LINDA M. SMITH, a native of Chicago, IL, has been a member of The NGOMA  Group since its inception.  She credits her appreciation and love for all kinds of music to her mother, a classical pianist, her father, a jazz saxophonist, and her paternal grandmother, an expert on keyboards.  Linda began singing at an early age, in school musical productions.  She has sung for over 20 years with her choir at St. Dorothy Catholic Church in Chicago, and sings at every opportunity with various choirs and ensembles in and around the Chicago area.  In December 2003, she finally fulfilled her desire to sing at the Do-It-Yourself Messiah.  She enjoys live concerts, movie musicals, especially the old MGM ones and is an avid reader.  A wonderful evening to her would be spent dining at a great restaurant and attending an Earth, Wind & Fire Concert.