Jeanny Sharp, editor and publisher | Ottawa Herald
It’s easy to have an opinion when the issue doesn’t require you to be informed or have a personal investment. When it hits closer to home, however, maintaining a staunchly black-and-white opinion gets far more difficult. Republican U.S. Sen. Portman learned that the hard way. The Ohio lawmaker now is doing some back-pedaling on one specific issue — same-sex marriage — two years after his son disclosed he is gay.
For most people, “marriage equality” is a complicated issue that continues to evolve as more and more people they know and respect “come out” as gay. The number of people polled who are in favor of same-sex marriage continues to grow, with a recent ABC News-Washington Post poll saying 58 percent of people support it. The U.S. Supreme Court soon might rule on the legality of the issue, but in the meantime some people still are coming to terms with accepting gays as equals.
For those who want to learn more about gays’ struggles — in a safe and non-judgmental environment — Ottawa University has the perfect opportunity this week. The Heartland Men’s Chorus from Kansas City is expected to present a concert — titled “When I Knew” — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Fredrikson Chapel, 1011 S. Cedar St. The concert is free, though a free-will offering will be taken to support the choir’s outreach efforts.
The university took a political risk by playing host to the choir, but it also shows the college’s willingness to embrace diversity, much like Sen. Portman did last month. Here’s an excerpt from a column in the Yale Daily News, written by Portman’s son, Will, a junior at Trumbull College, which is part of Yale University.
“I’m proud of my dad, not necessarily because of where he is now on marriage equality (although I’m pretty psyched about that), but because he’s been thoughtful and open-minded in how he’s approached the issue, and because he’s shown that he’s willing to take a political risk in order to take a principled stand. He was a good man before he changed his position, and he’s a good man now, just as there are good people on either side of this issue today.
“We’re all the products of our backgrounds and environments, and the issue of marriage for same-sex couples is a complicated nexus of love, identity, politics, ideology and religious beliefs. We should think twice before using terms like ‘bigoted’ to describe the position of those opposed to same-sex marriage or ‘immoral’ to describe the position of those in favor, and always strive to cultivate humility in ourselves as we listen to others’ perspectives and share our own.
“I hope that my dad’s announcement and our family’s story will have a positive impact on anyone who is closeted and afraid, and questioning whether there’s something wrong with them. I’ve been there. If you’re there now, please know that things really do get better, and they will for you too.”
Portman is just one of three Republican lawmakers who support gay marriage. Portman’s situation might just be the beginning, as more people come out and their loved ones accept them — regardless of their sexual orientation. The senator’s situation also is emblematic of the need for society to focus on inclusiveness, rather than exclusivity. Only then will things truly get better for everyone concerned.
Note: the editorial above was published the day after the following “Letter to the Editor” was published:
Sodomites Coming to Town
Back in the mid-1960s, I was invited to hear a guest speaker at Ottawa University. Commenting on a statement by a pseudo-theologian, Dr. Nels Ferre, who suggested in his book, “The Sun and the Umbrella,” that Jesus was the bastard son of a German soldier and that Mary was a harlot who hung around a German mercenary camp, the proposed speaker said something to the effect, “And who can say that these words are not true?”
Having no longer Biblical scruples for truth, it is not surprising that Ottawa University would have the Sodomites come to town.
Paul sees the same pattern in Romans 1 where they “changed” the glory of the incorruptible God. Having departed from Biblical Doctrine, they soon became filthily corrupt themselves. (Romans 1:27) “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”
He probably was referring to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as the recompense. (Genesis 19) Philo, who lived around the time of Christ, said the smoke of these cities was still rising in his day. That would be 2,000 years later.
As Bill Grasham once said, “If America gets away with such filth, God will have to apologize to these filthy cities.” Pray for revival!
— Daryl McNabb, pastor, Peniel Bible Church, Waverly
Heartland Men’s Chorus festoons the holiday with spirit-filled concert
/in ReviewsBrrrr…..the temperature fell to more than frigid, and, yes, baby, it’s cold outside; but inside Kansas City’s Folly Theater, the atmosphere is anything but chilling. As a matter of fact, it’s warm, inviting, and invigorating as the Heartland Men’s Chorus presents its annual holiday concert for the Christmas season, Baby It’s Cold Outside.
