence, and 40 years of harmony.

A celebration of queer joy, chosen family, and holiday magic — our way.

Christmas Comes Anew (Season 10)

Our Favorite Things

Traditional | Arr. Mark Reise

Anything You Can Do (Holiday Version)

Music and Lyrics by Rodgers and Hammerstein Additional Lyrics by David Maddux & Shawn Cullen Arr. David Maddux

For the Beauty of the Earth (Season 1)

Music and Lyrics by R. Alex Anderson, Pat Lenoard, and Madonna Ciccone Arr. David Maddux

Randall Wrisinger – HMCKC Assistant Conductor

Chanukah in Santa Monica

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin Arr. David Maddux & Shawn Cullen

Mele Kalikimaka / La Isla Bonita

Traditional | Music by John Rutter

Ave Maria (Season 5)

Music and Lyrics by Tom Lehrer Arr. Bill Bowersock

trio: Jonathan Bokay, Grant Mayfield, Ricky Wilson

Music and Lyrics by Rune Westberg and Beth Hart Arr. Tim Sarsany

Traditional | Music by Franz Beibl Arr. David Maddux

Thankful

God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen (Season 15)

solo: Alex Brewer (Fri), Parker Crist (Sat), Justin Abramovitz (Sun)

Traditional | Arr. Mark Reise

Santa Won’t You Please Come Back

Audience Holiday Sing-A-Long

Music by Neal Richardson, Lyrics by John Pingree

featuring: Daisy Buckët

A-Wassailing!

The Elves’ Broadway Christmas

featuring: The HeartAches – HMCKC’s Community Engagement Ensemble

featuring: The HeartAches – HMCKC’s Community Engagement Ensemble

Variations on Jingle Bells (Season 20)

Sisters (from White Christmas)

Music and Lyrics by Kevin Robison

Traditional | Arr. Chad Weirick

Music and Lyrics by Irving Berlin

Music and Lyrics by John Pierpont Arr. Mark Hayes

featuring: Daisy Buckët & Tajma Stetson

solo: Wilson L. Welch

12 Days of Christmas

A P.C. Christmas

(as performed by “Relient K”)

featuring: Tajma Stetson

Super Gay Christmas

Music and Lyrics by Eric Lane Barnes

Traditional | Arr. Steve Milloy

Carol of the Bells

Music and Lyrics by Kevin Yee Arr. Sean Ivory

Traditional | Arr. Ted Arthur

There will be one 15-minute intermission at the conclusion of Act 1. dancers: Matthew Allen | Ezra Combs | Russ Czeschin | John Edmonds | Scott Ferrell-Garcia Charles Gilmore | Brett Helling | Liv Jackson | Eryk Larabee | Byron Le Grand | David Loethen | Ryan Neeland | Christopher T. Roberts | Anthony Robinson | Danny Shervington-Bair | Marcus Simmons | Cedar Valdez | Terraye Watson

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the voices of

HEARTLAND MEN′S CHORUS KANSAS CITY ✚ Section Leaders

 New HMCKC Member ♥ Member of The HeartAches The year listed indicates the first year that the member participated in the Chorus.

TENOR 1 Justin Abramovitz (2025)  Kelly Adrian (2025) Matthew Allen (2024)  Zack Baker (2025)  Alex Bohlander (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) Daniel Hilliard (2020) ✚ Randall Humbird (2004) John Jeppson (2023) Powell Minnis (2004) Darrell Naeger (2002) Justin Perryman (2022)  Matthew Reeves (2025)  David Rodriguez (2025) Adam Russell ( 2021 ) Timothy M. Ryan ( 2016 ) Mike Sigler ( 1992 ) Michael Smith-Harris (2023)  Benjamin Tuimauga (2025) Wilson L. Welch ( 2011 ) ✚ Ricky Wilson ( 2017 ) TENOR 2 Paul W. Backer ( 1991 )  Domenick Bisacca (2025) Robert Bradbury ( 2013 )  John Caldwell (2025) ✚ Evan Childress (2022) Mike Cox (2020) Parker Crist (2023) Russ Czeschin (2023) ♥✚ Storm Davis (2023)  Jordan Eleison (2025) Keith Grahl ( 1986 ) ♥✚ Dustin Griffin ( 2018 )  Zachary Hampton (2025) ♥ Brett Helling (2025) Jacob Horton ( 2019 ) James Jennings (2025) Jerryn Johnston (2022) ✚ Holden Kraus ( 2014 ) Eryk Larabee ( 2010) Byron Le Grand (2025) David Loethen ( 2018 ) Grant Mayfield (2022)

