Chicago's Top Recording Artists to Sing Praises of Reading & Literacy At August 28 "Rock for Reading" Music Fest

Seeking to raise public awareness of the importance of reading as well as literacy, a group of leading Chicago recording artists will band together to perform at "Rock for Reading," a day-long outdoor music festival for adults and children.

(PRWEB) August 2, 2004 -- Seeking to raise public awareness of the importance of reading as well as literacy, a group of leading Chicago recording artists will band together to perform at "Rock for Reading," a day-long outdoor music festival for adults and children.

The first-time event, spearheaded by Chicago singer/songwriter Alice Peacock, will be held on Saturday, August 28, from 1:00-11:00 p.m. on the grounds of the New City YMCA, 1515 N. Halsted in Chicago. Admission is $10. Children 6 years of age or younger are admitted free. Stage entertainment will be geared to children in the afternoon and more adult-oriented after 5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.tickets.com or at the gate.

Proceeds from Rock for Reading will be donated to the Chicago Public Library, the Chicago Public Schools' Children First Fund, New City YMCA and the education advocacy group Tutor/Mentor Connection.

In addition to Peacock, among the artists already scheduled to participate (more will be added; updates/more info at www.rockforreading.com or 773.868.3010) are: Robert Cornelius, Michael McDermott, Otis Clay, Kelly Hogan, Carlos Ortega of Casalondo, Rick Nielsen of Cheap Trick, Robbie Fulks, Ralph Covert, Nora O'Connor, Jessy Dixon and Underwater People. Also performing will be Nicholas Tremulis, Cathy Richardson, Giant Step, Scott Lukas of Local H and Jim Peterik of Ides of March, formerly Survivor. All performers will be backed by a Rock for Reading house band featuring many of Chicago's top studio musicians.

Among the artists slated to perform on the kids' venue are: folk legend Ella Jenkins, Akuba's Dream featuring Cynthia Von Orthal, John Storms and Sons of the Never Wrong. Additionally, several well-known Chicago TV and radio personalities will make guest appearances at the festival.

Approximately one in three Chicago adults is considered functionally illiterate. In the U.S., this number is estimated at one in five. Illinois' literacy rate ranks a poor 34 out of the 50 states.

Rock for Reading media sponsors are the Chicago Sun-Times and WXRT Radio.

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