Saturday, December 6, 2025 | 7:05 PM | Holland Center
MARCH 28, 2026 5:30-9:00 PM
NEW Tenaska Center for. Arts Engagement Event Hall. Be a part of moving the River City Mixed Chorus mission forward: Join us for Momentum, an evening featuring dinner, drinks, spectacular silent auction packages, and one-night-only performances. Purchase your ticket today to help us voice the sound of change!
DR. A. BARRON BRELAND
This is the first of three major concerts during our 42nd Season, and River City Mixed Chorus is delighted to be on this beautiful Holland stage and grateful that you have chosen to spend your evening with us.
In our 2025-2026 Season, we are squarely focused on the themes that have become our persistent and heartfelt refrain – hope, peace, love, and a pronounced, inextinguishable joy. Our deepest desire is that our music tonight lifts your spirits during this holiday season and ignites in you unwavering hope for a more loving and inclusive world.
Tonight’s program includes toetapping favorites, old and new, performed in RCMC’s usual fourpart harmonies with a dash of whimsy and sparkle. RCMC opens with a half of more serious styles, featuring new arrangements of classic songs such as I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day and Lo,
How a Rose E’er Blooming, as well as carols from across the pond such as Wexford Carol and a Welsh Noel. In the second half, we’ll fire up renditions of holiday tunes made famous by icons such as Stevie Wonder, Peter, Paul and Mary, and Bette Midler. Between the dance troupe and the incredible band, you’ll hear songs that remind us that love and hope are not just feelings, but actions, and they are actions that stem from the unalienable worth of each of us. As the lyrics of Looking for the Light so powerfully remind: “Looking for the light, it’s not way out there. It’s right here in you; it’s right here in me.”
And speaking of our own individual sparks, on June 25th, 2026 RCMC will bring to life all of your favorite songs from an iconic era of music, the 1980’s! Join us for Express Yourself: An 80s Celebration here at the Holland, featuring the best of 80s from Madonna to Dolly, from Starship to U2, from Billy Joel to Whitney Houston, and music by celebrated LGBTQ+ and queerfriendly artists such as George Michael, Freddie Mercury, the Indigo Girls, Cyndi Lauper, Prince, and so much more! In true RCMC fashion, there will be something for everyone, and even through the wide range of styles, our music centers intentionally on love, family, hope, and perseverance through these timeless songs and artists. Bring your leg-warmers, big hair, neon threads, shoulder
pads, oversized sweaters and denim, because there will be an 80s-themed afterparty in the lobby - you won’t want to miss this totally rad show!
We also hope you will join us at the Orpheum Theater on April 25th for Considering Matthew Shepard, a three-part oratorio by Craig Hella Johnson that responds to the 1998 murder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student who should be turning 50 years old in 2026. This important work is a musical and textual exploration of the crime, its aftermath, and the broader themes of hate, violence, and compassion, and RCMC cannot wait to bring this critical story to our community. It uses a diverse range of gorgeous choral styles and source material, including newspaper accounts, poetry, and fragments from Shepard's personal writings and diary. Multimedia effects will also help to bring this passion to life, reminding us that we can only move forward with all of us. Tickets are on sale now for the entirety of our 42nd season at rcmc.org.
In this and every concert, we are committed to making music that matters – for you, our audience, for our donors and supporters, and for our singers who are the lifeblood of this organization. We are so grateful for your presence and loving applause as we continue our work of standing for many and singing as one. Thank you for being here, Happy Holidays, and enjoy the show!
One year ago, I gleefully performed with my fellow RCMC singers at our 2024 winter concert, while quietly asking them what they were hoping for in their first Executive Director.
And what a year it was! It has been my absolute honor to serve RCMC and our members, community, donors, patrons, volunteers, Board, nonprofit partners, funders, and so many more. Being a tiny part of the 42-year history of this
As we gather for Hope for the Holidays, my heart is filled with gratitude — for our singers, whose voices lift and inspire us; for our staff and volunteers, whose dedication makes this possible; for our donors whose generosity sustains our mission; and for you, our audience. Your presence transforms our music into something larger — a shared act of hope, connection, and love. This season reminds us that these gifts dwell within each of us.
Scott Focht
Chair
Bill Canney
Vice Chair
Mark Van Kekerix
Treasurer
Mary Oswald
Secretary
John Porter
Membership
Cameron Koenig-Barker
Mission & Engagement
25/26
Addie Barnhart
Board Member
Amy Carey
Board Member
Brian Fahey
Board Member
Seana Fairchild
Board Member
Maggie Ramos
Board Member
Brian Fahey
Nominations
Claire Katan Marketing
incredible chorus is humbling and I am so grateful for the kindness and patience so many of you have granted me. I am inspired and moved by every rehearsal, every story shared, and the hard work, fortitude, love, and passion that has brought us to where we are today. We stand on the shoulders of giants, who have taught us how to use song to fight injustice, find joy, and remain hopeful, always. Together, we rise.
Each time we come together in song, we reaffirm the power of harmony— in music, in community, and in the human spirit. May tonight’s performance remind us of what’s possible when voices, and hearts, unite in hope and love.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I wish you peace, joy, and abiding hope this holiday season.
