Best-Selling Authors by Day, Rock Stars by Night: Rock Bottom Remainders to Stage April East Coast Benefit Concert

Roger McGuinn to Join Charity Tour for Washington, D.C. Show and Special Event "in Conversation" with Sam Donaldson

New York, NY – March 18 – The all-star, all-author rock group Rock Bottom Remainders – featuring the likes of writers Dave Barry, Amy Tan, Mitch Albom, Scott Turow, Roy Blount, Jr., Greg Iles, James McBride, Ridley Pearson, and Kathi Kamen Goldmark – is going on tour!

Band members today announced a new, four-city East Coast concert series to take place April 20-24, 2010, with shows in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Proceeds from the tour, which is being presented by the Pearson Foundation, will support Haitian relief and local nonprofit organizations at work in each community.

The Rock Bottom Remainders 2010 Wordstock Tour kicks off in Washington on Tuesday, April 20, with a special event, “Besides the Music: a Conversation with the Rock Bottom Remainders,” hosted by veteran newsman Sam Donaldson. Then, after bringing their own brand of classic rock to the Capital City on April 21, the band will travel by train for concerts in Philadelphia on April 22, New York City on April 23, and in Boston on April 24.

“This concert is a rare chance to see a band that has been hailed by critics as ‘not as bad as you would expect,’” said the group’s lead guitarist, bestselling author Dave Barry. “The Rock Bottom Remainders are excited by the response to this tour from our fans. There are only three of them, but they’ve been very responsive. But seriously, we’re thrilled to be able to raise money for some great organizations.”

In each city, the Rock Bottom Remainders will be raising funds together with the Pearson Foundation in support World Vision, a nonprofit providing ongoing relief in Haiti; as well as for local organizations including the America’s Promise Alliance, the Free Library of Philadelphia, and New York City’s 92nd Street Y. In addition to underwriting the tour, for every ticket sold the Pearson Foundation is donating five new children’s books to public schools in each tour city.

“These concerts are a great way to raise funds – and raise awareness – for some of America’s best nonprofit organizations,” said Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker. “We hope people will come out to hear some great music and have fun, but we’re especially pleased that the band members are donating their own time and that funds raised will go directly to support much-needed education and literacy efforts in Haiti and in the cities where the tour takes place.”

In addition to Dave Barry, this year’s Rock Bottom Remainders lineup features Amy Tan (vocals), Mitch Albom (keyboards), Scott Turow (vocals), Greg Iles (lead guitar), Kathi Kamen Goldmark (vocals), James McBride (saxophone), Ridley Pearson (bass), and Roy Blount Jr. (self-proclaimed crowd pleaser). Roger McGuinn, a founding member of the Byrds, will be making a special guest appearance with the Rock Bottom Remainders in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C. (two events)

The Washington events will benefit World Vision and America’s Promise Alliance, the nation’s largest partnership network dedicated to improving the lives of children and youth. In addition, the Pearson Foundation is donating books to District of Columbia public schools.

April 20, 8:00pm: “Besides the Music: a Conversation with the Rock Bottom Remainders,” hosted by Sam Donaldson. Sidney Harman Hall in the Harman Center for the Arts, 610 F Street NW.
April 21, 8:30pm: Concert, the 9:30 Club, 815 V Street, NW.

Philadelphia

The Philadelphia show will benefit the Free Library of Philadelphia, which provides the public with more than six million items, one of the country’s most extensive library collections. In addition, the Pearson Foundation is donating books to the Philadelphia public schools.

April 22, 8:30pm: Concert, The Electric Factory, 421 N. 7th Street.

New York City

The New York show will benefit World Vision, America’s Promise Alliance, and the 92nd Street Y. In addition, the Pearson Foundation is donating books to the New York public schools.

April 23, 8:30pm: Concert, The Nokia Theatre in Times Square, 1515 Broadway.

Boston

The Boston show will benefit World Vision and America’s Promise Alliance. In addition, the Pearson Foundation is donating books to the Boston public schools.

April 24, 8:00pm: Concert, The Royale (formerly The Roxy), 279 Tremont Street.

About the Rock Bottom Remainders

In its 18-year existence, the Rock Bottom Remainders have raised close to $2 million for charity through their concert tours. The band first performed at the 1992 American Booksellers Association convention in Anaheim. The group is composed of some of today’s most shining literary lights, who, among them, have published more than 150 titles, which have been translated into more than 25 languages and have sold more than 200 million books. In addition to the literary band members, Rock Bottom Remainders concerts have featured guest appearances by rock legends such as Bruce Springsteen and the late Warren Zevon.
www.rockbottomremainders.com

About the Pearson Foundation

The Pearson Foundation extends Pearson’s commitment to education by partnering with leading nonprofit, civic, and business organizations to provide financial, organizational, and publishing assistance across the globe. The Foundation aims to make a difference by sponsoring innovative educational programs and extending its educational expertise to help in classrooms and in local communities.