Rock band Fountains of Wayne headline the music benefit, along with the legendary Hot Stove All-Stars to support Theo Epstein’s Foundation To Be Named Later; A limited number of tickets are on sale to the public at www.ftbnl.org

BOSTON– Boston’s favorite collision of music and baseball is back! Hot Stove Cool Music (HSCM) returns for a high-energy night of live music, baseball and giving back.

Foundation To Be Named Later (FTBNL), signature fundraising event, this year’s event will feature Fountains of Wayne at The Paradise on Saturday, April 11. Founded by Fenway Sports Group senior advisor and World Series-winning baseball executive Theo Epstein and his twin brother, Paul Epstein, MSW, FTBNL invests in the next generation of emerging leaders and support the nonprofits that champion them, by channeling our communities’ shared passion for music, baseball and service to create college and career opportunities and a future of possibilities for under resourced young people and their families.

Known for their sharp songwriting and beloved hits, including “Stacy’s Mom,” Fountains of Wayne will bring its signature sound to the Paradise stage. The band lost founding member and songwriter Adam Schlesinger to COVID in 2020 and returned to playing live shows for the first time in over a decade last year.

The show will also feature a set by the Hot Stove All-Stars, led by HCSM founder and Hall of Fame journalist Peter Gammons, Kay Hanley (Letters to Cleo), Wyc Grousbeck, Will Dailey, Gail Greenwood (Belly, Gang of Four), Chris Cote, Barrence Whitfield and Sarah Borges. As a special addition, Alexandra Ortiz, daughter of Red Sox legend David Ortiz, will perform with the Hot Stove All-Stars. NESN personalities Jenny Johnson and Lenny DiNardo, a member of the curse-breaking 2004 Red Sox, will emcee the event.

“Hot Stove Cool Music brings people together around two great passions, music and baseball, to create real opportunity for young people,” said Gammons. “I am continually humbled watching extraordinary musicians, athletes, and Hall of Famers come together for something greater than any one of us to help open doors for youth in Boston, Chicago, and beyond. Every year, our community rallies around the cause and we are thrilled to rock the Paradise once again for a night that means so much.”

A limited number of General Admission tickets are available for a $66 donation with all proceeds supporting FTBNL’s Peter Gammons College Scholarships for young people overcoming the odds to realize their dreams. VIP tickets are available at www.ftbnl.org, which include access to a special pre-show reception, complimentary delicious food from The Block, Woods Hill Seaport, La Morra, The Sausage Guy and others, as well as beverages from Harpoon, Hope Family Wines, and Truly, and a special viewing area for the show.

“Music and sports have the power to open doors and build confidence in ways few other things can,” said FTBNL co-founder Paul Epstein. “Hot Stove Cool Music reflects that belief by turning shared passions into real opportunities for underserved youth and families. The event has grown into a movement that invests in young people and helps create pathways to education, mentorship and long-term success thanks to the extraordinary musicians, sponsors and fans who believe in this mission and continue to show up year after year.”

Since the first HCSM, the annual concert series has raised over $20 million through 35 events (25 in Boston, 10 in Chicago) that have brought together over 250 musical acts and nearly 40,000 music and sports fans. The Foundation To Be Named Later’s (FTBNL) signature program, the Peter Gammons College Scholarship Program, has invested in 350 students who have overcome significant challenges to pursue higher education and achieve their dreams.

These scholars benefit from tuition grants, dedicated mentors, and leadership trainings, resulting in an impressive 99% college graduation rate. Additionally, FTBNL has provided millions of dollars in grants to over 400 innovative nonprofit partners in Boston and Chicago, transforming lives in underserved neighborhoods.

Hot Stove Cool Music is sponsored by Holland Knight, PNC, Elevate Communications, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts, MassMutual, Delta Airlines, Greenberg Traurig, Serline Haley, Constellation Energy, a&g, Harpoon, Hope Family Vineyards, B-Flexion, Paradise Rock Club and the Tully Family.

ABOUT HOT STOVE COOL MUSIC

Hot Stove Cool Music was founded in 2000 by Peter Gammons and former Boston Herald sportswriter Jeff Horrigan. It is FTBNL’s signature event. FTBNL CEO Allyce Najimy and music director Ed Valauskas are the driving forces behind the event with a team of dedicated volunteers of artists, sponsors, baseball players and musicians. HSCM is held annually in both Boston and Chicago. Past headliners include Eddie Vedder, Buddy Guy, James Taylor, Mavis Staples, Cheap Trick, Liz Phair, Tom Morello, Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks, Common, Yo-Yo Ma, Smashing Pumpkins, Juliana Hatfield, Steven Tyler and the Dropkick Murphys.

ABOUT FOUNDATION TO BE NAMED LATER (FTBNL)

Founded in 2005 by twin brothers Theo Epstein (formerly of the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs) and Paul Epstein, MSW, Foundation To Be Named Later (FTBNL) takes its name from the playful MLB trade term “player to be named later.” The organization invests in the next generation of leaders through its Peter Gammons College Scholarships — achieving a remarkable 99% college graduation rate — and supports the nonprofit partners that champion these students.

By harnessing the shared power of music, baseball, and service, FTBNL creates college and career opportunities for under-resourced young people and their families, opening doors to lasting possibility.

Since its inception, FTBNL has raised more than $20 million and provided grants, scholarships, MLB tickets, and auction items to more than 500 nonprofit organizations. Today, FTBNL supports 350 Peter Gammons College Scholars — students who have overcome significant obstacles, demonstrate exceptional promise, and face high financial need — helping them attend the college of their choice with dedicated mentorship and a personalized plan for success.

For more information, visit www.ftbnl.org.