Frank Wolfe
Board Member
EX-OFFICIO BOARD MEMBERS
Dr. A. Barron Breland
Artistic Director
Katie Kresha
Executive Director
John Porter
Chorus President
On behalf of all the singing members of River City Mixed Chorus, welcome to Hope for the Holidays! The smiling, determined faces onstage tonight have been rehearsing since August to bring you music that shares not only the holiday season, but a deeper sense of hope and the love we hold for one another. And if you would like to be one of those smiling faces next season, email me at audition@ rcmc.org. We have auditions coming up over the next two weeks.
It can feel like a strange time to talk about hope. The world feels heavy and dark, full of fear and hate, and filled with leaders who seem more interested in dividing us than bringing us together. But hope is not naive. It is not pretending that everything is fine while we deck the halls and fa la la. Hope is knowing exactly how heavy things feel and choosing to show up anyway because we believe we can make things better.
Emily Dickinson wrote, “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul.” I like to imagine that little bird with fabulously queer plumage. Lots of color. Maybe a little glitter. Very on brand for us. And honestly, Dickinson herself probably had
enough sapphic energy to power a small Midwestern city, so the image fits.
Hope is a stubborn little bird. It keeps singing inside of us even when the world tries to blow us off of our branch. Thankfully, none of us perch alone. As an LGBTQ+ and allied chorus, we are often seen as a chosen family. We look out for one another. We show up for one another and for our community.
When federal workers went unpaid and SNAP benefits were delayed, our members organized mutual aid and collected food for the community. This fall, folks volunteered all across the city, including building a home with Habitat for Humanity. And when someone is sick or grieving or struggling, people show up without hesitation. Our small ensemble River's Edge performed for numerous events like Transgender Day of Remembrance and the Out of the Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk. These small kindnesses are sparks of light. They help guide us toward a future where LGBTQ+ people, especially our trans, nonbinary, and genderqueer siblings, can live without fear and without the constant threat of losing our rights.
Hope shows up every time a queer kid finally finds someone who sees them.
Hope shows up every time a trans person lives another day on their own terms.
Hope shows up every time a queer couple holds hands in public.
Hope shows up every time we
JOHN PORTER
gather around music or art or pride or protest or community and become a chorus of voices that will not go quiet.
And hope definitely shows up whenever a gay choir figures out how to harmonize and remember choralography at the same time. That alone should qualify as a Christmas miracle.
Earlier this fall, RCMC was invited to sing with the Omaha Symphony for the Holland Center’s 20th Anniversary. We closed the night with selections from Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony, “Ode to Joy.” I often think about the words we sang and how perfectly they reflect the community we have built together.
“Near and far to all we're bringing voices filled with hope and light. Singing brings us all together when our voices would be small. Gives us power undivided now united one and all.”
What a beautiful way to sum up who we are and what we strive to do.
May we keep bringing that light into the world around us, and may we always rise together, standing for many and singing as one.
Piano Sponsors:
Grant Support Provided by: Holland Foundation
Lozier Foundation
The Sherwood Foundation
Public Support Provided by: Nebraska Arts Council & Nebraska Cultural Endowment Douglas County Visitor Improvement Fund
DR. A. BARRON BRELAND
ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
With degrees in Music Theory and Choral Conducting from the University of Georgia and the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, Dr. A. Barron Breland has emerged as a conductor set apart from others by his eclectic skills equipped to perform music from masterworks of the Baroque and Classical eras to great contemporary works of art, including repertoire in various popular styles. Recent choral performances conducted include Considering Matthew Shepard, the Mozart C-minor Mass, Mozart Requiem, Hagenberg’s Illuminare, Forrest’s Requiem for the Living, and Beethoven Mass in C; critics have praised the warmth and communicative power of his performances and choruses.
Breland is in demand throughout the country as a conductor, chorusmaster, clinician, and adjudicator, and he has prepared choruses for Grammy and Tony-winning artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Laura Benanti, John Mellencamp, Norm Lewis, Brian d’Arcy James, and conductors Dale Warland and Ted Sperling. Breland has also served as chorusmaster and prepared numerous works for the Omaha Symphony, including Beethoven’s 9th Symphony, Carmina Burana, Elijah, Messiah, and many others.
Currently, he is the Vice Provost for Faculty & Academic Affairs and Dean of the Graduate School at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska, where previously he was Professor of Music and Chair of the Department of Fine & Performing Arts. He conducted their premiere ensemble, the Creighton University Chamber Choir, and taught classes in music theory, history, and conducting.
Singing from the age of 6, Breland’s first exposure to professional choral music was in 1990 as a member of the Atlanta Boy Choir, where he performed with Robert Shaw and the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, as well as in tours and festivals throughout Europe. Since 2011, he has been the Artistic Director of the River City Mixed Chorus, and in his 15-year tenure with the organization the ensemble has grown to over 170 active singing members, has headlined conferences, performed alongside Grammy-winning Conspirare, and has taken the stages of historic and iconic venues around the region. He is also the Principal Guest Conductor of Résonance, a semi-professional chorus whose debut album Pilgrimage was released in July 2020 on the MSR Classics label. All the ensembles under Breland’s leadership perform regularly with the Omaha Symphony, and all have performed at state and regional ACDA and NMEA conferences.
