MARYSVILLE — The Marysville Kiwanis Club invites the public to a special benefit concert featuring young Marysville artists and Edmonds Community College’s premier Soundsation Jazz Choir, which will raise funds for student vocational-technical scholarships.

The Kenneth J. Ploeger Kiwanis Memorial Scholarship Concert will kick off at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 8, in the Marysville-Pilchuck High School auditorium, located at 5611 108th St. The scholarship fund was named by the Ploeger family in memory of Ken, a longtime dedicated Kiwanis member, retired Navy electronics technician and city of Marysville employee who believed in the value of scholarships for students entering a vocational trade or career. He passed away in 2007.

The evening’s talent includes performances by Marysville’s own 10th Street Middle School Jazz Band and the M-PHS Jazz Band and Choir, who will be joined by the Mountain View High School Jazz Choir from Meridian, Idaho. The night will also feature a very special appearance by the fabulous Soundsation Jazz Choir from EdCC, according to Penny Ploeger, widow of Ken, a school teacher and Kiwanian who has carried on the tradition of hosting the memorial concert as a means for raising scholarship money for students in need.

“The scholarship fund is a way for our family to give back to the community in Ken’s honor by helping young people on their first steps toward a meaningful career,” Ploeger said. “We hope you’ll join us for a spectacular night of jazz music. Soundsation Jazz Choir is the cream of the crop.”

The premier jazz choir combines vocalists, a piano, a guitar, bass and drums, and features Soundsation graduates who have moved on to become leaders in vocal jazz education and professional performance.

The concert will benefit Marysville students through technology and skills scholarships for classes or community college credits that will prepare them for employment in the public sector, according to Ploeger, who gave special thanks to Marysville School District Music Director John Rants Jr. for assembling the local bands and choirs.

You may purchase tickets at the door or online at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/325859.

Prices are $10 or a donation, and kids 12 years and younger get in for free. Donations of canned goods or other non-perishable food items for the Marysville Community Food Bank would also be appreciated. For more information, call 360-653-3646.