Brad Norris (2020) John Padget (2025) Jeffrey Porter (2022) Mark Pridmore (2010 ) Barry Regenold (2001 ) ♥✚ 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) BARITONE Mike Anderson ( 2017 ) Paul Budd (2000) Jody Cates-Collins (2024)  Billy Clark (2025) Ezra Combs (2022) Michael L. De Voe Sr. ( 2014 ) ♥ John Edmonds ( 1995 ) Scott Feaster ( 2013 ) David Grantham (2022)  Justin Grawe (2025) Lou Harris ( 1995 ) Tyler Harvey ( 2014 ) Jordan Hatley ( 2019 ) Chuck Henderson (2007) Randy Hite ( 1986 )  Liv Jackson (2025) Bob Johnson (2025) ♥ Joseph Marrocco (2024) Greg Maupins ( 1998 )  Shawn McCartee (2025) Ryan Neeland ( 2012 ) David Pasley (2006) Mark Patterson ( 2017 ) Kyle Phillips (2006) Ethan Ritschel (2023) ♥✚ Tim Rowland (2023) Michael Seely ( 2015 ) ♥✚ Marcus Simmons (2023) Zach Stroth (2024) K. Beacher Uptegrove (2007) Brian Walters (2022) Terraye Watson (2024) Trey Witt ( 2016 ) Garrett Woods ( 2021 ) Edward Wunderlich ( 2017 )

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BASS River G. P. Akela (2025) Jason Blaisdell (2007) Jonathan Bokay (2020) Andy Bolton (2024) Adam Brown ( 2014 )  Nathan Carvitto (2025) Jason Castaneda ( 2013 ) Lee Conner (2023) Nick Coyan (2023) Steve Dodge ( 1995 ) Logan Edwards ( 2021 ) Paul Elo (2000) Joshua Farrell (2002) ♥ Scott Ferrell-Garcia (2022) Eric Forseth (2024) Andy Gosling (2024) ✚ Dustin Greer ( 2019 ) Ron Hobert (2023) Jeremy Ingram (2023) Jason Landrum (2020)  Joseph Lenz (2025) Robbie McGowan (2024) Michael Reyes (2024)  Zachary “Z” Riker (2025) Anthony Robinson (2022) Reid Samuel (2025) Diego Schutt (2025) John J. Sims ( 1997 )  Nathan Smith-Harris (2025) Neil Solomon ( 1986 )  Ben Southard (2025) ♥ Woaden Tayler (2024) Brian Wadley (2025) Dana Wood (2009) ✚ 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) Kenneth Stewart ( 2019 ) ✚ 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 Alex Perry | Lighting Designer 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 Becca Barnes | ASL Interpreter John Edmonds | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Video) Greg Maupins | Rehearsal Resource Coordinator (Video) Nikela Teixeira Reed | Production Assistant

instrumentalists Robert Lamar Sims | Piano/Principal Accompanist Tyler Harvey | Piano/Assistant Accompanist Todd Gregory-Gibbs | Synthesizer Cynthia Egger | Acoustic/Electric Guitar Justin Henson | Electric Bass Ian McClaflin | Drums

hmckc would like to extend a very special thank you to the entire staff and crew of the folly theater.

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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 a period of 12 months from the date of donation. 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

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FRIENDS of the CHORUS SEASON 40

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)..........................................................................................................

American Family Insurance Tom Mayfield Agency ARTS KC Cafe’ Trio Gael’s Public House and Sports

Henderson Engineer Foundation Jesse Roberts & Mark Giersch Mike’s Wine & Spirits JoZach Miller Miller-Mellor Association

Kansas City Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund RealtyOneGroup RNR Designs Shook, Hardy & Bacon

BENEFACTOR ($2,000 - $4,999).....................................................................................................................