ADAM WITTE
ASSISTANT ARTISTIC DIRECTOR
Adam Witte has never been one to shy away from a music genre or musical instrument. His tastes, talent, and curiosity run far and wide, taking him on adventures across Europe playing euphonium solos with the University of Nebraska-Omaha Symphonic Wind Ensemble, offering him the chance to play piano on a piece with the Omaha Symphonic Chorus and Omaha Symphony, and leading him to conduct both the University Chorus and Chamber Choir at Creighton University. He is now the Designated Director of Worship and Arts at Countryside Community Church in Omaha, Nebraska, the Christian partner of the Tri-Faith Initiative. In his role there, he conducts the choir and handbell choir in addition to supervising the worship jazz ensemble. After joining as a singing member of River City Mixed Chorus in 2015, he was named Assistant Artistic Director a short year later. River’s Edge, the RCMC small group he conducts, made its Festival debut at the international GALA Festival in Minneapolis in July of 2024. In addition to his work with RCMC and Countryside, Adam is also Assistant Conductor with local semi-professional chorus Résonance.
CECILIA JENSEN
COLLABORATIVE PIANIST
JULIA WIEGERT
CHOREOGRAPHER
LARA MARSH
PRODUCTION MANAGER
Cecilia Jensen is a multidisciplinary musician who's thrilled to be the collaborative pianist for River City Mixed Chorus! She believes one of the best ways to connect to community is to make music together, and couldn't be more excited to do so! Since 2015, she has been a collaborative pianist with various choirs, including several Omaha-area high school choirs, choral festivals, and the Creighton University Chamber Choir and University Chorus. She also enjoys serving as the current music director for Creighton's theater department. Cecilia earned bachelor's and master's degrees in viola performance from the University of Nebraska-Omaha and spent eleven seasons with the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, playing masterworks alongside celebrated musicians like Gil Shaham, Leila Josefowicz, and Audra McDonald. She continues to enjoy playing viola with her trio, Ruckus Strings.
This is Julia’s first opportunity to work with RCMC and she absolutely loved the experience! Julia has worked as a dance teacher/choreographer in the Omaha and St. Louis areas for the last 20 years. Some of her favorite projects include Heathers at Creighton University, Footloose with Ozark Actors Theatre, and her 10 year residency teaching Dancing Classrooms, a program that practices elegance, teamwork, respect, and self confidence through the art of ballroom dance. Thank you Barron and everyone at RCMC for creating a beautiful, inclusive, safe space to practice my art!
Lara has worked in the Omaha Theatre Arts Scene for over thirty years. First rooting herself in stage management, Lara got her Bachelor's Degree from UNO and since, has SM'd over 100 productions; small to large, indoor to outdoor, Shakespeare to Opera, and even Touring. Lara worked for the Nebraska Theatre Caravan for almost two decades, learning the business side of theatre, and picking up directing gigs along the way. Since, she has acquired her Master's at UNO in Theatre Direction and has directed over 30 plays and musicals. She developed her skills enough to be Production Manager at the Nebraska Shakespeare Festival and at Opera Omaha. Lara is currently the Artistic Director for the Omaha Fringe Festival. For Lara, the theatre arts is her passion; storytelling and human compassion are the most important goals to this lifestyle, whether through a play, through singing, through dance, through the arts. The arts make the world go round.
ARTISTIC & PRODUCTION TEAM
Dr. A. Barron Breland
Artistic Director & Conductor
Adam Witte
Assistant Artistic Director
Cecilia Jensen
Collaborative Pianist
Julia Wiegert
Choreographer
Irene Hawkins
Rebecca Rotert Shaw
Dance Captains
Stephanie Vik
ASL Interpreter
Katie Kresha Executive Director
Travis Mullins
Chorus Manager
Lara Marsh
Production Manager
Valerie Haynes
Librarian
Jared Cunningham
Attire/Costume Coordinator
thinkMOTION Studio
Videographer & Video Production
Craig Marsh, Pink Giraffe Audio
Sound Recording
IATSE Local 42
Stagehands & Electricians
Thomas Grady
Photography
Event Photographer
Anne Nagosky
Violin
Andrew Bukowinski
Cello
Will Karpf
Matthew Storie Woodwinds
Jason Johnson
Marcus Nunez
Trumpet
Shawn Bell
Trombone
Mark Haar
Bass Guitar
Colin Duckworth
Guitar
Vince Krysl Drums & Percussion
Kimberly Pearce Synthesizer
SECTION LEADERS
Soprano
Sarah Chamberlin
Brittany Wineinger
Alto
Michaela Baumeister
Mariah Frahm
Tenor
Dr. Donald Callen Freed
Micah Oswald
Bass
Dylan Phelps
Eric Rodine
Tickets on sale TONIGHT in the lobby!
Just one Big Gay Lottery ticket enters you into 58 drawings - each with a prize of $100, $200, or $500. Just one raffle ticket and you could win an epic basket of prizes. TWO great ways to support your favorite chorus!
