By Justin HAGER

The La Crescenta Presbyterian Church has gathered musical talent from across the region for a fundraiser, being held this Sunday, May 15 at 2 p.m., supporting students in higher education of all ages.

Touted as a high energy variety show, “Strike Up the Band!” will feature a 10-piece band and vocalists performing pop, swing, jazz, gospel and even popular television and movie themes that are sure to spark excitement and joy in all attendees. More importantly, all proceeds from the event will benefit the Deacon’s Higher Education Scholarship Fund, which assists members of the LCPC community with meeting the rising costs of education and job training.

Hilary Norton, a deacon at La Crescenta Presbyterian, said she hopes the show will prove valuable and fulfilling to everyone involved, serving as an opportunity to “return to the excitement of live performance, share the talent within the church and provide a really enjoyable afternoon and experience by giving the gift of music – all while helping people of all ages gain access to educational and job training opportunities.”

She described that the Deacon’s Higher Education Scholarship Fund was formed several years ago after deacons at the church began to recognize the rapidly skyrocketing cost of higher education. Since then, the fund ahs helped support both traditional and returning adult students as they seek educational opportunities from trade schools, graduate schools, community colleges and four-year universities.

“It’s hard to imagine the enormous cost of education right now,” she said. “Not just tuition, but books, housing, transportation, lab fees, etc.”

During the performances, students who have received previous scholarships will testify to the transformative power of education and the impact the scholarship had on their lives.

Tickets for the event are $15 each but, in an effort to support and promote families attending, there is a $30 family ticket available. More information is available at https://www.lcpc.net/.