Roots Rally in Marshall benefits Highmark Caring Place

The fourth annual Roots Rally for Riley music benefit will take place from noon to 6 p.m. March 24 at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille, 103 Slade Lane, Marshall.

Held each year in memory of Riley Scheller, who passed away from a brain tumor at the age of 11 in 2008, the event celebrates her love of bluegrass, country and folk music. Proceeds benefit the Highmark Caring Place in Warrendale, which helped the Scheller family when Riley was diagnosed with cancer.

The Roots Rally will feature live music acts throughout the day. Jeff Scheller, Riley’s father and upright bassist for The BOOM Rockets, a Pittsburgh-area rockabilly and surf band, is the event’s coordinator.

“I’m excited to once again host this benefit in Riley’s name,” he said. “We invite the community to join us for this daylong celebration of music, love and remembrance to honor Riley and all of children battling this terrible disease.

“The Caring Place in Warrendale was our lifeline during those tough times, offering support and comfort. With the Roots Rally, we want to give back and ensure other families facing similar challenges can benefit from the Caring Place’s invaluable resources.”

This year’s Roots Rally lineup features folk-rock band and event headliner Smilo and the Ghost; the Bindley Hardware Company, which features original and classic-style country music; the Polkamaniacs, who play punk, roots, swing and Americana through a polka filter; The BOOM Rockets; and bluegrass band Midnight Drive.

Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. Advance tickets can be purchased at jergels.com.

For more information about the event, visit bit.ly/rootsrally4.