SOPRANO
Natalia Alamdari | 4
Anne Barker# | 24
Sam Bates | 12
Katya Brunette | 14
Sarah Chamberlin | 7
Amy Dirgo | 6
Gina Durfee* | 6
Miri Elliott | 4
Jules Ervin | 1
Arlo Foster-White | 7
Carolyn Gehringer | 12
Dakota Ghegan | 11
Janet Goodman | 6
Connie Grant-Leanna | 24
Rita Grossenstein | 17
Sarah Hannigan^ | 1
Naomi Harrison-Carlson | 8
Valerie Haynes* | 19
Emme Hooks | 1
Micaela Hoyer* | 22
Emily Koenig-Barker | 19
Katie Kresha* | 4
Erin Malm* | 4
Kaylei Margheim | 4
Julie McCabe | 4
Jillian McCall | 24
Hannah Lee Miller | 10
Noelle Miscinski# | 1
Alyssa Nelson# | 17
Crystal Olson* | 25
Heather Pash | 7
Anita Pecor* | 8
Aubrey Rawles | 1
Deanna Reilly | 8
Rebecca Rotert Shaw | 11
Stephany Rother | 1
Laurie Salonen | 3
Caryn Scheer# | 11
Randi Scoggins# | 1
Robin Sheldrake^ | 22
Melody Simpson | 3
Katie Spicka | 1
Lynell Stafford | 20
Suzy Stark | 22
Denneal Stauffer | 12
Jaimee Trobough | 8
Alex Van Cleave# | 9
Shannon Waite | 1
Rachael Watkins | 6
Maret Wibel | 4
Brittany Wineinger^ | 12
The lapel pins worn by RCMC members are symbols of pride that showcase their singing appearances. The colors correlate to the number of concerts in which the member participated.
Jenna Wirth | 3
Emma Woods | 1
Samantha Zarders* | 4
Michaela Baumeister ^ | 10
Ashe Bechtel | 9
Jordyn Bingham# | 2
Katie Bruckman | 1
Bud Budowski | 1
Jeanne Cahill | 7
Karen Davidson-Fisher* | 39
Freya Dunham* | 7
Danielle Emsick | 16
Rebecca Erdman | 3
Emily Ertzner# | 21
Laura Finken | 30
Mariah Frahm | 22
Sarah Graff | 4
Jasmine Harris-Wells | 1
Irene Hawkins# | 11
Katherine Higbee* | 14
Michelle Jansen-Griswold | 16
Gloria Jensen | 33
Claire Katan ^ | 10
Madelyn Kazmierski | 8
Erika Kirby | 7
Taylor Knopik | 1
Laura Leeds | 21
Ashley Lemke | 7
Jess Livingston | 3
Julie Major-Frunz | 10
Deb Manning | 16
Christa McCall | 10
Emily McConnell* | 2
Joyce McVicker | 29
Nancy Mealey | 28
Katie Miller | 1
Lora Miller | 6
Linda Moorman | 1
Forest Pierce* | 6
Grace Piteo | 3
Rachel Poulsen | 1
Yolenna Regmi | 1
Vicki Rushlau | 31
Kjersten Schuttler | 7
Kayleen Serfass | 6
Julie Shaffer | 7
Julie Sharp | 14
Tori Strubbe | 4
Carol Svolos | 9
Sally Swoboda | 4
Michelle Tarantino | 21
Rebecca Townley | 1
CeCe Tuttle | 1
Rose Uhrich^ | 11
Ami Uribe | 3
Ali Williams | 1
Elizabeth Wood | 6
Michele Yindrick* | 27
Alex Young^ | 9
TENOR
Matthew Bang | 20
Karma LiLoLa Bustillos, Jr.* | 2
Lucie Case | 4
Quinn Constantino | 1
Bryan Crawford^ | 30
Jared Cunningham | 9
Sarah Davis | 1
David Ellis | 9
Dennis Fellhauer | 18
Zach Fisher | 3
Donald Callen Freed^ | 14
Cornelius Glas-Miller | 1
Chole Hawkins | 16
Christopher Hill | 10
Jon Holloway-Wallace^ | 29
David Hoylman | 3
LuAnn McClarnon | 16
Josh McDougall | 1
Kayla McKain* | 5
Jerry Meis | 28
Richard Murpy | 17
Cara Neufeld | 3
Micah Oswald | 10
Sara Pecor | 9
Lee Scott^ | 4
Sam St. Clair | 1
Logan Steiner | 9
Junie Stonewood# | 9
Mark Van Kekerix | 41
Shaelle Velyrre | 5
Mark Weber | 3
Robin Welchans | 7
Chris Wicklund | 1
Danica Williams | 3
Kaitryn Williams# | 9
Larry Wilson* | 45
BASS
Shawn Ammon | 3
Trent Behr | 1
Isaak Belongia | 3
Stan Brown | 78
Nate Bunnyfield | 3
Bill Canney | 25
Mitch Crouse | 6
Isaac Elliott | 1
Brendan Gepson | 1
Fernando Guardado | 4
Andrew Hillmer | 3
Maxwell Hobday | 6
Chris Holst | 64
Jason Hsi ^ | 6
Maj Jafari | 1
Donald-Brian Johnson* | 13
Ryan King | 4
Zeke Krejci-Hyde | 1
Cameron Koenig-Barker | 24
Andrew McCullough | 9
Scott Miller* | 25
Stephen Moore | 15
Gedi Murauskas | 11
Jack Noden | 9
RJ Noriega# | 1
Marcus Pennell | 5
Dylan Phelps | 10
John Porter^ | 16
Eric Rodine^ # | 16
Rob Rutar | 5
Jacob Schultz-Cummins | 8
Steven Spencer | 11
Grae Steele ^ | 10
Adam Steinbach | 16
Erik Strickland | 1
Brett Toay | 18