Fun, spectacular, exciting, uplifting, funny, heartfelt–all describe the evening of music and laughter. Expect high level entertainment and family fun and a two-hour escape from the near 0 temps that blew into the area recently.
Each act presented so many opportunities for the audience to laugh and smile. Act I started with a new and upbeat take on “The Little Drummer Boy,” followed by the Charlie Brown standard, “Christmas Time Is Here.” After that, the fun began with a medley entitled Shades of Christmas. The medley featured three vastly differing views of Christmas–white, blue, and lavender–yes,lavender. While everyone knows the first two Christmas standards, they have probably never heard them preformed together like the HMC did. Then, to add a fabulous touch, the Heartaches, the select group from HMC, entered to perform a comedy piece, “Lavender Christmas.” Then all three pieces blended to one last chorus of each of the three selections. Boisterous applause displayed the audiences enjoyment.
After that stirring, humorous number, all the Black members of the chorus assembled to protest the lack of color in all previous TV Christmas specials before they burst into their stylized protest song, “Black Christmas,” to the delight of the near capacity crowd.
HMC celebrated diversity and inclusion in its efforts to reach out, educate, and include everyone. As such, the programs always feature sign language for a way to reach hearing impaired individuals. Christmas concerts always include a Chanukah song.
Also, included in Act I, a tropical spin on “Over the Rainbow,” and many other standard Christmas carols added to the festivities along with a fun adaptation of the title song, “Baby It’s Cold Outside.”
After intermission, HMC jettisoned into high speed and delivered dose after dose of fun entertainment complete with dancers, puppets, a drag queen, the Heartaches, and a special surprise guest to end the show. Even though the names of the songs are unknown, the entertainment value built with each selection while the HMC preformed all of Act II in Santa Claus outfits–other than the Heartaches as reindeer and the dance team as elves. Each song built on the rapturous applause of its predecessor.
To end the show, the surprise guest came onstage to join HMC for a rousing version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.” But that’s not the end.
Baby It’s Cold Outside signaled the end of a 15-year association with artistic director, Joe Naeau. Noticeably touched by his past service and pending departure to a bigger venue in California, HMC President of the Board, Keith Wiedenkeller presented Nadeau with a framed baton, vest, and bow tie to symbolize the HMC. With heartfelt gratitude and noticeably emotional, Wiedenkeller fought for words to convey his earnest gratitude to Nadeau. The standing ovation for the presentation demonstrated the amount of love between the audience, the HMC, their director, and the family that they all created over his 15-year tenure. It’s obvious his talent and presence will be missed while his past dedication continues to elicit fond, familiar remembrances.
Only two opportunities remain to experience probably the most joyful Christmas concert of the Christmas season. HMC performs the best, brightest, and most fun holiday show in Kansas City. To be thoroughly entertained, run don’t walk to the HMC website or call the box office for tickets. The show is astounding and highly recommended for family entertainment. For information: hmckc.org.
Heartland Men’s Chorus brings music and humor into the holiday season
/in ReviewsThe Heartland Men’s Chorus is at it again. They have figured out how to combine traditional Christmas music with a wide variety of holiday music to present a heart-warming and joyous performance with Baby, It’s Cold Outside, this weekend at the Folly Theater in Kansas City, Missouri. With such a wide variety of music, everyone is sure to find enjoyment in this performance.
The concert begins with The Little Drummer Boy, which can be previewed at https://hmckc.org/holiday-concert/. This link provides a video of a rehearsal version of this Christmas classic, done in the Heartland Men’s Chorus style. Following this opening, they move into a variety of colorful Christmas tunes, including Lavender Christmas and Black Christmas–both of which brought the audience to rollicking laughter. More solemn music followed, briefly, with more upbeat music to lead up to the intermission. After the intermission, the focus was on Santa Claus, with the Chorus members being dressed in Santa outfits. A variety of skits added to the music provided throughout the second half–most of which were hilarious. Smiles aplenty.
