Heartland International Tattoo Event Staff
Michael Th. Embrey, Producer and Executive Director
Michael Embrey is Executive Director for the Heartland International Tattoo and CHO of FunME Events® Entertainment. He has been active in the area of special events, music, entertainment and education for the past 30 years; as a musician and arranger for the United States Air Force Academy Band/Drum Corps; he created the first Drum Corps styled university marching band, complete with a variety of auxiliaries units at Northern Illinois University. As a clinician and adjudicator, he has traveled the United States and Canada. He has produced many music festivals, talent searches, pageants and special events. He has arranged music and drills routines for several drum and bugle corps. With his background in musical theater, he is in demand as a clinician and visual technician. He currently writes and produces variety shows and musical revues featuring vocal and musical groups.
Dallas Niermeyer, Musical Advisor
Mr. Niermeyer is the Musical Director of the Prairie Brass Brand and Music Caption Head for Drum Corp International. A graduate of NorthWestern University, Mr. Niermeyer has taught school in Illinois and New Jersey for the past 30 years. Mr. Niermeyer is also a national adjudicator for both concert band and drum and bugle corps.
George Astling, Director of Technical Operations
Mr. Astling directs and coordinates the arena technical requirements and cast movement for the Heartland International Tattoo. Mr. Astling has advanced degrees in music and in video production. He is also a member of the original Heartland International Tattoo creative team and has been with the show since its inception.
Jamie Melin, Dance Groups Coordinator
Ms. Melin is completing her degree at Northern Illinois University. She is majoring in Physical Education with emphasis on a dance endorsement. Ms. Melin has been involved in many shows throughout her career. She recently was a choreographer assistant for a High School production of the musical “Footloose”. She has worked with a variety of dance ensembles and troupes. Some of her credits include working on productions, including: “Dancin' Through the Decades,” “Let’s Go to the Movies,” and is currently working on the show “On Broadway.” She has also danced and taught in a variety of styles, including: contempory, street jam hip hop, jazz, Latin, modern and theatre productions. In major productions, her credits include the Heartland International Tattoo Music and Dance Festival and a television presentation for one of the opening acts for the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade.
Dave Johnston, Pipe Major
Dave Johnston has been playing the bagpipes for over 25 years and learned as a child through the Williamwood Pipe Band in Glasgow, Scotland. Dave played with Williamwood for 23 years before moving to Chicago in 2005 and joining the Chicago Caledonian Pipe Band. Williamwood Pipe Band won the World Pipe Band Championships in their Grade in 2002 and 2003, before being promoted and crowned European Champions in 2006, then further promoted and crowned Cowal Champions in 2007.
Don Bussell, Ceremonial Drum Major
Don Bussell has been the Drum Major for the Flint Scottish Pipe Band for 30+ years. The Flint Scottish Pipe Band of Flint, Michigan, established in 1916, is the oldest pipe band in Michigan. Don has won the honor of First Place Drum Major at many competitions including the Alma Highland Festival (6), St. Andrews Society of Detroit Highland Games (7), Midlothian, Illinois Highland Games (1), and Sarnia, Ontario Highland Games (1). For the last (5) years, Don has also led the Celtic Parade at the Renaissance Festival in Holly, Michigan.
Jacki Prusa, Heartland Tattoo Event Coordinator
Jacki's responsibilities include organizing the Heartland Tattoo events, vendors, and sponsors. She coordinates with the event producer and is the main person behind-the-scenes contributing to the success of the Tattoo.
Jennifer McGhie, Manager - Group Sales and Tours
Jennifer develops and organizes regional, national and international events. She is in charge of marketing and planning monthly activities for student tours and music festivals. She earned her bachelor's degree in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Administration with a minor in English from Western Illinois University, Macomb, Illinois.
Kevin and Amy Wojdak, Co-chairs - Clan Homecoming USA
Kevin P. Wojdak is a Web/IT and Marketing professional in the Chicago area with over 20 years experience in the delivery of website and technology projects. He graduated from Northern Illinois University (NIU) in 1989 with a degree in Journalism/Public Relations. He has been playing trumpet for over 30 years and was a member of the NIU Huskie Marching Band and All University Band while at Northern. He is currently an Executive Officer and the Webmaster of the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council.
Amy L. Wojdak is Kevin's wife and a working mother. She is responsible for Accounting and Sales at her family's business, CBS Messenger Service, Inc., where she is striving to grow the business. In college, she studied Accounting and Fashion Design. For six years, she was a volunteer teacher for the "Everybody Counts" program in the District 54 school system. Aside from her work with Clan Homecoming USA, she is also an active member of the NIU Marching Band Alumni Council.
Darrel Babuk, British Car Show Coordinator
Mr. Babuck is an architect specializing in transit & transportation work including work for the Chicago Transit Authority. A native of Canada he grew up around all sorts of British automobiles which helped fuel his passion for foreign cars. His currently collection includes Benny, a 1977 Mini Clubman Estate. He currently works with the Illinois Saint Andrew Society (ISAS) to stage a British Car Show in conjunction with their Highland Games and to coordinate special appearences of the "Scottish Motoring Club" at ISAS events where they serve as Goodwill Ambassadors.
Mike and Claudia Kasier - Hospitality Hosts
Mike and Claudia Kasier have been the official unit co-hosts for the various performing groups from the start of the Heartland International Tattoo in 2006. Both have a passion for international travel and have visited more than 30 countries in their travels. Mike is retired from Northern Illinois University. He spends time now in the kitchen creating and catering gourmet meals for select clients. Claudia has her own business as a Home Improvement Specialist. They live in DeKalb, Illinois.
Connie Haywood - International Travel Coordinator
Connie is the official travel partner for International guests and International groups attending the Heartland International Tattoo. She is an International Travel Coordinator and has worked as a travel agent and tour operator for over 20 years. As a traveler planner and professional travel escort, she has visited seven continents and hosted over 40 cruise programs. She is a travel partner with FunME Events, River Bend Travel and The FUN Companies. She makes her home in Eastern Michigan.
Ed Dempsey, Marketing Consultant
Mr. Dempsey worked as the Manager, Strategic Alliances for Drum Corps International, a globally recognized musical non-profit. His background also includes 12 years in broadcast television with the series MotorWeek as Associate Producer and Merchandising Manager.
Heartland International Tattoo Advisory Board
Michael Th. Embrey, CHO
FunME Events – Excursions & Entertainment
Ed Dempsey, CSO
TMI Entertainment Marketing
Nancy Strolle, Founder
Thistle and Heather Highland Dancers
Gus Noble, President
Illinois St. Andrew Society