Cody Van Dorin | 6
Joachim Voss | 4
Adam Witte^ | 23
Jordan Wood | 1
Tony Wredt | 13
Phil Zellner | 18
^ River’s Edge
# Featured Dancer
* Leave of Absence
GOD BLESS US EVERYONE
Words & Music by Alan Silvestri & Glen Ballard | Arranged by Joseph M. Martin
A WELSH NOEL
Words adapted from anonymous text "Welsh New Year's Eve"
Music by Dave & Jean Perry
CAROL OF THE BELLS
Traditional Ukranian Bell Carol | New Words & Arranged by Jeff Funk
LO, HOW A ROSE/THE ROSE
Words & Music by Michael Praeorius | Words & Music by Amanda McBroom
Arranged by Craig Hella Johnson
Sarah Graff, Deb Manning, Michelle Jansen-Griswold, mezzo soprano
WINTER SONG
Words & Music by Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson | Arranged by Mac Huff
Anne Nagosky, violin
Andrew Bukowinski, cello
THE WEXFORD CAROL
Traditional Irish Carol | New Words & Arranged by Victor C. Johnson
Andrew Bukowinski, cello
Emily Koenig-Barker, soprano
LIGHT THE LEGEND
Words by Susan Nurenberg | Hebrew Words by Steven Reuben
Music by Michael Isaacson
A LIGHT OF HOPE, A SONG OF PEACE
Words & Music by Mark Burrows | Arranged by Andy Beck
LIKE A RIVER IN MY SOUL
Traditional Spiritual | Arranged by Tim Osiek
Edited by Dan Forrest
I HEARD THE BELLS ON CHRISTMAS DAY
Words by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow | Music by John Baptiste Calkin
New Words & Arranged by Ryan O'Connell
— 20-MINUTE INTERMISSION —
Cash bars are available in the lobbies. Be sure to check out RCMC’s raffle basket fundraiser in the main lobby on the Orchestra level to purchase a chance to win a gift basket!
All raffle proceeds benefit RCMC’s Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund.
Words & Music by George Gordy, Allen Story, & Anna Gordy Gaye
Arranged by Mac Huff
YOU MAKE IT FEEL LIKE CHRISTMAS
Words & Music by Blake Shelton, Justin Tranter, Michael Busbee, & Gwen Stefani
Arranged by Mac Huff
FROM A DISTANCE (CHRISTMAS VERSION)
Words & Music by Julie Gold | Arranged by Mark Brymer
ZAT YOU, SANTA CLAUS?
Words & Music by Jack Fox | Arranged by Kirby Shaw
NOTHING RHYMES WITH CHRISTMAS
Words & Music by Julian R. Fleisher | Arranged by Lisa DeSpain
Julie Sharp, mezzo soprano
John Porter & Jon Holloway-Wallace, baritone
Annie Barker, soprano
Eric Rodine, bass-baritone
LIGHT ONE CANDLE
Words & Music by Peter Yarrow | Arranged by Jack Zaino
Julie Shaffer, mezzo soprano
Arlo Foster-White, soprano
LOOKING FOR THE LIGHT (A SONG OF WINTER)
Words by Jerry Colker | Music & Additional Words by Adam Podd & Matt Podd
Deanna Reilly, soprano
I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY
Words & Music by Roy Wood | Arranged by Jack Zaino
Nebraska Zen Center/Heartland Temple is a Soto Zen Buddhist community dedicated to meditation, study, and the cultivation of compassion and wisdom in our lives and in our community.
We are a refuge, where people of all backgrounds can learn about Zen Buddhism, practice in fellowship with others, and pursue the project of awakening.
https://nebraskazencenter.org
Saturday, April 25, 2026 | 7:05 PM Orpheum Theater
Experience this powerful meditation on love, loss, and the enduring call for compassion and justice as RCMC honors the life and legacy of Matt Shepard.
rcmc.org/concerts
Saturday, June 27, 2026 | 7:05 PM Holland Center
This totally bodacious concert will keep you moving to the beat with iconic hits, neon vibes, and a whole lot of fun! Don’t forget your dancing shoes!
rcmc.org/concerts
Celebrate the season with Omaha Public Library!
• Check out holiday music, movies, cookbooks and more.
• Download/stream music using Freegal, and stream movies using Kanopy.
• Access popular recipes through New York Times Cooking. Visit omahalibrary.org to get started.