A very special treat of the evening was provided by Marilyn Maye making a guest appearance. This weekend’s performances are the last for Dr. Joseph P. Nadeau, as the Artistic Director of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. He has been in Kansas City, with the Chorus, for fifteen years. He is leaving for California, to conduct the Los Angeles Gay Men’s Chorus. Ms. Maye sang a song for Dr. Nadeau and then sang with the Chorus. She was a glorious addition to the evening.
Once the scheduled performance was complete, two encores followed. Each of these songs have a special meaning to Dr. Nadeau and to the Heartland Men’s Chorus, and were fitting as a proper way to end the two hour performance.
Colossians 3:16-17 says, “Christ’s message in all its richness must live in your hearts. Teach and instruct one another with all wisdom. Sing psalms, hymns, and sacred songs; sing to your God with thanksgiving in your hearts. Everything you do or say, then, should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks through him to God the Father,” (Good News Bible, 1978, New York, NY: American Bible Society). Music brings joy to God and to each of us. This event provides a variety of music for everyone to enjoy.
The Folly Theater provides a good seat to everyone. Parking is convenient, as well; although it can be somewhat pricey depending on the particular lot chosen. Refreshments of cookies and beverages are available prior to the concert and during intermission at a reasonable price. Good tickets are still available for the remaining performances, which are tonight (December 7) at 8:00pm and tomorrow (December 8) at 4:00pm. Tickets start at $15.00 and go up from there. Order your tickets now and be prepared to get in the holiday spirit–the Heartland Men’s Chorus way.
Heartland Men’s Chorus Returns to Eureka Springs
/in Press ReleaseJust ask anyone who was at the concert at The Aud in March, 2011 to benefit OARS. They can tell you what a fantastic evening this was. Added to that, almost $19,000 was raised for our local AIDS organization. All monies raised stay here in Carroll County to assist OARS with their programs and projects, including a free HIV/AIDS clinic currently serving 55 patients.
Sponsorship opportunities are available for the November 23 OARS Benefit Concert by. Every $50 sponsorship donation entitles the donor to one ticket in the center sections of the first two rows downstairs or the center sections of the first row of the balcony. Sponsorships are available by calling 870-480-7476 or sending an e-mail to Carole Sturgis, Executive Director of OARS at CLSturgis@aol.com.
Tickets to the concert go on sale the September 5. VIP tickets are $25 each and seating will be in rows 3 through 8 of the center sections. General Admission tickets will be $15 each for all other seats. Call 870/480-7476 or visit the HMC web site (www.hmckc.org) to reserve your seats.
Mark your calendar: Saturday, November 23, 2013, and purchase your tickets early. Except for the sponsorship seats, all other sections will be seated on a first-come basis the evening of the concert.
The following are some comments from when the Chorus was here in 2011. Obviously, this is a concert that should not be missed.
“I was in the audience last night and HMC delivered a beautiful, entertaining, and moving performance. The concert made me smile, clap, cry, and most importantly, made me proud. You say, ‘Our voices enlighten, inspire, heal, and empower.’ So true, so true! Thanks for coming to Eureka Springs and thanks for supporting OARS. Hope you come back soon.”
“…a spectacular evening that was positively magical!”
“Fantastic evening!!!…OARS scored again!”
“Throughout the performance, the applause was thunderous…”
“I believe we were looking into angel faces last night – the radiance was blinding and had me awestruck. Thank you for a wonderful evening in Eureka Springs…”
# # #
For further information contact
Carole Sturgis
Executive Director, Ozarks AIDS Resources & Services (OARS)
CLSturgis@aol.com
Home: 870/423-630
OARS Ticket Line (Cell): 870/480-7476
Heartland Men’s Chorus Announces Season Marked by Growth and Change
/in Press ReleaseHeartland Men’s Chorus has announced its 28th season: a series of programs notable for its scope and variety. It will also be the last season programmed by outgoing artistic director, Dr. Joseph Nadeau. Nadeau will conduct the chorus for its holiday concert in December, and then join the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles as artistic director. The entire season was programmed by Nadeau before the announcement of his departure, and it will reflect his artistic vision and ambition.
