ASHLAND, Ky. - Although the group was born in Ashland in the fall of 1990, the Singing Kernels are a Tri-State enterprise.

The Kernels, an active chapter of the Society for the Prevention and Encourage-ment of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America, Inc., under the direction of Carl Taylor, bring their unique style of a cappella song and the power of an all-male chorus to assorted venues in the Ironton, Ashland and Huntington, W.Va., areas.

Their songs and ready wit, as evidenced by the pun in their name (these men are Kernels as in "corny," not the serious Colonels) have been enjoyed by many through their Christmas concerts held each December at the Paramount Theater in Ashland.

Some of the 2002-2003 season highlights have been an appearance with the Tri-County Choir, sing outs at Trinity Station in Flatwoods, Jo-Linn Health Center in Ironton and a wedding.

Every February, on the closest weekend to Valentine's Day, the group breaks into quartets and octets and serenades, as requested, offering several musical selections, a rose, photograph and a card to each sweetheart.

The biggest part of all the money they receive for their performances goes to their Harmony Foundation, which distributes funds where needed in the form of grants through each chapter to encourage and maintain vocal music in their communities and schools.

"Anyone can come and sing with us and, if they are interested, we will discuss the issue of membership," Taylor said. "We're trying to grow. We'd like to attract young guys from Ironton - high school and college age - for singing and competition."

The Kernels practice at 7:15 p.m. each Monday at the First United Methodist Church Youth Activities Center, 19th Street and Carter Avenue, Ashland. For more information, call Ralph Tyo at 532-2550 or Rich Spencer at 532-6250.