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: Cedar Valdez
/in BlogFor Cedar Valdez, Y’all Means All is about celebrating queerness in a musical space that hasn’t always been welcoming.
“This concert has been such a great experience to prepare for,” Cedar shares. “Its significance to me surrounds celebrating queerness in a style of music that, in my life, has often been associated with conservative and closed-off communities. This concert makes me laugh, cry, smile, and all around have a lot of fun—with an energy of acceptance, togetherness, and hope!”
Powerful & Healing Moments
Cedar is especially excited about the more emotional moments in the show.
“I am a sucker for the emotional stuff, so songs like Brokeback Mountain Suite and Not Ready to Make Nice are ones I am really looking forward to,” they say. “Music is powerful, and sharing important messages through music is impactful. It’s also healing!”
Why You Can’t Miss This Show
If Cedar had to sum it up in a few words, the reasons to attend Y’all Means All are simple:
“Good music! Overload of laughter! Feeling your feelings! Gay stuff!” they say. “There are so many reasons to come, but I think one of the biggest and most important is that we all need community right now. Come hang out with this wonderful community that will welcome you with open arms!”
What to Expect at an HMCKC Concert
Beyond the emotional moments, Cedar promises a night filled with campy fun.
“We have a lot of fun treats for the audience in this show, and more than likely, everyone in attendance will be a fan of the artists whose music we are performing,” they explain. “Our leadership has highlighted some very iconic songs, and the people in the choir are so talented! This is my first concert with HMC, and I can guarantee you won’t want to miss this fun-filled, yee-hawing, and heartwarming performance!”
Join us for Y’all Means All on March 21-23 at the Folly Theater and experience the joy, laughter, and powerful storytelling of this unforgettable show.
Tickets ONLY at hmckc.org
April 5-6 | White Theatre at The J
https://www.thejkc.org/white-theatre/
‘Y’all Means All’ Member Spotlight: Greg Maupins
/in BlogFor Greg Maupins, Y’all Means All is more than just a concert—it’s a declaration of belonging.
“This is a concert that’s about celebrating our representation in all genres of music,” Greg shares. “It’s about claiming our space as queer folk and people of color in a space that we have always occupied, even when we are told ‘we don’t belong.’”
Moments to Watch For
Greg is especially looking forward to a few key songs in the show—each carrying its own emotional weight and message.
“Well, Black Like Me, for obvious reasons! I think a couple of other songs that will have a real impact are Light of a Clear Blue Morning for its hopeful message—because sometimes, hope is really hard to see these days—and Not Ready to Make Nice… the title says it all.”
With a mix of inspiration, resilience, and fire, Y’all Means All promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Why You Can’t Miss This Show
According to Greg, Y’all Means All is Heartland Men’s Chorus at its best.
“Just when you think you have seen it all, we take the tropes and stereotypes of an entire genre and turn it on its head! We thrive in spaces where we aren’t supposed to be. You want to be there to experience country music like you’ve never heard it before!”
What to Expect at an HMCKC Concert
“If you want to know what to expect from your first HMC concert, the truth is… expect everything!” Greg promises.
“There will be beautiful moments that will touch your heart and bring you to tears. There will be raucous, barn-burning numbers that will have you hootin’ and hollerin’. There will be tunes you’ve hummed along to for years and songs you hear for the very first time. Songs that will make you laugh and powerful songs that will challenge and inspire you to make a difference. Yep… just expect everything!”
Join us at the Folly Theater for Y’all Means All, March 21-23. Tickets ONLY at hmckc.org
April 5-6 | White Theatre at The J
https://www.thejkc.org/white-theatre/
Dudley’s Dish – Today, we need you more than ever
/in BlogOur voices sing for progress, your support makes us stronger. Welcome to season 39 and the wonderful legacy that is the Heartland Men’s Chorus Kansas City!
We remain hopeful and steadfast in our vision of singing to inspire a world of love and acceptance. And while that seems daunting at the present time, we must sing on. We are so excited about the season that we have planned for you! The chorus sounds incredible in their preparation for the holiday concert, and I personally can’t wait for Y’all Means All in March. But now, more than ever, we look forward to our DO IT WITH HEART TOUR early this summer, bringing music that matters to communities of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, where LGBTQ+ voices fight to be heard. But wait – there’s more! Ignite the Night – Evening of Note 2025 is coming on Saturday, January 11 at the historic Midland Theatre! And we are so excited to announce our special guest and entertainer, Nina West! It’s going to be a fabulous time, and we’re excited for you to experience it.
In order to make all of this happen (especially the tour) I hope that you will support HMCKC in any way that you can. Ticket sales only provide 33% of our revenue, meaning every contribution – no matter the size – makes a significant impact.
Please consider making a donation today by visiting hmckc.org and clicking the donate button. Please consider making your gift a recurring one, but whatever you can give, I thank you for making a difference!
Audrey Lorde once said “Only one thing is more frightening than speaking your truth. And that is not speaking.” We must sing on – but today, we need you more than ever.
Dudley Hogue
Executive Director, Heartland Men’s Chorus