“Joe’s artistic leadership is largely responsible for the phenomenal growth of HMC during the past 15 years,” said Kathy Dunn, Board chair. “We’re lucky to have one last season to savor his artistic influence as we continue to grow.”
That growth is evident in the season ahead, which includes the Midwest premiere of a major new work co-commissioned by the chorus, and an expansion of its season from seven performances to eight.
The chorus begins its season with the holiday concert, Baby, It’s Cold Outside, December 6-8, 2013. More than 3,000 audience members each year join the chorus for its holiday program due to its mix of traditional music and outrageous humor. This season’s offering is woven around the theme of winter weather. The chorus will sing “White Christmas,” as one might expect, but the comic songs “Lavender Christmas” and “Black Christmas” are also on the program.
“We’ll also get the chance to showcase the musicianship of the chorus,” said Nadeau. “We’ve got some numbers featuring tight harmonies arranged by Deke Sharon, the arranger for the group Straight No Chaser and musical supervisor on the film ‘Pitch Perfect.’”
March 29 and 30, 2014, the group presents the Midwest premier of the oratorio I Am Harvey Milk, a song cycle written by Broadway composer Andrew Lippa (the Tony Award®-nominated composer of The Addams Family and The Wild Party), commissioned by HMC and five other gay men’s choruses. Celebrating the life and legacy of the first openly gay person elected to public office in California, the work’s eleven movements represent the eleven months Milk spent in office before his assassination.
“I was struck with Harvey Milk’s quote ‘You gotta give ‘em hope,’” said Nadeau. “I think audience members will find this concert inspirational and informative, but above all hopeful.”
Gateway Men’s Chorus from St. Louis, Missouri, will join HMC for the concert, and HMC will travel to St. Louis for an encore performance the following week.
The chorus presents Vegas, Baby June 13-15, 2014, its most elaborate physical production to date. The concert will feature the music of Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra from the Las Vegas “Rat Pack” era, as well as hits from contemporary Las Vegas headliners such as Celine Dion and Bette Midler. Guest artists include renowned Liberace impersonator Martin Preston and magician David Sandy.
“And our own unique take on Las Vegas showgirls, of course,” added Nadeau.
Guest conductors for the chorus’s spring and summer concerts will be announced in autumn. All performances take place at the Folly Theater, 300 West 12th Street, Kansas City, Missouri. Season tickets from $72.00 – $114.00 are available now by phone at (816) 931-3338 and online at https://hmckc.org.
# # #
Heartland Men’s Chorus to Bid Farewell to Dr. Joe Nadeau, Artistic Director for 15 Years
/in Press ReleaseHeartland Men’s Chorus congratulates Dr. Joe Nadeau on his appointment as Artistic Director of the Gay Men’s Chorus of Los Angeles. He will begin his new post in August and will lead HMC’s artistic efforts through the December 2013 concert.
A national search for the next Artistic Director of Heartland Men’s Chorus will commence in early fall, with the goal to announce the new appointment in early 2014. HMC maintains a consistently strong position administratively and financially, with a deep and broad base of community support. The organization is well positioned to attract top artistic talent to lead the organization to the next level of excellence and success.
Joe joined the HMC staff in 1998. During his 15-year tenure, the Chorus has grown dramatically in terms of members/ singers, audience, and local and national recognition. More than 140 men now perform in a concert cycle to consistently sold-out houses. A three-concert, four performance season has increased to a seven performance season, drawing the largest audiences for choral programming in our region.
Under Joe’s leadership, the Chorus earned a reputation for cutting-edge, relevant programming. This includes the development and pioneering of the unique musical documentary format, which has now been adopted by choruses all over North America. The musical documentary combines visuals, narration and other production elements, with excellent choral performance to illuminate timely societal issues. Presentation topics have included: gays in the U.S. military; treatment of LGBT members in faith communities; gays in Hollywood and as portrayed in film; songs of the civil rights movements sung by women, people of color, and the LGBT community; and stories of the coming out process. Through these moving concerts that entertain and educate, Joe has enabled the Chorus to achieve its vision: Our Voices Enlighten, Inspire, Heal and Empower.
