MERCER, Wis. -- The Mercer Lioness spring luncheon on May 17 will feature entertainment by the Von Drake Dancers and Heavenly Strings.

Lunch will be served from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Mercer Community Center.

The Von Drake Dancers, based in Ironwood, Mich., perform as a community service at churches,  nursing homes, Relay for Life, in schools and at benefit performances at Ironwood Theatre.

All of the dancers took lessons from Joe Von Drake, who died in 1961. Von Drake ran a dance studio in Chicago before moving north and opening a studio in Ironwood. The dancers share a love of dance and the exercise it affords, both mental and physical. Their friendship draws them together to choreograph and perform.

Their motto is "Keep on Dancing," and they say that dance can be enjoyed at all stages of life, no matter what the dancer's size, shape or age.

The interludes between dances will be filled with music by the  Heavenly Strings, directed and taught by Cathleen Olson.  The string musicians range in age from 3 to 53.

Olson started the group because she thought Mercer area residents needed activities. She said music brought joy to the lives of many of her students. The group has grown to 20 with more wanting to join.

Luncheon tickets are $12. They may be purchased in advance from any Lioness or Ann Bayer, 715-476-2517; or at the door.