Art opens us up to new possibilities and inspires us to think differently. It brings colors, sounds, feelings and stories to our communities. That’s why U.S. Bank invests in the creative endeavors of visual and performing arts organizations across the United States. Our communities are enriched, inspired and better for it.
Omaha 72nd - Dodge 222 S 72nd St Omaha, NE 68114-4668
Congratulations on another inspiring season!
Thank you for spreading the joy of music in a harmonious declaration of pride!
We are proud to be part of this community. We are proud to be part of this community.
Patty Talbert Anthony Peña
Did you know that RCMC offers a smaller ensemble, River’s Edge, that’s ready to entertain you and your guests on any occasion? Weddings, birthdays, work functions, you name it.
Head to rcmc.org to book River’s Edge for your next gathering.
FOUNDING MEMBERS for bravely putting into motion their dream of a more inclusive Omaha.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS, COMMITTEE CHAIRS, AND COMMITTEE MEMBERS who donate their time to ensure that our organization continues to thrive through every season.
CLAIRE KATAN AND SHAELYN OSWALD for volunteering many hours in support of our marketing and social media and helping us spread our message of inclusivity as far as the internet reaches.
TONY WREDT for coordinating volunteers to setup and strike RCMC’s rehearsal space every week.
CHOLE HAWKINS for running the weekly raffle fundraiser during rehearsals in support of RCMC's GALA Fund.
DENNIS FELLHAUER AND BRIAN WEDEMEIER for the creation of raffle baskets and helping to make the raffle fundraiser benefitting RCMC's Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund a success, along with our amazing section leaders and singers who donated items.
CHUCK MARTENS AND BRENDA MOSKOVITS for volunteering to serve dinner to singers during Tech Week.
MADE IN OMAHA, PERENNIAL HOMESTEAD, FARRELL'S BODYSHAPING, IDLE WINE & GOODS, PRAIRIE IN BLOOM, AND VIC'S POPCORN for dontating items for the raffle fundraiser supporting the Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund.
RICHARD MURPHY AND ERIC RODINE for helping to load and transport Christmas trees and other decorations for tonight's performance.
CHRIS ACKER OF MIXING ROOM STUDIOS AND HANK KUHLMANN for creating the pre-concert greeting.
NATE DODGE for providing RCMC with storage space for our stage decorations and other large items.
GEDI MURAUSKAS, SARAH HANNIGAN, NATE BUNNYFIELD, ERIN MALM, LOGAN STEINER, ISAAC ELLIOTT, SARA PECOR, JARED CUNNINGHAM, and all of the singing members who have volunteered to represent RCMC at community events this year.
VICKI RUSHLAU AND ANITA PECOR for volunteering their time and talents to help with adminstrative tasks and outreach in support of RCMC.
FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH, PASTOR MORITA TRUMAN, AND STAFF for providing RCMC with weekly rehearsal space and storage for RCMC’s music library and other materials critical to our success as an organization.
MIKE HOGAN, DAVE WINGERT, AND DAVE WEBBER for enabling us to get the word out about RCMC and our mission to your KIOS, Boomer Radio, and WOWT audiences.
UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA-OMAHA BARBARA WEITZ COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT CENTER for providing space and use of virtual meeting equipment for RCMC’s monthly Board meetings.
GORDON KRENTZ, DEB MANNING, JAIMEE TROBOUGH, REBECCA ERDMAN, CLAIRE KATAN and board members for leading the planning for RCMC's fundraising gala, coming up on March 28, 2026 [details on the front inside cover].
$1 – $249
$250– $499
Recognition of donation in concert programs
Recognition of donation in concert programs
One (1) ticket to each of next 2 major concerts
Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)
$500– $999
Recognition of donation in concert programs
Two (2) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts
Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)
Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event
$1,000 – $2,499
Recognition of donation in concert programs
Four (4) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts
Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)
Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event
$2,500 – $4,999
Recognition of donation in concert programs
Six (6) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts
Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)
Recognition of your support during our concerts
Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event
MAESTRO
$5,000 +
Recognition of donation in concert programs
Six (6) tickets each to the Winter, Spring, & Summer concerts
Priority seating at concerts (must RSVP)
Recognition of your support during our concerts
Invitation to an annual Donor Appreciation Event
Dinner for Four (4) with RCMC’s Artistic Director
As a non-profit organization, we rely on the generosity of our allies to help us continue our mission to create exceptional musical experiences to support diversity, inspire change, and empower communities. We are so grateful for the support of our Producer Circle of Giving. To become a member and take advantage of our donor benefits, make a donation online at rcmc.org
Contributions from December 1, 2024 – November 25, 2025. Momentum donations not included at this time.