Joe’s artistic vision will continue in HMC’s upcoming 28th season as the Chorus carries out the concerts he has planned. His final concert with Heartland Men’s Chorus will beBaby, It’s Cold Outside on December 6-8, 2013. Guest conductors will be invited to lead the Chorus for the 2014 March and June concerts. The March 2014 concert, a Kansas City premier of Andrew Lippa’s new work, I Am Harvey Milk, showcases the Chorus’s artistic national impact: Joe helped position HMC to be one of seven co-commissioning choruses for the work. He also conceived the final concert of the upcoming season,Vegas, Baby, scheduled for June 13-15, 2014. Among the most ambitious productions the Chorus has undertaken to date, it will mark the first time HMC has presented three performances of its summer concert. All season concerts will take place at the historic Folly Theater, HMC’s performing home since 1994.
The HMC Family extends its thanks to Joe, and extends congratulations and all best wishes.
# # #
View the complete announcement and statement from Joe online
For more information:
General Contact:
Rick Fisher, Executive Director
Heartland Men’s Chorus
(816) 931.3338
hmc@hmckc.org
Marketing Contact:
Tom Lancaster
Kansas City Direct Response Marketing
(816) 471.1120
tom@kcdrm.com
Heart and soul to spare
/in ReviewsKristin Shafel Omiccioli | KCMetropolis.org
Bespectacled in iconic black plastic Buddy Holly frames, the gentlemen of Heartland Men’s Chorus opened the concert with a medley of “Music, Music, Music” and the concert’s namesake, “Heart and Soul.” This medley perfectly set the tone for an evening of happy times via the infectious tunes of doo-wop and rock n’ roll’s early days.
Common for many HMC presentations, a dance troupe joined the singers for several selections on the program. Dressed in appropriately poofy 1950s poodle skirts, nerdy plaid button-downs, and pitch-perfect greaser garb, the ten dancers punctuated the songs with classic dance moves throughout, from Elvis Presley’s loose hips on “Jailhouse Rock” and “Blue Suede Shoes” to swing-influenced steps on “Rock and Roll is Here to Stay,” and, of course, the hand jive on “Willie and the Hand Jive.” The male dancers took on the breezy choreography on “Jamaica Farewell” and the ladies enjoyed a spotlight on “Mona Lisa,” humorously recreating the famous painting. Though not always perfectly coordinated, I think had the dancing been tightly together it would have been too rigid for the show’s light atmosphere.
HMC’s small ensemble the Heartaches (this time as a sextet) was featured prominently throughout the evening, and rightfully so. Their harmonic intonation and vocal blend was well suited to the doo-wop sound on “Standing on the Corner” and “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream).” Members of the Heartaches stood out as soloists on tunes with the full chorus as well, notably Jeff Williams’s ringing tenor and steady vibrato on the first half closer “Be My Love,” and a gloriously hammy and theatrical “I Went to Your Wedding” sung by John Edmonds. Another superb solo was Todd Kendall Gregory’s falsetto lead on “Why do Fools Fall in Love,” complete with stylistic melismata and embellishments.
Artistic director and conductor Joseph Nadeau gave a historical note to introduce the concert’s token moment of gravitas, a tender rendition of the 1953 song “Secret Love” from the film Calamity Jane. The men sang the song’s heartfelt sentiment with sensitivity and emotion while Lamar Sims impressively handled the involved piano part. HMC had another powerful, emotional offering this evening with a rich, full sound on its encore, “You’ll Never Walk Alone” from Carousel—a moving, heartrending conclusion to the chorus’s 27th season.
