The tenth annual Rhythms of Life fundraising concert will take place this Thursday, Oct. 17, starring local country and folk groups including the "Rhythms of Life" house band, with Bob Banerjee, David Granati, Joey Granati, Ron Soltis, and Ben Tryc. The concert will also the PGH Super Band (Tony Janflone Jr., Shari Richards, and Sputzy), Johnny Angel, and The Granati Brothers, among others.

The concert will raise money to support The Sonny Pugar Memorial's "Music Smiles" program, which combines live music performances with music therapy programs in local hospitals, including the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. The memorial was set up in honor of well-known rock, R&B, and jazz drummer Sonny Pugar, who died of colon cancer in 2004. The "Music Smiles" program grew from his work with jazz vocalist Etta Cox, with whom he played for school children in the Pittsburgh Gateway to the Arts program for over ten years.

Hosted by WDVE's Sean McDowell, the benefit concert will be held at Silks Lounge, at The Meadows Racetrack & Casino in Washington, Pa. More information and tickets can be found at www.sonnypugar.org.