Kay Baker Belong Space Bistro 303 Andrew Bolton - The Bolton Law Firm Dan and Sharon Brown Steve Dodge & Paul Elo

Christopher Gibson Griffin Riley Property Group Hamburger Mary’s Kansas City Eric Morey & Dustin Greer James Kogel Missie B’s

Prosperity Advisors Group Risk Strategies Group Danny & Bob Shervington-Bair Woody’s KC

HEARTLAND SOUL ($750-$1,999)...................................................................................................................

David Adkins Richard & Emily Ballentine Christopher Barnes Kim and Paul Budd Jason Castaneda Commerce Bank Sheri Crist James Dawson Kathy & Jim Dunn Shirley D. Hughes Timothy and Roseann Madden Mel Minnis

Mark Patterson Joe Piatczyc PrimeTimers of Kansas City Calvin Quattlebaum and Kurtis McAfee Ragazza Food & Wine Mark Sappington Cliff Schiappa Michael Schnetzer Wilson Stafford

Louis and Frances Swinken Supporting Foundation of the Jewish Community Foundation of Greater Kansas City Randal Tallman Donald Taylor PJ Toby Jerry Valet Tim VanZandt Keith & Ann Wiedenkeller Brian Williams Jeff Wilson

PATRON ($400-$749).........................................................................................................................................

KFrancisco Alvarez Eric Aufdengarten & Joe Nadeau Paul Backer Michael Brecke Craig Coen Diane Conner Jim Crist Kevin Deen Scott Ferrell-Garcia Brett Fischer and Jeff Schoo Andy Gosling

Happy Habitat Darren Haun Keith & Debra Hohly Dr. Newton W. Jones & James Corrick Pat Kelley and Tom Sullivan John Kritos and Matthew Meeks Bill and Lyn Lakin Dick Leeson Ken Lutgen Charles Nigro

J.D. Perkins & Joe Hudec Bradley Petzold and Ian Kilpatrick Michael Ryan Michael Seely Kevin and Jeff Smith Dennis Sondker Zach Stroth Todd Wegener Christal Williams Ron Williams

FRIEND ($40-$399)............................................................................................................................................

Don Alexander Craig Anderson Terry Anderson and Michael Henry Vickie Arnold

Kelly Ashton and Jeff Seib Mo Awad Greg Banken Kay Barnes

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Sarah Barrows Sarah Beise Lois Benge-Fortin Kirsten Blaney

PROUD ALLY. TRUSTED ADVISOR. Financial planning that celebrates every love, every family, and every future.

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Joel S. Morrison CFP® CFS® Partner/Financial Advisor 913-529-0184

joel@prosperityadvisors.com 10955 Lowell Ave., Ste. 900, Overland Park, KS 66210 www.prosperityadvisors.com 913-451-4501 Securities and advisory services offered through Cetera Advisors LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, a broker/dealer and Registered Investment Adviser. Prosperity is under separate ownership from Cetera Advisors, LLC.

FRIENDS of the CHORUS SEASON 40

Andrea Bough Darrel Brenneke Mike Brown Will Brown Interiors Jeff Cannon Dwight Carlson Eric Chapman and Marty Yadrick Charities Aid Foundation America Evan Childress Michael Claypool Joan Cohen Lise Copeland Consuelo Cruz Shawn Cullen Pierson and Michelle Curtis Terry Cushman Mona JE Danner Jackie Davis Bradley Debrick Colton Del McArthur Tom Dillon John Ditch and Kat McDaniel Dennis Dobson Christiane Donner Brad Douglas John Dove and Michael McVey Rebecca Ehrich John Einck Amy Elliott and Jan Fountain Mark and Fernando Ensman Carolyn Faenger Josh Farrell Scott Feaster Joyce Feeley John Ferrell Devin Files and Brooke Meyers Randy Fowler Kathy Fuger and Jim Brandt Pam Gagel Ken Geha and Ed Link Jennifer Gile Timothy Gingrich Ryan Gove and Doug Swink Keith Grahl & Harry Anderson Kitty Gravley-Godfrey Carol Green Thomas Green Dave Greis Jennifer Hack Wolf Kimberly Haddix Wendy Hardy Tim Hauschild and Dmitri Fennell Todd Hillman