Thanks to excellent arrangements by David Maddux, the chorus shined as a whole on this concert more than any other HMC show I’ve attended. Despite a minute number of hesitant entrances and unclear tongue-twisty lyrics, the chorus overall had strong projection and intonation, moved together well through transitions and any section’s counterpoint, and kept the energy level up all night. As a community or amateur ensemble, HMC is a cut above with its attention to detail with props and costumes, and the singers’ utter commitment to and enthusiasm for making music together, apparent in their facial expressions and body language during every performance.
REVIEW:
Heartland Men’s Chorus
Heart and Soul
June 8–9 (Reviewed Saturday, June 8, 2013)
Folly Theater
300 W. 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
For more information, visit https://hmckc.org
Heartland Men’s Chorus end the season with an outstanding show
/in PressSteve Wilson | Examiner.com
The Folly Theater in downtown Kansas City, Mo. came to life Saturday June 8 with the summer concert of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. The program titled Heart and Soul, Music of the 50’s closes out the 2012-2013 season.
This was yet another fantastic performance by the members of the Heartland Men’s Chorus. Many of the songs were uplifting, toe tapping and from the sounds around the lower balcony, being sang by several members of the audience. Audience participation was encouraged especially during the “Mitch Miller Medley.” In the program was a sheet with the music to several numbers including “The Yellow Rose of Texas” and “Shine On, Harvest Moon” among others. Josh Krueger performed a solo during the sing along of “Hot Diggity.”
Each year a chance to be a guest conductor is raffled off to the audience. This year during the sing along the winner conducted the song “Heart Of My Heart.” She was later called on to again appear on stage, not as a conductor, but as Mona Lisa, as the chorus sang the song of the same name.
The first act ended with “Triplets And Timpani Medley,” which included a solo by Jeff Williams, performing “Be My Love.” Several songs were accompanied by both male and female dancers. Though the choreography was appropriate the actual dancing may have been missing a few steps. Even with the minor timing errors they were fun to watch and added to the entertaining chorus.
Inside the chorus is a group of six men known as the Heartaches and includes Todd Kendall Gregory-Downs, Jeff Williams, Brandon Shelton, John Edmonds, Shawn Revelle and Dana Wood. The group sang “Standing on the Corner” and then opened the second act with “Sh-Boom (Life Could Be a Dream)” and then performed “Why Do fools Fall In Love.” As fabulous as the entire chorus is, it still is enhanced by the Heartaches. The second act proved to be even more upbeat than the highly enjoyable first act with songs like “Jailhouse Rock,” “Blue Suede Shoes” and “Catch A Falling Star.”
One of the highlights of the show was baritone John Edmonds solo of “I Went To Your Wedding” during the “Wedding Medley.” The hilarity that ensued when Edmonds began to cry an exaggerated sobbing as he sung had the audience laughing and giggling through the entire number. The creativity of the number was remarkable.
Though this production is the jukebox sounds of the fifties the Heartland Men’s Chorus was not to be outdone by the likes of such superstars as Janet Jackson and Mariah Carey. During a dance number a female dancer wearing a poodle skirt was faced with the dreaded wardrobe malfunction. After trying to continue dancing while holding it up she finally had to run off stage clasping onto it tightly. Her dance partner looked like a lost puppy as he started to dance alone and then ran off following her.
The show continued on Sunday. The only regret of the show is that it is the last one until December when the chorus performs “Baby, It’s Cold Outside” to kick-start their 2013-2014 season.
Gay choir’s OU concert could open hearts, minds, dialogue
/in PressJeanny Sharp, editor and publisher | Ottawa Herald
It’s easy to have an opinion when the issue doesn’t require you to be informed or have a personal investment. When it hits closer to home, however, maintaining a staunchly black-and-white opinion gets far more difficult. Republican U.S. Sen. Portman learned that the hard way. The Ohio lawmaker now is doing some back-pedaling on one specific issue — same-sex marriage — two years after his son disclosed he is gay.
For most people, “marriage equality” is a complicated issue that continues to evolve as more and more people they know and respect “come out” as gay. The number of people polled who are in favor of same-sex marriage continues to grow, with a recent ABC News-Washington Post poll saying 58 percent of people support it. The U.S. Supreme Court soon might rule on the legality of the issue, but in the meantime some people still are coming to terms with accepting gays as equals.
