STONE TEMPLE PILOTS, ALICE IN CHAINS To Headline DC101 CHILI COOK-OFF

STONE TEMPLE PILOTS and ALICE IN CHAINS will headline the 31st annual DC101 Chili Cook-Off on Saturday, May 22 at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds. The event, D.C.'s biggest one-day rock festival, is expected to raise $1.6 million to benefit the National Kidney Foundation serving the national capital area.

Growing in stature and gaining momentum every year, the DC101 Chili Cook-Off is the biggest one-day fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation nationwide. Last year's Cook-Off attracted 30,000 people and raised over $1.5 million to support the Foundation's programs in research, patient services, professional and public education, and organ donation awareness.

Preston A. Englert, Jr., Division President of the National Kidney Foundation serving the national capital area, said, "We are indebted to DC101 for the decades of support they have provided. The Chili Cook-Off is a significant fundraiser that helps support programs such as research that leads to medical breakthroughs, our patient emergency fund, and free early detection screenings for at-risk members of our community. This is crucial because the Washington, D.C. area leads the nation in the prevalence of kidney disease."

True to its name, the Chili Cook-Off features an intense competition between 101 chili cooks in four categories: Red Chili, Green Chili, Freestyle, and Salsa. The 2009 Red Chili winner, Trevor Bothwell, went on to win the People's Choice Award at the World Championship Cook-Off in Charleston, West Virginia in October 2009. Among the celebrity judges at Chili Cook-Off 2010 will be Washington Redskins tight end Chris Cooley, quarterback Colt Brennan, and safety Reed Doughty, whose son received a kidney transplant in March 2008.

Rounding out the lineup of bands for Chili Cook-Off 2010 are national recording artists CAGE THE ELEPHANT, SWITCHFOOT, and ANBERLIN. According to DC101 Program Director Dave Wellington, "This year's Chili Cook-Off lineup is stellar and a must see! We look forward to over 30,000 fans coming together on May 22 for one special day to help so many in need."

RFK Stadium Festival Grounds is pleased to be hosting the event for the second consecutive year. According to Erik Moses, Managing Director of the WCSA Sports, Entertainment and Special Events Division, "We couldn't be more pleased with the first year of our partnership as we had record attendance and monies raised for a worthy cause. This event has evolved into one of the region's most anticipated events. Not only is there a great talent lineup but plenty of good chili as well!"

Tickets go on sale Friday, March 26 at 10:00 a.m. Tickets are $35 in advance general admission and $200 for limited VIP tickets, which include complimentary beer, soda, water, private port-a-johns, and elevated view of the stage, plus all applicable Ticketmaster and service fees. Tickets are $55 at the gate the day of the Chili Cook-Off. RFK Stadium Box Office will be open during the week (M-F) from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. ONLY selling tickets with NO service charge. On May 22, participants are encouraged to take Metro to the Stadium/Armory Station on the Orange & Blue Lines.