Stephen Hills Dudley Hogue Ryan Holder Todd Holmgrain Randy Horn Brad Johnson Ray Johnson Mike Jones Matthew Kelso Anson Kibby Daniel Kirk Paula Kitt Kevin Knight Cole Langford-Braun Sara and Jeff Langford Larry LaVigne John and Joan Leavens Heather Lee Jane Lee Bev Leonard David Loethen Andy and Sandy Madden Dennis Maddux-Phillips Veronica Malone Joe Marrocco William Masters John McAnulty Alan McDermott Michelle and Dan McElroy Tim McMulin Kenton McNeill Robert Mead and Juliette Bagunu Michael Menghini and Mike Shores Bruce Messick Kathi Miley Anthony Moellman Matthew and Ashlee Morgan Linda Moore Dennis Mosby Shawn Moss Darrel Naeger & Powell Minnis Brian and Juliana Nelson Michele Neylon Carol & Don Nistler Zabrian and Kyle Oglesby Robin Olson Gary Parker and Jeremy Dewey Diane Patrick Bill Pearce Kathryn Peters Tim Peterson John Pfannes

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Jim Pimental Jeffrey Porter Abby Pratt Peg Prendergast & Shannon Hennessy Mark Raduziner Terry and Melodie Rayburn Ken and Katrina Revenaugh Michael Reyes Daniel Rice Stephanie Roberts Katherine Rodgers Erin Sack Brian Schwanz Matt Schulte Diego Schutt and Simon Voss Debra Seely Judy Simonitsch Kathryn Sitz Cynthia Sleeper David Smith Thomas & Vicki Smith Susan Stanley and Mark Hamilton Ann Stevens Jacque and Bert Stouffer Evan Swanson Synergistic Health Solutions Tim Tatlock Kurtis Thiel Beth and Gary Thompson Greg Thurman and Don White Robert & Angie Tims Susan Valdez Jim Van Halderen Ann and Ryan VanZee Wadley Family Melissa Walje Benjamin Walker Madeline Walter Jordan and Lane Washburn Todd Wells and Kuebler Perry Jennifer Winckler Sheri Wood

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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..

PRODUCER’S CIRCLE..........................................................................................................................................

Estate of Robert C. Lee Estate of Joan Hubbard

Estate of Richard & Virginia Nadeau Estate of Jerry Van Allen

CONDUCTOR’S CIRCLE.......................................................................................................................................

Bruce W. Anderson Estate of Richard Firestone Steve Metzler and Brian Williams Annette N. Morgan

Rev. Carol Stubbs Smith Gary Smith Scott C. Williams

DIRECTOR’S CIRCLE............................................................................................................................................

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..........................................................................................................................................

Chris Abele Sally A. Firestone Philanthropic Fund Fred D. Fowler, MD & Ernest L. Williams Michelle LaPointe

Gifts in Memory of Tim Mulvany Carol & Don Nistler Anonymous, in Memory of Steve Blevins

BENEFACTOR........................................................................................................................................................

Dave Baellow George K. Baum Foundation Chris Beal & Tim Van Zandt Dr. Robert Claassen Robert J. Cody Steve Dodge & Paul Elo Mark Ensman & Noel Nothern Dan Flannery Steve Geiermann & Quenten Schumacher Christopher Gibson

Mark Giersch & Dr. Jesse Roberts Fred Holtz Emmet M. Morris, Jr. Allen Noel G. Mark Sappington & David S. McGee, DCM Cliff Schiappa Kendrick T. Wallace Don W. White & Greg Thurman Kevin W. White Keith & Anne Wiedenkeller

PATRON..................................................................................................................................................................

