Extra bases

Tickets are still available for the third annual Hot Stove Cool Music Chicago benefit concert, to be held June 20 at Wrigleyville's Metro. The event will celebrate baseball, music and giving back, and feature Cubs president of baseball operations Theo Epstein and Tom Morello of "Rage Against the Machine."

Epstein will be joined by Hall of Fame baseball writer Peter Gammons and Cubs broadcaster Len Kasper in the event, which is presented by Victory Park Capital and Giordano's. The event has raised more than $5.5 million for Epstein's Foundation To Be Named Later (FTBNL).

There will be ensemble performances by Morello and Chicago Hot Stove All-Stars Jimmy Chamberlin (Smashing Pumpkins), John Stirratt (Wilco), Scott Lucas (Local H), Eddie "King" Roeser (Urge Overkill), Jered Gummere (Ponys), Gary Klebe (Shoes), singer Jennifer Hall and Tributosaurus members Matt Spiegel, Curt Morrison and Jon Paul.

This year's event will pay homage to Chicago's great history of music, and sets will focus on songs by bands and artists with a Chicago connection.

General admission tickets are $50, with no service fees for cash purchases. VIP tickets will also be available at www.ftbnl.org. Tickets are available at www.metrochicago.com and the Metro Box Office, 3730 North Clark Street, Chicago.