It's a performance with a purpose.

That's how artistic director Denise Adams likes to think of Encore 2012, which takes place Tuesday through May 27 at Bradley University's Hartmann Center.

It's the latest installment of the annual performances by the Morton Civic Chorus to support the Central Illinois Memorial Kidney Fund, which helps 800 patients within a 100 mile radius with extra expenses associated with kidney dialysis.

The fund has been in existence since 1976. The Morton Civic Chorus has been helping kidney patients since 1972, when one of its own members suffered from kidney failure after having transplant surgery.

In 2004, the fund reached the one million dollar amount in money raised since its beginning in 1976.

"We try to raise over $50,000 each year," Adams said. "It's such a good cause. You are guaranteed a couple of hours of really good entertainment, a lot of variety, fast-moving, fast-paced, a feel-good show. But again it is with a purpose. It's dialysis patients right here in town. Which is really nice that you're helping local people right here."

Titled "Fun, Food, Faith and Friends," the show features 58 performers and divides itself into a number of themes. There's a mock food court featuring dining experiences from all over the world (one of the featured songs is "Be Our Guest" from Walt Disney's "Beauty and the Beast"). There's a barn dance sequence with some square dancing. The friends section features songs about love and songs about relationships. Finally, there's a section devoted to sacred music.

"There are tons of good choirs in town, but the fact that we present our shows in a multisensual way (makes us unique)," Adams said. "There are lots of interactive things between the people. People come from different places. You never know if they're going to move around or where they're going to be. Things change so much."

Adams has been leading the chorus for 28 years, and brings much experience to the post. Together with her husband, Lee Wenger, the WCBU-FM 89.9 public radio personality, she has been involved in many community theater productions through the years. She also has served as a music teacher for 32 years, most recently at Peoria High School.

What keeps Adams leading the chorus, year after year?

"The opportunity to be so creative," Adams said. "It's a wonderful venue over at Bradley. I have a lot of people who have been doing this with me for 20 years."

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What: Musical revue featuring the Morton Civic Chorus, under the direction of Denise Adams. The show raises money for chronic kidney disease patients. Dale Burklund will serve as honorary chairman for this fundraising event.

When: 7:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 2 p.m. May 27.

Where: Bradley University's Hartmann Center Theatre on campus.

Tickets: General admission is $15 for adults and $12 for senior citizens and groups of 15 or more. For more information or tickets call 677-4966. Tickets are available at Barnato's Pharmacy in the Shop N Save Grocery Store, Kidder Music on Crestline Drive or Morton Community Bank in Morton.

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Gary Panetta can be reached at 686-3132 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . Follow him on Twitter at GaryPanetta.

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