It's almost mystical. The beloved local singer Karl Kelly has been gone since 2012, but in some aspects, it's like his voice is stronger than ever.

This is particularly apparent at the annual Karl Kelly Memorial Scholarship Concerts, the seventh of which takes place Sunday at the Great Neck Country Club in Waterford. A man whose rockin' soul voice, in such bands as Little Anthony and the Locomotives, KBM, Vice and Karl Kelly and Company, earned him a spot in the Connecticut Blues Hall of Fame, Kelly was also much loved throughout the region for his positive energy and generosity of spirit.

Expect a warm turnout Sunday and an elite gathering of musicians/friends who will take the stage in Kelly's memory. There will be several raffles, food and beverage and a huge fun-quotient. All the proceeds will benefit lessons and instruments for the music programs in New London schools as well as the Junior Fellows Program at the Cabaret & Performance Conference at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford.

Kelly would've been so proud.

Karl Kelly Memorial Scholarship Fund, 3-7 p.m. Sunday, Great Neck Country Club, Waterford; $15 in advance available at Bird's Eye Cafe, Cafe Sol, Sylva's Package Store, Muddy Waters Cafe and Nancy's Hair Salon; $20 door; (860) 443-5153.