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

Coming to Philadelphia, April 22, 2010

PHILADELPHIA, March 31 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The all-star, all-author rock group Rock Bottom Remainders—featuring the likes of writers and authors 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!

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Band members today announced a new, four-city east-coast concert series, taking place April 20-24 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 non-profit organizations in each community.

The Rock Bottom Remainders 2010 Wordstock Tour lands in Philadelphia on Thursday, April 22, bringing their own brand of classic rock to benefit the Free Library of Philadelphia.  

"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 band member and Lead Guitarist Dave Barry. "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 of World Vision, a non-profit providing ongoing relief in Haiti; as well as local organizations including the Free Library of Philadelphia. In addition to underwriting the tour, the Pearson Foundation is donating five new children's books for each ticket sold to public schools in each tour city, as well as to the Library.

"These concerts are a great way to raise funds—and raise awareness—for some of America's best non-profit organizations," said Pearson Foundation President Mark Nieker. "We hope people will come out to see 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."

This year's Rock Bottom Remainders lineup features Dave Barry on lead guitar, Amy Tan on vocals, Mitch Albom on keyboards, Scott Turow on vocals, Greg Iles on lead guitar, Kathi Kamen Goldmark on vocals, James McBride on saxophone, Ridley Pearson on bass, and Roy Blount Jr. (self-proclaimed crowd pleaser). 

The band plays Philadelphia on April 22nd at 8:00pm at The Electric Factory located at 421 N. 7th Street.  The performance will be preceded by a VIP reception with the authors. The Philadelphia show will benefit the Free Library, which provides free to the public more than six million items, free internet access and programs for children, teens, jobseekers, and bookworms. In addition, the Pearson Foundation is donating books to the Philadelphia Public Schools and the Library. For tickets, visit the Library website: www.freelibrary.org or www.ticketmaster.com.

About the Rock Bottom Remainders: In its 18 year existence, Rock Bottom Remainders have raised close to $2 million dollars for charity through their concert tours. The group 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, between them, have published more than 150 titles, sold more than 200 million books, and who have been translated into more than 25 languages. In addition to the literary band members, rock legends such as Bruce Springsteen and the late Warren Zevon have done guest appearances.

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.

www.pearsonfoundation.org

SOURCE Free Library of Philadelphia