The Rock Bottom Remainders 2010 Wordstock Tour Begins 4/20

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 April 20-24  with shows in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Proceeds from the tour, which are being presented by the Pearson Foundation and their new digital reading and giving initiative, We Give Books (www.wegivebooks.org), will support Haitian relief and local non-profit organizations at work in each community.

The Rock Bottom Remainders 2010 Wordstock Tour kicks off in Washington, Tuesday, April 20, 2010 with a special event "Besides the Music: a Conversation with the Rock Bottom Remainders," hosted by veteran newsman Sam Donaldson. The band will travel by train to bring their own brand of classic rock to Washington, D.C. on April 21st, Philadelphia on April 22nd, New York City on April 23rd, and in Boston on April 24th.

"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."

"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). 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: April 20th at 8:00 p.m. at Sidney Harman
     Hall in The Harman Center for the Arts Washington, D.C. located at 610
     F Street NW, and will be hosted by Sam Donaldson;   On April 21st at
     8:30 p.m.  The 9:30 Club located at 815 V Street, NW

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 the Washington, D.C. Public Schools.

 --  Philadelphia April 22nd at 8:30 p.m.: The Electric Factory located at
     421 N. 7th Street.

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

 --  New York City: April 23rd at 8:30 p.m., The Nokia Theatre in Times
     Square located at 1515 Broadway

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.

 --  Boston on April 24th at 8:00 p.m., The Royale (Formerly The Roxy) 279
     Tremont Street

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.

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

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