MARION — The City of Marion’s inaugural Marion Twenty39 leadership class is proud to present Sip, Sway, & Support, a community benefit concert supporting Artstarts, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to arts education and creative opportunities for young people across Southern Illinois.

The event will take place on Thursday, April 9, 2026, from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. outside of the Marion Cultural & Civic Center’s main doors in the south west quadrant of Tower Square Plaza in downtown Marion.

The evening will feature live entertainment by the Ivas John Band, along with special performances from talented Artstarts student performers. Guests will enjoy a night of music, community, and connection while directly supporting youth arts programming in Marion. A curated selection of beverage vendors will also be on site, offering a variety of drink options as attendees sip and sway throughout the evening.

“Being part of the inaugural Marion Twenty39 class has been an incredible experience,” said Luke O’Neill, Public Relations Chair for Marion Twenty39. “We chose Artstarts because it’s a homegrown nonprofit that has made a meaningful impact on arts and youth development in our community.”

Mayor Mike Absher emphasized the broader importance of the initiative.

“Marion Twenty39 represents the next generation of leadership in our community,” said Mayor Absher. “As we look ahead to Marion’s 200th anniversary, efforts like this ensure we are building a city that is vibrant, creative, and forward-thinking. Investing in our future leaders today strengthens Marion for generations to come.”

Tickets are $10 per person, and partnership opportunities begin at $500. Local businesses and community partners are encouraged to participate and support this community-driven initiative.

All proceeds from Sip, Sway, & Support will benefit Artstarts programming and outreach efforts.

For updates as the event approaches, follow Marion Twenty39 on Facebook.