Singing & Board Member – Steve Dodge

While I was born in Southeast Missouri, I lived in Michigan for seven years before my family returned to Dexter, Missouri. I graduated from Southeast Missouri State University with a degree in Speech Pathology and earned a Master’s Degree in Special Education Administration from Central Missouri University. I retired from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Section of Special Education, as a Director of Instruction. After a year of consulting, a good friend called and asked me to work in her new restaurant. She taught me about cooking, and that has become a passion of mine in retirement. After ten years at the restaurant, I decided I was ready to REALLY retire.

I previously served on the Board from 1996 – 2003. I thought I was finished with my board role when I was asked to complete the term of a member who had resigned. I agreed to do so because I feel like the chorus is poised for a period of exciting growth, and I wanted to take an active role in that growth and development.  When the day comes that I no longer sing with the chorus, I want to feel confident that I have done everything I can to ensure its wellbeing and longevity.

My first HMC concert was the holiday concert of 1995, and I have sung in every concert since that time.  My favorite part is the excitement and energy on stage as we wait for the concert to begin.

Heartland Men’s Chorus plays a vital role in the Kansas City Arts Community. For the last 34 years, the chorus has entertained with a variety of musical styles, while also being a voice for social justice and equality.  

I feel like I live my life with a music score playing in my head all the time. My friends know that I have an uncanny knack for remembering lyrics. Singing provides me with an outlet for that music that is always swirling around me. I cannot imagine life without music.

– Steve Dodge

Sponsor Spotlight – Aspis Consulting

Aspis Consulting joined as a sponsor during Season 37 and has continued to support the chorus in so many ways. The cybersecurity consulting firm also became part of our Disney Producer’s Circle that helped HMCKC produce and bring to the stage at the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, ‘Disney Pride in Concert.’

Aspis Consulting’s values include community and diversity. There is no greater joy for us than when our values align with a worthy community organization. By sponsoring a local arts organization such as the chorus, we live our values and display our authentic selves out loud.  We view our partnership as an investment into a shared mission of building community, celebrating pride, and empowering authenticity.” 

 

Jeff Wagner, Aspis

Meet New HMCKC Board Member: Danny Shervington-Bair

The HMCKC Board of Directors welcomed two new members starting in August. One of those is very familiar with the chorus because he is also a singing member. Danny Shervington-Bair is no stranger to the stage and also to Kansas City. Danny joined HMCKC in January of 2022 and his first concert was ‘Whitney’ in March of 2022. 

“I joined the HMC Chorus and the board because it has helped me find my voice within the LGBTQ+ community. Singing with this vibrant group not only rekindled my passion for music but also provided a creative outlet that I had been missing for years. Moreover, being part of this community work has helped me build my confidence and become more actively involved in making a positive impact,” says Shervington-Bair.

See Danny and the rest of the chorus in ‘A Very Merry Christmas Pageant’ December 2nd and 3rd at the Folly Theater and December 10th at Yardley Hall. Tickets at hmckc.org.

Dudley’s Dish: Holiday Concerts, Season Tickets Still Available, & Cabaret!

Welcome 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