Jay Patrick Boland and The Only Members Band, Matthew “Lig” Knabe, The Allen Ilg Band, Iconic Rockwear and JB’s will host a night of live music at JB’s at 7:30 p.m. Saturday for The Get Well Gabby Foundation.

The Get Well Gabby Foundation was founded in 2012 in the memory of Gabriella Vogel. The five-year-old died of Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma, a rare and aggressive brain cancer, on Sept. 11, 2011. The foundation was started by Gabby’s parents, John and Carolynn Vogel.

“When I discovered this story, let’s just say it was a tear jerker,” said Jay Patrick Boland, member of the Jay Patrick Boland and The Only Members Band. “I wanted to make a difference when doing this show and to be able to do something for a good cause. I immediately thought of Gabby’s story. The foundation is newer and small — perfect for this event.”

The foundation’s website states its mission is to raise money for brain cancer research, assist in the care of children with cancer, provide for families that have children with cancer and spread awareness of all childhood cancers.

“Jay and I have a big heart for organizations such as this one,” said Knabe, a performer taking part in the event. “I have slowed down a lot in the past couple of years in my music career. These kinds of things I enjoy doing, and now that I am not pursing music like I used to, I still want to play to bring awareness and impact to a charity like this one.”

All the performers in the fundraiser have strong ties to Northern Ohio.

“Matt and I have known each other since high school,” said Boland. “All of us are in our mid-30s, and we aren’t really trying to be rock stars anymore.”

Jay Patrick Boland and The Only Members Band is an acoustic-driven rock band that has gotten together recently and they are ready to take the stage Saturday.

“My influences are U2 and Jane’s Addiction,” Boland said. “We are doing a couple of surprises at the night of the event, but a majority of the songs I am singing are ones I wrote.”

Knabe has had many accomplishments in his music career. He is the former lead singer of Ligion, a touring act based in Nashville. He has shared the stage with acts such as Nickelback, Velvet Revolver, Puddle of Mudd, Staind and Matchbox 20.

“I was doing anywhere between 200 to 250 shows a year when I had the record deal,” Knabe said. “Now that music is less of a career choice, I still enjoy doing things that help others.”

The Allen Ilg Band is a local band that has been based in Akron for the last 15 years. Another acoustic-driven rock band, the members have played in venues like the House of Blues and The Grog Shop in Cleveland.

“Allen, from the band that is playing with us, has got to be one of the best drummers in the area,” Boland said. “When I asked him to play with me and told him about the event he was like ‘Absolutely!’”

Iconic Rockwear is a design company based out of Nashville, which Knabe used for years during his music career. They donated posters to raise awareness for the event.

JB’s, a music venue in downtown Kent, has been around since before Knabe and Boland got their start.

“I haven’t played at JB’s since I was in high school or college,” Knabe said. “It’s a reminder from where I got my start. I am really excited.”

Admission is $7 per person, and those under 21 years old will be charged an additional $2. All proceeds will be donated to The Get Well Gabby Foundation.

Additional donations will be accepted during the event.

Contact Kate Kelly at [email protected].