Collectively, they have more than 420 years of singing experience.

They range in age from 18 to 83 and have entertained for small groups and stadium crowds.

They are Massillon's own Lincoln Ladies.

Twenty-nine members strong and counting, the "ladies" are celebrating their third anniversary this year with an open house on Tuesday and a year long recruitment campaign to attract more women into their melodious club.  "We have fun and laughter and a good night out," said Janet Kennedy, the group's choreographer and seamstress.  "Our nights together go by so fast. We have so much fun."

Many of the troupe's members have been performing together for more than 25 years when the ladies were known under a different name.

The Lincoln Ladies was then founded in 1999 as a means to keep the group together and to branch out on its own.

Shortly after the group was organized, Tim Shilling became the choral director and choreography was added to the act. Shilling had experience directing choirs and in 2000, lent his vocal talents to an inspirational CD.  "This is what I'm trained to do is to be a choral director," he said. "These women keep me fresh. The ladies don't just support each other in the group, they support me, too."  

And that bond extends beyond the mere boundaries of a "club," according to Kennedy.   "When anybody is sick or in trouble, this group rallies around her," she said.  "It's a lot of fun. It's a night out.  You leave your troubles at home and you just show up and sing."

The troupe "rehearses" every Tuesday night.   Its performances include two major shows a year - one with the Massillon Lions Club Annual Show in March and its upcoming solo Christmas Show in December.  The Lincoln Ladies also perform for private functions, nursing homes, churches, the July Fourth Picnic in the Park in Massillon and at the "Minor League Ballgame" at a Canton Crocodiles game.   This year, the women have their sights set on loftier goals.  They recently submitted an audition tape to sing the anthem at a Cleveland Indians home game at Jacob's Field.

The Lincoln Ladies say they also want to clear up some confusion about their name. . .

Although they perform two shows a year at the Lincoln Theatre and strongly support the Massillon Lions Club, they are not affiliated with the Lions Lincoln Theatre or the Massillon Lions Club.  

In a quest for new members, the Lincoln Ladies are hoping to find any female who loves to sing - even if she doesn't think she can do that in public.

Shilling said a potential "lady" doesn't necessarily have to know how to read sheet music or even how to harmonize. The troupe will find a place for her.