For those who want to learn more about gays’ struggles — in a safe and non-judgmental environment — Ottawa University has the perfect opportunity this week. The Heartland Men’s Chorus from Kansas City is expected to present a concert — titled “When I Knew” — 7 p.m. Wednesday at Fredrikson Chapel, 1011 S. Cedar St. The concert is free, though a free-will offering will be taken to support the choir’s outreach efforts.
The university took a political risk by playing host to the choir, but it also shows the college’s willingness to embrace diversity, much like Sen. Portman did last month. Here’s an excerpt from a column in the Yale Daily News, written by Portman’s son, Will, a junior at Trumbull College, which is part of Yale University.
“I’m proud of my dad, not necessarily because of where he is now on marriage equality (although I’m pretty psyched about that), but because he’s been thoughtful and open-minded in how he’s approached the issue, and because he’s shown that he’s willing to take a political risk in order to take a principled stand. He was a good man before he changed his position, and he’s a good man now, just as there are good people on either side of this issue today.
“We’re all the products of our backgrounds and environments, and the issue of marriage for same-sex couples is a complicated nexus of love, identity, politics, ideology and religious beliefs. We should think twice before using terms like ‘bigoted’ to describe the position of those opposed to same-sex marriage or ‘immoral’ to describe the position of those in favor, and always strive to cultivate humility in ourselves as we listen to others’ perspectives and share our own.
“I hope that my dad’s announcement and our family’s story will have a positive impact on anyone who is closeted and afraid, and questioning whether there’s something wrong with them. I’ve been there. If you’re there now, please know that things really do get better, and they will for you too.”
Portman is just one of three Republican lawmakers who support gay marriage. Portman’s situation might just be the beginning, as more people come out and their loved ones accept them — regardless of their sexual orientation. The senator’s situation also is emblematic of the need for society to focus on inclusiveness, rather than exclusivity. Only then will things truly get better for everyone concerned.
Note: the editorial above was published the day after the following “Letter to the Editor” was published:
Sodomites Coming to Town
Back in the mid-1960s, I was invited to hear a guest speaker at Ottawa University. Commenting on a statement by a pseudo-theologian, Dr. Nels Ferre, who suggested in his book, “The Sun and the Umbrella,” that Jesus was the bastard son of a German soldier and that Mary was a harlot who hung around a German mercenary camp, the proposed speaker said something to the effect, “And who can say that these words are not true?”
Having no longer Biblical scruples for truth, it is not surprising that Ottawa University would have the Sodomites come to town.
Paul sees the same pattern in Romans 1 where they “changed” the glory of the incorruptible God. Having departed from Biblical Doctrine, they soon became filthily corrupt themselves. (Romans 1:27) “And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet.”
He probably was referring to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah as the recompense. (Genesis 19) Philo, who lived around the time of Christ, said the smoke of these cities was still rising in his day. That would be 2,000 years later.
As Bill Grasham once said, “If America gets away with such filth, God will have to apologize to these filthy cities.” Pray for revival!
— Daryl McNabb, pastor, Peniel Bible Church, Waverly
Gay men’s chorus bringing message to OU campus
/in PressBobby Burch | Ottawa Herald
Upcoming choral performance at Ottawa University is expected to help fight bullying and teen suicide.
Sponsored by OU’s Student Welcoming and Affirming Network, the Heartland Men’s Chorus plans to perform its “When I Knew” concert, focusing on members’ personal stories of when they realized they were gay. The free concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at OU’s Fredrikson Chapel, 1011 S. Cedar St.
“The main focus of this particular performance is to help combat bullying in our schools and to help prevent teen suicide,” Dr. Joe Nadeau, a professor of choral studies at OU and 15-year artistic director of Heartland Men’s Chorus, said Friday. “We’re coming to Ottawa to share the message of inclusivity and that no how matter how difficult your life may seem at the moment, it will get better.”