MAESTRO $5000+
Jon Holloway-Wallace & Randy
Wallace
In memory of Kitty Holloway
George Kleine & Tom Knox
VIRTUOSO $2500-$4999
David & Susan P Davies
Patricia Gromak
Scott Focht
Daniel McCarthy
Lynne Mytty & Jana Martin
Tom Nielsen & Kevin Rose
In memory of Tom Mertz
Mark Van Kekerix
PRODIGY $1000-$2499
Roger Bennett
Debra & Christian Christensen
Mark & Ginny Curley
Jody Durand
Laura & David Finken
Lee Foster
In memory of Arvin Schmidt
Bob Hoppe
In memory of John Hall
Gail Jensen & Judith Gale
Hank Kuhlmann & Donald-Brian
Johnson
Thomas Liefer
Penny & Tom May
Kelly & Brian Robbins
Thomas Stalnaker
Joachim Voss & Don Horn
Anonymous
DIVAS $500-$999
J. Scott & Anne Barker
James Blachnik
Patricia & Armand Boudreau
Don & Barbara Bredthauer
Randall Donner & Ron Chase
David Ellis & Mark Nation-Ellis
Dennis Fellhauer & Brian Wedemeier
Mary Beth Foral
Bill Gaus
Victor Hahn
Dan & Cindy Heidelberg
Larry & Laura Leeds
Ann Lewis Henkin & Joseph Henkin
Cindy Ludwig
Deb Manning & Bill Sukstorf
Monty J McClean
Laura Pierce & Melissa O'Connor
In memory of Dean Pierce
Peg & Jim Schneider
Mark Schulze
Carol & Tom Svolos
Elizabeth Wood
SOLOISTS $250-$499
Mary Anna & Clyde Anderson
Thomas Clarkin
Thomas & Sara Dean
In honor of RCMC's Staff & Board of Directors
Kevin Hutchinson
Michelle Jansen-Griswold
David & Carol Johnson
Gordon Krentz & Thomas Simons
In memory of Dean Pierce
Mary McHale
In honor of Tom Simons
Dave Nelson
Susan Peters
Beth Rundquist
James & Susan Tracy
Rebecca Wiegand & Marvin Van Kekerix
PERFORMERS $1-$249
Laura Albee
In memory of Kimberly Grove
Shawn Ammon
Addie Barnhart
Nic Batterton
Ashley Bejsovec
Buster Brown & Lynn Corbeil
Stan Brown & Scott Miller
In memory of Ray Vondrak
Andrea Butler
Rohn Collins
Karen Davidson-Fisher
Carrie Duffy
Isaac Elliott
Koty Embree
Jon Gathje
Aimee Gibson
Janet Goodman
James Graf
DeWayne Greim
Vicki Grunwald
Tara Haar
In memory of Dean Pierce
Sara Hahn & Ben Greenberg
Carol Hall
Sarah Hanningan
Anthony Harris & David Kresha
Chole Hawkins
Renae Hinrichs & Lynnette Zurek
In honor of Kathy Higbee &
Michele Yindrick
Chris Holst
Micaela Hoyer
Lori Justman
Laurie Katan
Lisa Kelly
Dr. Ali Khan
Justin King
Erika Kirby
Katie Kresha
Susan Koenig
Michael & Carol LaCroix
Paul Landry
Sherryl Lilley
Jeffrey Lulf
Michael & Karen Markey
LuAnn McClarnon
Michael McKain
Bob & Kathy McMeen
Nancy Mealey
Lora Miller
Anthony Mitera
Steven Mohr
Stephen Moore
Linda Moorman
Janis Mullins
Loren & Iola Mullins
Gedi Murauskas
Dorothy Neill
Cara Neufeld
Carol Novich
Mary Oswald
Heather Pash
Gregory Pierson
Kenneth Rood
Philip Schatz
In honor of John & Janice Storey
Caryn & Marc Scheer
Juli Sherry
Myron Sikora
Don Slaughter
Greyson Smith
Sam St. Clair
Corey Stafford
Lynell Stafford
Suzy Stark
Denneal Stauffer
Savannah Stenzel
Michelle Tarantino
Pamela Thiele
In honor of Julie Major-Frunz
Jerry Tyrrell & Andy Nelson
Kim Van Cleave
Barbara Widman
Jerry Woolstrum
Jaydee Worden & Timothy Held
Leah Wyatt
Joseph Yindrick
In honor of Kathy Higbee & Michele Yindrick
Michele Yindrick
Samantha Zarders
DONATIONS & GRANT FUNDING
Augustana Lutheran Church
Boys Town Bunge
Countryside Community Church
Conagra Brands Foundation (employee match)
Deluxe Corporation Foundation (employee match)
Douglas County
Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska
Farm Credit Services of America
Farrell's Bodyshaping
First Plymouth Congregational Church
First United Methodist Church (in-kind)
Fraser Stryker PC LLO
Gelb Production
Holland Foundation
Holy Cross Lutheran ELCA
Kiewit Corporation (employee match)
Kroger
Land O'Lakes (employee match)
Lozier Foundation
Madrigala et. al
Midlands Community Foundation
Mutual of Omaha
Nebraska Arts Council
Network for Good
Omaha Community Foundation -
LGBTQIA2S+ Equality Fund
Omaha Performing Arts
Omaha Steaks
Pacific Life (employee match)
PayPal Giving Fund
Sherwood Foundation
The Auto Club Group (employee match)
Toast (employee match)
Trinity Episcopal Church
UHG (employee match)
US Bank
Walmart (employee match)
Anonymous
The Ryan-Knicely Scholarship Fund was created to ensure that there are no financial barriers to being a member of the Chorus for anyone who wishes to sing. Chorus members in need of financial assistance can apply to the Board of Directors for help from the Fund with covering Chorus-related expenses.
