The first deFrees scholarships were awarded last year.

RUMFORD – The Rumford Town Hall Auditorium will soon be filled with the sound of music, as local artists present two shows to benefit the Jane Holt deFrees Education Fund.

The program will feature singers, dancers and musicians from the River Valley area in a variety show format Saturday, Feb. 18, and Sunday, Feb. 19.

Directed by Bob Bohren, the show will offer a mix of musical styles, focusing on the talented entertainers, both professional and amateur, who live in or have ties to the Rumford area. Scheduled performers include pianist Ross Swain; vocalist Ginny Palmer; singer-guitarist Jim Gallant; the trio of Thea Duinn, Tim Cormier and Liz Cihak; trombonist Dan Labonte; a trio of tap dancers from Miss Stephany’s School of Dance; and magician Scot Grassette.

The cast of the Mountain Valley High School spring musical, “Kilroy Was Here,” will present a production number from their upcoming show and the Middle School Jazz Ensemble will provide some big band sound.

The Rumford Historical Society’s Education Committee began work on a scholarship program using proceeds from the 2004 Rumford Center country fair. The committee named the fund for the late Jane Holt deFrees, a lifelong teacher, community activist and tireless supporter of education. Proceeds from a variety show held two years ago were also included in the fund. The first deFrees scholarships were presented to Mountain Valley High Class of 2005 graduating seniors Audrey Marquis and Tristan Lapoinle.

Through investment in the Maine Community Foundation, the fund is expected to eventually become self-sustaining.

Shows will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday and at 2 p.m. Sunday. Tickets, $8 for adults and $6 for seniors and students, will be available at the door.