As a way of “paying back” the Marion community for its support, Michael Brookens, like his brother, Justin, is “playing it back” with a vocal recital at 7:30 p.m. Sunday at the USD 408 Performing Arts Center, 127 S. Lincoln St., Marion.

The event is free and open to the public.

Brookens is a senior at Concordia College in Moorehead, Minn. He plans to graduate in May with a bachelor’s degree in music choral education with electric concentration in performance.

He will student teach this semester at the high school level.

Brookens performed this summer as part of Six Appeal, a men’s a capella group that performed during Chingawassa Days.

This time around he is going solo.

“I’ll sing a variety of songs and some music theater,” Brookens said. “It will be a collaboration of romantic-style art songs.”

He will be accompanied by Jenny Epp, an accomplished pianist from Hillsboro. She accompanied Justin Brookens in 2008 when he performed a trumpet recital.

Brookens is returning to his hometown to perform in the performing arts center as a tribute to Marion.

“This is where I grew up and obtained the beginning of my music education,” he said.

The recital will be a compilation of his college work.

Brookens hopes others will follow in the footsteps of he and his brother returning to their alma mater and performing in the performing arts center.

“Marion doesn’t have a tradition of concerts or recitals,” Brookens said.

With the support of USD 408 officials, Brookens and others have opportunities to showcase their talents in a state-of-the-art facility, rivaling many colleges.

Prior to his performance Sunday, Brookens will talk about his musical selections.

“I’ll offer a serving suggestion,” he said, with explanation about the pieces.

Brookens will perform many of these pieces in the coming months as part of his senior recital.

Bob and Anita Brookens of Marion are his parents.