Yardley Hall awaits all travelers who walk by. Photo By: Josiah Ann Nelson

Rising from the plains, on a hill overlooking Johnson County, the Midwest Trust Center embodies the same family values that generations of Kansans cherished as they gathered around the hearth. Historically, the hearth represented the spiritual core of the home. Home is where the hearth is.  

Stacie McDaniel, executive director of the Midwest Trust Center and Performing Arts, wants Johnson County residents and JCCC students to know that the Midwest Trust Center is the new hearth of the community. 

“It’s a gathering space,” McDaniel said. “When you think about an old traditional home, the hearth, the fireplace, the place where food was cooked, where people read together, talked about their days, we’re really trying to do that on a larger scale.” 

The Midwest Trust Center Series for 2026-27 has begun on the JCCC campus. It features performances across a wide range of genres that can appeal to a broad audience:  

classical music featuring Ryan & Ryan and Cultural Crossroads; jazz starring bands such as Dirty Dozen Brass Band and Nathan Williams; Broadway shows including The Who’s Tommy and Gravity; Plus, music from cultures around the world, including Japan, Afghanistan, and Senegal. 

The Midwest Trust Center Series is trying to get in front of as many people as possible, and that is why they are trying to appeal to a broad audience.  

“We are trying to get in front of as many eyes as we possibly can,” McDaniel said. “We feel like that’s our mission.” 

Plus, they want to get in front of not only people who already love the performing arts but students who have not been exposed to the performing arts. 

“Even if you don’t know that you love the performing arts, there’s something here for you,” McDaniel said. “I want every single individual, regardless of their age or cultural background, to look at the series and say, that’s something that could be for me.” 

Attending a live performance at Midwest Trust Center offers the community and students a unique perspective on current times and what is happening in the community and around the country. It can also address a number of issues. It can help relate to issues your neighbor is going through or what is happening in your world.  

“Sometimes it’s a celebration,” McDaniel said. “Sometimes it’s dealing with hard challenges that are happening in the culture and in the community.” 

The Midwest Trust Center Series allows students on campus and the community to experience something as a group.  

“That’s really something that a performing arts center can do that a movie theater can’t do,” McDaniel said. “A performing arts center and a community college campus are really there to bring the community together.” 

Makaila Wesley, a JCCC student studying animation, said the show she is most looking forward to is The Black Panther in concert.  

“I’m a huge Marvel fan,” Wesley said.  

She also loves anything dance.  

“Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company in October is aerial dancing, and that is really fun,” Wesley said.  

There are two ways that students can get a discount on tickets. Students can purchase tickets to their favorite show and get $5 off to secure their preferred seat. Also, starting the Monday of the week of the show, students can purchase up to two tickets for just $5 each.  

For students with children, the Midwest Trust Center is also hosting free Saturday events called MTC Kids Jam. Tickets are free, but reservations are recommended. The shows are not part of the Midwest Trust Center Series.