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
‘Y’all Means All’ Member Spotlight: Evan Childress
/in BlogFor Evan Childress, Y’all Means All is about more than just country music—it’s about belonging.
“There are so many aspects to country music outside of the stereotypes that immediately come to mind,” Evan explains. “We highlight the influence women, the queer community, and Black people have had on country music—history that sometimes gets lost in the mainstream. Country music is about telling stories, and in a time when people in power are trying to rewrite history and change how this country looks, this production shows that our voices matter and that we must keep telling our stories.”
A Moment to Remember
Evan is most excited about performing the Brokeback Mountain Suite.
“It’s such a sweet, sad, and beautiful piece of music, and I’ve cried every time we’ve rehearsed it,” they admit. “But also just being on stage! Looking out into the audience and seeing what songs and performances people are really connecting with is such a novel experience.”
Why You Can’t Miss This Show
“The sheer talent of our chorus is reason enough to come,” Evan says. “But I would also encourage anyone who wants to engage with or support a great organization that is committed to outreach and building community. This organization changes lives—whether it’s the people singing on stage or in the audience. You never know how your life can change after seeing your first HMC show!”
What to Expect at an HMCKC Concert
If you’ve never been to an HMC show before, prepare for an emotional journey.
“Expect an amazing production and the full range of human emotion,” Evan shares. “There are moments of joy, hope, grief, and laughter throughout the show. Our dancers keep leveling up every concert, and the power of our soloists—and just how many there are in this show—will surprise you.”
Join us for Y’all Means All on March 21-23 at the Folly Theater and experience a concert that celebrates identity, resilience, and the power of music.
Tickets ONLY at hmckc.org
Saturday-Sunday | April 5-6
White Theatre at The J
https://www.thejkc.org/white-theatre/
‘Y’all Means All’ Member Spotlight: Tyler Harvey
/in BlogFor Tyler Harvey, Y’all Means All represents a broader and more inclusive vision of country music—one where everyone has a seat at the table.
“Country music has long been associated with certain demographics, certain stories, and certain sounds,” Tyler explains. “However, we are beginning to see that the genre as a whole is actually much more diverse and includes many stories that speak to our various communities. What better time to learn about these wonderful songs and the great messages they convey?”
A Concert Full of Emotion and Fun
Tyler is particularly excited about two aspects of the show:
“There are two different medleys that incorporate some of the most famous (and beautiful) love songs, and my heart swells every time I hear them,” he shares. “Additionally, I can’t wait for our audiences to experience How the West Was Fun—it’s a riot!”
Why You Should Attend Y’all Means All
“This concert is an opportunity for our audiences to see beyond the ‘traditional’ scope of country music and challenge our perceptions of what we think the genre stands for,” Tyler says. “In this powerful presentation of music across the decades, our audience has the chance to not only reflect on our history but also on our potential for the future.”
What to Expect at an HMCKC Concert
“If you’ve never been to an HMCKC concert before, let me tell you—this is NOT your typical choir concert,” Tyler promises. “Our chorus has an incredibly powerful sound, fabulous musicality, and lots and lots of sass! The song selections will take you through the entire spectrum of the human experience—love, hope, sorrow, anger—they’re all there! You’ll leave feeling empowered to live life to the fullest.”
Join us for Y’all Means All on March 21-23 at the Folly Theater and experience country music like never before!
Tickets ONLY at hmckc.org
Saturday-Sunday | April 5-6
White Theatre at The J
https://www.thejkc.org/white-theatre/
‘Y’all Means All’ Member Spotlight: Joe Marrocco
/in BlogFor Joe Marrocco, Y’all Means All is more than just a concert title—it’s a message of inclusion and unity.
“Things that divide us are distractions from who we truly are internally,” Joe explains. “The ways we categorize and then marginalize one another is destructive. I believe our differences, like being trans, gay, BIPOC, or differently-abled, are profound identifiers worth celebrating and upholding. They are not what define our worth and value as fellow humans and so any subjugation because of them should be shattered.”
As a straight ally singing with Heartland Men’s Chorus, Joe sees firsthand how music brings people together. “Tenor ones sing much higher than I can. I sing much lower than they can. This doesn’t mean we should divide and have our own choir. How boring would that be? When we come together and work with each other to strengthen one another in the ways we are different, gorgeous harmony is found. We flourish. What makes them different doesn’t harm me—it heals me.”
A Journey of Emotion and Activism
More than just a night of great music, Joe looks forward to the emotional journey of the concert—both for the performers and the audience.
“I am looking forward to the waves of feelings, new ideas, and emotional connections we will ride with our audience members,” he says. “I’m looking forward to our choir propelling the audience into their next phase of activism—whether that is through tiny acts of kindness or big movements toward justice.”
Why You Can’t Miss This Show
Joe believes Y’all Means All is the perfect mix of fun, hope, and musical excellence.
“People need to come out to the show because it is a blast—but it is also plugging into hope and the future,” he explains. “Fun, levity, joy, and light are found woven into expressions of how our choir members feel existing in this time and place, and what is motivating them to continue moving forward. Along with this, our musicality has never been better. We are working hard to bring down the house.”
What to Expect at an HMCKC Concert
“If you’ve never been to a show, expect to hear vocals like maybe never before,” Joe promises. “Expect your favorite country songs to come through with deeper meaning and richness. Get ready to laugh until your sides hurt, and bring tissues for some tears. At the end of the show, you’ll be looking at your watch wondering how all that time flew by and when the next show starts.”
Join us for Y’all Means All on March 21-23 at the Folly Theater and experience the power of music, unity, and storytelling.
Tickets ONLY at hmckc.org
Saturday- Sunday | April 5-6
White Theatre at The J
https://www.thejkc.org/white-theatre/