The Wednesday evening program, which Nadeau likened to a musical documentary, features narration, visuals and original arrangements that focus on social issues, as well as accompanying the stories of chorus members. Their accounts, he added, are intended to embrace diversity, promote open-mindedness and reach out to those confused about or ostracized for their sexuality. While the concert is free and open to the public, Nadeau said donations will benefit the OU Student Welcoming and Affirming Network.
The Kansas City-based chorus group, which has been “singing out” for 27 years, regularly performs with more than 150 singers, its website reads. Initially founded with 30 singers as a haven for those suffering from the AIDS virus, the nonprofit group has continued to grow and now travels across the globe. The chorus performs a variety of music, including jazz, Broadway, popular and classical works, its website said.
The “When I Knew” performance, in part, was inspired by the work of the It Gets Better project, Nadeau said. That project, he added, is geared toward young gay people who are struggling with their identities and might have contemplated suicide as a result of bullying, he said. Through thousands of personal stories, the It Gets Better project aims to communicate to gay and transgender youth that their lives will get better, in addition to creating the changes to make a more inclusive world, its website reads. The website features videos from people around the world, including President Obama.
Nadeau said he already has encountered an enthusiastic response about the Wednesday concert from OU faculty members and the community.
“The faculty sounds excited about the program,” Nadeau said. “It’s important to promote open-mindedness and important to promote diversity.”
Love’s boundaries in 1920s and 30s Berlin
/in ReviewsAnthony Rodgers | KC Metropolis.org
Beginning with “Wilkommen” from Cabaret, the stage was set for a night of song and dance highlighting the musical styles of the 1920s and frivolity of all in the hopping jazz clubs in Berlin. Masterfully arranged by Eric Lane Barnes, numbers included the spectacular Yiddish tune “Bei Mir bist Du schoen,” Weill-Brecht collaborations such as “Bilbao Song” and “Mack the Knife,” and the Cole Porter hits “Love for Sale/What Is This Thing Called Love?” A group of dancers featured in various numbers throughout the act were highly entertaining if not the most trained in this art. Wilson L. Allen acted as emcee for the production, narrating the storyline and providing comedic commentary on the performers, all with an exceptional singing voice, gender-blurring appearance, and unobtrusive German accent. A chamber orchestra of cabaret-like instrumentation was light and well balanced within themselves and with the large chorus. Overall, the vocal ensemble was musically engaged and blended sweetly, particularly when the parts harmonically divided, although there were moments in which they felt reluctant to enter creating a slight distraction from the arrangement. The standout group of soloists from the night were featured as characters in “Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?” notable for their humorously large props. Sounding like a collegiate fight-song, the gay anthem “The Lavender Song” was full-voiced, rousing, and still inspiring. The whole act was a show from beginning to end, flowing smoothly and transporting the Folly audience to the raucous intimacy of the cabaret.
Although times were as fun as the show’s first act, a new German regime in the 1930s changed the attitude toward homosexuality, reinforcing it as criminal love, and so the second half of the evening’s performance took a similar turn to the serious. Jake Heggie’s one-act opera For a Look or a Touch sets the tale of two young, gay lovers that were separated by death but reunited on the stage by their own words. Stirred from his sleep, Gad Beck (Kip Niven) sees the ghost of his former lover, Manfred Lewin (Morgan Smith), and discusses the struggles they both faced in and out of the Nazi concentration camps. Taken from the journals of Manfred and an interview with Gad from the 2000 documentary Paragraph 175, the words of the men are combined into a dialogue that is as cathartic for the audience as it is for those on stage.
Combining the eccentric with the somber, HMC still made the effort to not add extra commentary on a modern society with their presentation of the two contrasting adventures. And with such great charisma and uniqueness, it’s no wonder that the Folly Theater was full for their spring concert, which left us with the reminder to just have fun, because life really is a cabaret.
REVIEW:
Heartland Men’s Chorus
Falling in Love Again
Saturday, March 23, 2013 (Reviewed)
Sunday, March 24, 2013
Folly Theater
300 W. 12 St., Kansas City, MO
For more information, visit https://hmckc.org/