Contributions from December 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025
Patricia & Armand Boudreau
Isaac Elliott
Dennis Fellhauer & Brian Wedemeier
Micaela Hoyer
Laura Leeds
Nancy Mealey
Suzy Stark
Elizabeth Wood
RCMC Concert Raffle Basket Fundraisers
The River City Mixed Chorus Endowment Fund was established by the Board of Directors in 2015. Administered by the Omaha Community Foundation, the Endowment Fund is a resource that will help ensure the long-term financial health of the Chorus. The Fund is set up so that the principal is not used, but proceeds from the principal will help fund the annual budget.
Contributions from July 1, 2015 – November 30, 2025
Randall Donner & Ron Chase
Bill Gaus
Andrea Grover
Valerie Haynes & Dee Ramm
Nan Knicely Estate Trust
Frank & Penny Kowal
Gedi Murauskas
Jeff Nelson
Mary Lou Ruh Estate Trust
Allan Stamler
Carol Svolos
RCMC Board of Directors
Approximately 260 miles on an unexceptional stretch of I-80 that left plenty of time for life-altering discussions, six friends went to see the Twin Cities Gay Men’s Chorus’ one-night-only performance in Des Moines. The year was 1984 — the same year that GALA Choruses, the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses, was founded. That night changed everything.
On the drive home, the friends discussed the need to spread the same messages of love, unity, inclusion, acceptance, and empowerment within their own community. They organized The Mid City Chorus with three other friends, nine men and one woman, and had their first performance at a variety show for the Metropolitan Community Church of Omaha. The reception was overwhelming. Their second performance was a Christmas concert at The Max. Around that time, the founding members officially changed the name of the Chorus to River City Mixed Chorus (RCMC) and solidified their place in GALA.
Since our humble beginnings, we’ve grown to more than 160 singing members, with hundreds of performances and sold-out holiday shows. We’re determined to make you laugh, make you think, and, more importantly, give you a sense of belonging.
There are times when unimaginable acts of tragedy unleash our inner courage and fuel us to act. This was such a time.
In the fall of 1978, San Francisco Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician in American history, and Mayor George Moscone were heartlessly assassinated in San Francisco City Hall. The event sent shockwaves through the gay and lesbian community. That evening, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus gathered on the steps of City Hall and held it’s very first public performance. At the time, the word “gay” in a chorus name was unheard of.
Three years later, the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus toured the US, forever changing the lives of millions of people and inspiring the formation of many new gay and lesbian choruses.
By 1984, fourteen of those choruses bonded together to found what is now the largest gay and lesbian choral organization in the world —the Gay and Lesbian Association of Choruses (GALA Choruses). GALA Choruses has since grown to more than 10,000 singers from more than 190 choruses, all sharing in the common mission of empowering LGBTQ+ Choruses as they change the world through song. It was because of that fateful day and heartbreaking tragedy that many choruses were able to find their voices.
Italian, meaning “final song.” In our hearts they will always live. Their love, their voices, and their smiles are forever imprinted in our minds. The River City Mixed Chorus remembers past members who have sung their canto ultimo.
Chuck
Alan
Chip
Jerry Kruse
Jerry Peck
Johnathan
John
Marilyn
Norm
Tim
Joel
Brandon
Vance
Fritz
Steven
Jonathan D. Cole
Ronnie
Bruce Beyersdorf
Mark Farmer
Aleta Fenceroy
Mike Maciejewski
Elmorine McKiernan
Aramando E. Andrade
Kathy England
Craig Boetger
Pat Phalen
Peggy Ryan
Rich Ketter
Betty Dorr
Nan Knicely
Alexandra Nather
Douglas Steinkruger
Anne Boyle
Duane Lundeen
Peggy Zellner
Martin Hanna
Dennis Pierce
Brian D. Adams
John Coe
Michael Dantzler
John Hall
Tim Smith
Frank McKee
Judy Hancock
Mark Ledbetter
Deb Melichar
Wendy Wright
Vik Dainauskas
Susan Adams
LOVED THE SHOW?
Found yourself bobbing your head and tapping your feet to the music? Pictured yourself on stage singing with our talented crew? You’re in luck; we saved a spot just for you.
Our next round of auditions will be held December 8, 2025 at First United Methodist Church Omaha. Email us at audition@rcmc.org to reserve your spot.
In the meantime, you can peruse our commonly asked questions at rcmc.org
Support RCMC and reach a wider audience by advertising your business in our concert programs. For specific details and ad packages, email marketing@rcmc.org or call 402-341-SING (7464)
GET IN TOUCH
contact@rcmc.org | 402-341-7476 | PO Box 3267, Omaha NE, 68103 | rcmc.org
Unity of Omaha offers practical spirituality, positive energy, and a welcoming environment for every soul seeking to develop their peace and purpose. Join us Sundays at 10:30am for uplifting messages and joyful music! Sunday Service
In-Person & Online 10:30AM 3424 N. 90th Street Omaha unityomaha.org