Terry Anderson & Michael Henry Jess Barnett Richard Barrett & Derek McDonald Paul & Kim Budd Mark Dreiling Stephanie Dutton Alan & Susie Forker Dr. Alan Grimes Jim Kogel & Larry Harmon David Hunker

Dan Meiners J. David Miller C. Michel Minor & Scott Tansey Scott Reynolds & Klate Reimer Sandy Schermerhorn & Martha Boyd Jerry Schiermeyer Tom Sullivan & Pat Kelley Michel L. Tisdale Lee Vandenbos Ron Williams

ENDOWMENT FUND

SPONSOR...............................................................................................................................................................

Dudley Hogue Dan Hubbard & Ron Smith Dr. Thomas R. Hunt Beth Ingram Brad Johnson Kirby McCullough & Dan Auman P. Alan McDermott Michelle & Dan McElroy Eric Morey & Dustin Greer Todd Neff Kenneth F. Ruhnke Steven L. Sanders Steven F. Smith Dennis Sondker Barbara & Ralph Trites Bob Washburn Todd Wegener James & Jan Wrolstad Ina Kay Zimmerman

Sheldon Andrew Eric Aufdengarten & Dr. Joe Nadeau Cris Barnes Hon. Kay Waldo Barnes Phyllis Becker & Mark Schroer C. L. Boice & B. L. Kincaid Dr. Jim Brandt Ron Bross James Carver John & Kari Clark Kathy & Jim Dunn Joshua Farrell Emily Fowler Gifts in memory of Nick Gold Bill & Paula Hankins Mark Hayes & Mike Irwin Chris Hernandez & Paul Monteil Lisa Hickok Randy Hite

SUBSCRIBER..........................................................................................................................................................

Ralph Oliva Gertrude Field Oliver Joan S. Olsen Alison & Steve Paddock Brian Partlow & Stuart Woody Richard I. Preis Kirk & Kim Reid Daniel Rice Dr. Donald A. Rosenfield Lea & Marianne Rowland Michael Sattler Matt Schulte Michael Seely & Michael Patch Joanie Shoemaker Jacqueline Collins Sigler Jim & Aggie Stackhaus Jarene & Lee Stanford Bradley E. Steffen John & Suzie Stutzer Ellis Thigpen Frank Tubbert Joann Usher & Connie Nyman Gerald Valet Judy Wegener-Stevens Don D. White Barb Wilson & Michelle Fox Sheri & Bob Wood

Tyrone Aiken Robert Anesi & Joe Garza Bruce & Anne Bagley Regina Bartlett Gretchen Blythe & Phil Minix Dan & Sharon Brown Jeannette & Stephen Bruns Will Cooper & Richard Daut Robert V. Deal Dave Draper SuEllen & Harvey Fried David & Peggy Graham Brad Harris Richard Held Rob Hill Stacey Hite Larry Houlton David H. Hughes, Jr. TK Hyatt & Bill Noonan Peter Keeble Joanne Kolosic Dan Kramer John Mark Lambertson John Leakey & Vernon Register Tom Maddox & Randy Clark Greg Maupins Michael Menghini & Mike Shores

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Our

HAPPY HABITAT KC

SERVICES

PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATION

Spare Bedroom Decluttering Toy Sorting and Organization Holiday Decor Storage Kitchen Management Virtual Sessions

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BE HAPPIER IN YOUR HABITAT

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS advertisement

AD ASTRA Latin, meaning “to the stars.” this phrase symbolizes our feelings for the members of HMCKC who have passed ad astra.

Kirk A. Andersen Steven Andrew Buzz Armknecht Rodney L. Bake Anthony Baptist Michael Bates Ralph Behrens Charles Beitler Cindy Bixby David Bond Ron Bross Steven L. Brown Phil Bundy Jim Burrus Robert Busby Steven Capeder John Carey Bill Casey Dick Caskey Thomas D. Clark Byron Coleman James Costa John P. Cousins Lee Crawford John Delemeter Blaine Diaz David Dowler Gerald Downs-Gregory Mark Dreiling Richard Duran Steve Eagan Ken Elder John C. England

