Jenny Harris-Patterson began her friendship with Heartland Men’s Chorus in 2015.
It all started when she stated, “I am here to help, and I will do whatever.” She assisted with two Dinner of Notes and then was asked to chair the event. Her two-year commitment turned into a four-year commitment!
“To me, being asked to join the board is an absolute honor. It means I can give my talents, my suggestions, and feedback to help move the chorus into the future,” says Harris-Patterson. “HMC does not disappoint with the concerts and the wonderful, meaningful messages that come with that music. To support the chorus means to support not only the members of the chorus and what this group means to them but also the wonderful music that is created for the Kansas City community.”
Jenny has loved every minute of planning, organizing, and community involvement that HMC offers her and can often be counted on for treats as she loves to bake. Jenny has worked for Saint Luke’s Health System for 19 years as the Child Care Center Director at the plaza location. Jenny is from St. Louis (Go Cards! Imos pizza is the best!) and is married to her husband, James Patterson.
Dudley’s Dish: Holiday Concerts, Season Tickets Still Available, & Cabaret!
/in BlogWelcome to Season 38!
The Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City is thrilled to be preparing for the first concert of the 38th season of building community, celebrating pride, and empowering authenticity! Our concert lineup is stellar – with three main stage concert productions, HeartAches cabaret show, and outreach performances throughout the community.
We are working hard here at HMCKC to upgrade systems – and that includes being able to provide digital e-tickets! Season ticket holders and individual ticket purchasers now have the option of choosing the e-ticket option when reserving your seats. We hope this option allows further convenience for our audiences who choose this option! And season tickets are still available! Call or email me at the number and email address below if you need to join as a season ticket holder.
I can’t believe that this is the 38th year that the Chorus has been singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance in Kansas City and the region – because I’ve been around for most of them! This year we will once again take the Chorus to the GALA Choruses Festival in Minneapolis and share with the LGBTQIA+ Choral World what we are so proud of here in Kansas City – The Heartland Men’s Chorus – truly one of the best choruses in the movement and beyond. During this season we will also begin planning for our Ruby Anniversary – our 40th year – in 2025-2026. It will be here before you know it, and we’ve got all kinds of things in the works. You won’t want to miss it.
As always, we count on your support in order to advance our mission and vision. Please visit hmckc.org to donate at whatever level is comfortable for you. Giving is available in many ways, including one-time donations, stock gifts, legacy giving, and ongoing gifts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email me at 816-931-3338 or dudley@hmckc.org.
See you at the concerts!
Dudley
Meet Lamar Sims Celebrating 20 Years With HMCKC
/in BlogSeason 38 brings quite the milestone we will be recognizing all season. HMCKC accompanist, Lamar Sims is celebrating his 20th year with the chorus.
Such well-deserved recognition! We are so grateful for the commitment and talent Lamar has brought to our mission and vision.
Lamar is also the principal accompanist for OUTside Voices KC, among other ensembles.
You can hear Lamar next in our upcoming performances of Princes of Pop, March 22-24 at the Folly Theater. More info at hmckc.org.
HMCKC HeartAches Return!
/in BlogFor two decades now, the Heartland Men’s Chorus has utilized a small group of singers to perform different styles of music while representing the chorus when all 90-150 members weren’t available. From difficult acapella barbershop music, classical chamber selections, or Broadway-style theatrical moments, the HMC small ensemble was often the first boots on the ground delivering the mission of HMCKC into the KC community.
The first small ensemble of HMC was called “Heartbeat”, created under the leadership of Reuben Reynolds III in the Spring of 1992. Under the leadership of Joe Nadeau, “The Heartaches” were born and stayed together through his final performance in 2014. The ensemble then changed its name to “The Burnt Ends” with Artistic Director Dustin Cates and kept that name through 2019, the start of Artistic Director Shawn Cullen’s tenure with HMCKC. After the COVID-19 Pandemic, HMC reemerged with 77 singers, and the focus was on building back the full ensemble, but now, 140 strong, Artistic Director Shawn Cullen has resurrected the small ensemble, embracing the name of the longest tenure of success, “The Heartaches”. Auditioned this past July 2023, 16 members of HMC have been chosen as members and made their debut performance with Liz Callaway and Ann Hampton Callaway at this season’s Evening of Note.
Look for The Heartaches during this season’s holiday production and save the date(s) February 8, 9, and 10 as The HeartAches perform their stand-alone cabaret, “What’s Love Got To Do With It” at the Black Box Theater, just in time for Valentine’s Day 2024.