A few weeks ago, I told you about a group of men who love to sing barbershop music. Since that time, I found out there's a group of women in Erie who also love to sing that style of music...especially during the Christmas season.

I’m attending a rehearsal of Flagship City Chorus, a local chapter of Sweet Adelines International. Sweet Adelines is an organization that's comprised of female barbershop groups from all over the world. The Flagship City Chorus has been around for over 57 years. It's a small group with about 17 members. However, it includes singers of all ages. Baby Boomers, Millennials, and GenXers are all included.

"We have some in the chorus that are 82 and 86. And then we have ones that are 20, and 25, and 30,” says Kim Ackerman, chorus director.

Kim has been a member for 47 years. She says the Christmas season has always been a special time for the singers to perform. This Christmas is no different. The group is now rehearsing for its upcoming Christmas show. The entire chorus will perform. Two barbershop quartets from the group will also sing. Even the men’s barbershop group from Erie will sing a few Christmas tunes.

"We're going to have some different songs that you might not have heard. Then, we're going to have some Christmas songs that you will be able to sing. Also some audience participation. Santa is going to be there too,” says Kim.

Christmas is a wonderful time of year. However, it's also a busy time of year. There's nothing better than to take some time out, relax, and enjoy some Christmas music. It doesn't matter if you're in the audience or up on stage.

"It is a stress release,” says Kim. “Singing is a stress release because of the breathing that you do. It just relaxes your whole body and gets your endorphins going. So, I actually enjoy it."

The Flagship City Chorus Christmas show will be performed Saturday afternoon, December 14, from 2:30 to 4:30 pm at the Asbury United Methodist Church on West Ridge Road in Millcreek. Tickets are five dollars. The group is always looking for new members. The concert would be a great time to meet the singers and sign up to be a part of the group.