In many ways, it's hard to believe Karl Kelly left us 3-1/2 years ago. With his powerhouse voice and stage presence — well, hell, his larger-than-life HUMAN presence all around New London — Kelly, a member of the Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame, was one of those wonderfully charismatic folks whose energy and goodwill seemed impervious to the ravages of time.

A lot of people understood and cherished that about Kelly and his music — which is one of the reasons that the 4th Annual Karl Kelly Memorial Scholarship Concert, taking place Sunday at the Great Neck Country Club in Waterford, resonates on so many levels.

It'll be a gathering of friends and fans celebrating music and spirit. A lot of Kelly's pals and former band mates will perform his favorites in an all-star finale after sets from Brother Big Eye, Pirates for Peace, Van Haley and Andre & Friends — and it all benefits New London schools' music programs. There will be plenty of generous raffle prizes donated by local businesses, and last year's event raised over $12,000 for the music programs.

Karl would be proud.

Fourth Annual Karl Kelly Memorial Scholarship Concert, 2 p.m. Sunday, Great Neck Country Club, 28 Lamphere Road, Waterford; $15 advance, $20 door; available at Cafe Sol, Niantic; Silva's Package Store, Waterford; Groton Guitars, Groton; and Spindrift Guitars, New London; see the concert's Facebook page.