As chorus historian, I want to share some fond memories of the chorus with you. This is to benefit those visiting our website who may not know the history of Heartland Men’s Chorus, as well as bring back warm remembrances for those of us that have lived it.
In rehearsals this fall, we have been practicing the song, “Way Ahead of My Time” (better known to HMC members as “The Caveman Song”). It’s a very fun and funny song to sing, especially for a men’s chorus. The chorus first performed it in 2015 as part of the Modern Families concert. The two soloists were John Edmonds and Steven Karlin (see photos by Susan McSpadden). 
Sadly, Steven passed away in 2016 at the young age of 29. The chorus sang at his memorial service and his name is now listed in the Ad Astra section of our programs.
A consummate performer, before donning a caveman costume, Steven dressed up as “Oliver Button,” performing the lead role when the chorus reprised the musical from the children’s book Oliver Button is a Sissy, written by author Tomie dePaola. The chorus performed Oliver Button is a Sissy as part of the When I Knew concert and at the GALA Festival in Denver in 2012 with narrator Dan Savage, American author, journalist and LGBT activist (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dan_Savage). As an aside, HMC first performed Oliver Button is a Sissy in 2001 with well-known Kansas City actor Tom Lancaster playing the role of “Oliver Button.” At that performance, author Tomie dePaola narrated his book onstage with us at the Folly Theater.
This Sunday, October 28th, Heartland Men’s Chorus will perform “Way Ahead of My Time” as part of our concert From The Heart, the closing concert of the Open Spaces festival. Performed at 3:30 p.m. in Swope Park, we will dedicate this concert to the memory of a fabulous entertainer and friend, Steven Karlin.
We hope you’ll join us.
Randy Hite
Founding Member
Heartland Men’s Chorus
