LOVE IN THE AFTERNOON

In the summer of 2005 "Love In The Afternoon" was born. This was the brainchild of Shawnee Heartland's Director of Community Life, Frank Curtis.  It was initially intended to be a one-time event to offer lunch and a musical program to senior citizens in Johnson County, Kansas, and, at the same time, introduce individuals to Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living.  Hopes were to attract 40-50 people. By word of mouth, news of the event made its way through the community and 125 people were in attendance. The response was so positive that what was to have been a onetime event was launched as a series of six musical/luncheon programs that year.  The numbers continued to grow and it was soon obvious that a second venue was needed.  In 2009, a third venue was added and between the three venues the programs now play to 600 audience members for each series of shows in both Missouri and Kansas.

Having spent most of his career as a professional opera singer and vocal instructor in major universities, "Love In The Afternoon" was an opportunity to showcase Frank's students and other local professional singers. The singers are accompanied by Phyllis Curtis, Executive Director of Shawnee Heartland Assisted Living and accomplished pianist and organist. Luncheon music is provided by professional instrumental musicians.

Themes for the programs are set a year in advance and a variety of singers are engaged for the season. Although the themes are chosen to satisfy the taste of the senior population, there is a great deal of variety in the programming. Each season includes what has become an audience favorite, "An Old Time Radio Show" written and directed each year by Frank Curtis. Other themes have included A USO Show, Music of the 1930's, The Great Crooners, Welcome Home Boys-The Music of the late 1940's, An Operetta Show, The Music of Rodgers and Hammerstein, The Music of Early America, and Around the World in Song, to name a few.

Over the years, there has developed a rapport between the audience, Phyllis and Frank, and the other performers. Each event feels like the gathering of a large group of friends on a trip down memory lane. The look on the faces of the audiences' members and the warm heartfelt responses make "Love In The Afternoon" a celebration of the human spirit. "Love In The Afternoon" has become a destination place for many senior groups, assisted living communities, red hat societies, and church groups. The programs are full of great music and humor.

For Frank and Phyllis Curtis, "Love In The Afternoon" is truly a labor of love. It is a way for Shawnee Heartland to honor the senior population of the greater Kansas City area and give back to the community.

As one attendee has said, "may there always be Love In The Afternoon."