Gina Scaggs Epifano James Ford Fred D. Fowler M.D. Monte Fritts Robert Garza Rev. Ken Gies Bob Glinn Alston Green Tony Head Marc Hein Judy Hiebert Richard Hill Jason Huber-Fredin Adam B. Hulstine Dr. Thomas R. Hunt Mark Hutchens Paul Ingold Kevin Jordan Fr. Ambrose Karels Steven Jeffrey Karlin Dan Keith David Killmeyer Fr. Steve LaPrad Jim LaRoche Les Longberg Dennis Lowery Troy Malone Kelly Marzett Rick McAdams Mary Kay McPhee David Ray McGlothlin Brian McLothlin Steve Mehmert

C. Stephen Metzler Clay Miller J. David Miller Tim Moore Lance Moorman Annette N. Morgan Joseph Neal Jeff Nichols Barbara O’Hearne Jesse Penley J. David Perkins Jan Potter Molly Proffer Todd W. Rice Franklin Rieske George A. Robb Damon Roberts Dr. Don Rosenfield Barry Scanlan Neil Shasteen Jerry E. Sims Alex Smith Phil Smith Jarene Stanford Yul Stell Rande Stewart Robert D. Sullivan D.A. Thomas Greg Thomas Scott A. Thomas Mario Torres Scott C. Williams Frank Woltkamp

they have all been stars in our eyes.

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HIV CARE

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ENDOWMENT FUND

DONOR...................................................................................................................................................................

Ann Johnson Kenneth J. LaBudde Liz Miller & Lindy Eakin Susan C. Moehl Judy K. Mullen 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

Lynn & Bob Alfers Carol Arnold Julia Bacon Charles Ballew & Michael Paque Donna Blackwell Mark Bourne & Rod Wilcoxen Ken & Lisa Burden John Corbaley & Jim Dronberger Dennis L. Dobson Ann Duer Jean Dunlap Janice E. Durrett Mac Fechtling John W. Green Debra & Keith Hohly Ann W. Hunt

FRIEND....................................................................................................................................................................

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

Doralee Bader Jay Bosch & Bill Ruprecht Rev. Michael Brecke Jacqueline Engman David Follmer Lewis Gowin Ken & Jeanette Grenz Shirley Grove Molly & Hall Harsh Carol Havenner Anson Kibby Virginia Long

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heartland men's chorus

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

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SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS advertisement

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Heartland Men's Chorus is a proud partner of the

KANSAS CITY PRIDE PERFORMING ARTS COALITION

Please support these and all your local LGBTQIA+ organizations.

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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 March show, Back To The 80s, on Tuesday, December 16 and Sunday, January 4. Sign ups for January 4 will open after December 16 auditions are complete.

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 Spring rehearsal is Tuesday, January 6, 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 contact the Chorus office at (816) 931-3338 or hmc@hmckc.org.

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Choral Spectrum, KC Presents:

Brass & Class John Rutter’s GLORIA Big-Brassy Holiday Favorites!

This holiday season, we are collecting toiletry items for those in need.

Bring your unused, travel-size or standard-size toiletries to the holiday concert and receive free raffle tickets for our holiday prize drawing.

Friday, Dec. 12th, 7:30pm Saturday, Dec. 13th, 7:30pm Sunday, Dec. 14th, 3:00pm Holmeswood Church 9700 Holmes Rd. KCMO 64132 www.choralspectrumkc.org/ticketing

Kick off your holiday season with, Brass & Class, a festive collection of joyful big-band energy and bold classical brilliance. It’s fun, it’s sparkling, and it’s absolutely going to rock your stockings off!

With our new tiered pricing, there’s a ticket option for everyone!

Explore seating choices and grab your tickets now, at: www.choralspectrumkc.org/ticketing.

Want to sing with us?

Auditions for our Spring season will take place on Thursday, January 7th, 4pm-7pm. Learn more and book your audition now, at: www.choralspectrumkc.org/audition-info 42

Saturday, December 13, 2025 at 7:00 PM Gem Theater, American Jazz Museum

Tickets Available at freedomband.com 43

FRIDAY-SUNDAY | MARCH 20-22, 2026 THE FOLLY THEATER TICKETS ONLY AT HMCKC.ORG SEASON 40 2025-2026 SHAWN CULLEN

artistic director & conductor