Concert to help fund Riley Hospital

Six years ago it was nothing more than a dream in the mind of an IU Medical School student.

Today it’s one of the most-respected annual shows in the Indianapolis music scene.

In 2004, Greg Berman found the perfect way to combine his passion for medicine and music and founded Rock for Riley, a benefit concert to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children in Indianapolis.  Five concerts later, the foundation has raised over $650,000 for Riley Hospital and has been ran by IU medical students.

“I speak for most medical students by saying we went to med school to help people and I think this is our unique way of helping others,” said Geoffrey Aaron, Rock for Riley President of Philanthropy. “Everyone in this group loves music and helping out sick kids.”

Friday night, the group will hold the sixth installment of its concert series when it hosts Julian Casablancas, front man for The Strokes, as part of his solo tour.

But big name performers are nothing new to the series.  In 2007, Rock for Riley hosted Grammy winners Kings of Leon and have also hosted bands like Avett Brothers and Wilco.

“Several bands have taken off about the time they played for us,” Aaron said. “That has helped give us some credibility as a respected concert series.”

For the medical students who devote their time to the event, combining music and helping the sick makes Rock for Riley an obvious cause to devote their little free time to.
“Music is something that has always been a big part of my life, and really does soothe the soul,” said Ryan Werntz, Vice President of Publicity for the group.

“I played in rock bands during high school and college,” Aaron said. “When I saw the opportunity to help put on rock concerts to raise money for Riley kids, I knew that is where I could really get involved and put my volunteer focus.”

Outside of the annual concert, Rock for Riley has expanded into a showcase series, playing at night spots in the Indianapolis area and featuring lesser-known bands.

Aaron said the goal of the showcase series is to keep interest in the organization throughout the year while still raising money for Riley Hospital – the same hospital that many IU students donate to through Dance Marathon.

Funds raised from this year’s concert will go a general Riley Hospital fund but some will also go to a music therapy, Rock for Riley Room inside the hospital.

Rock for Riley President of Entertainment Matt Fischer said the room will be a great place for kids at Riley to go and relax while in the hospital.

“I think it shows people outside the medical community that students really do care and are actively involved in improving peoples lives,” Werntz said.