WASHINGTON, March 24, 2011 -- The following is being issued by the National Press Club:

DATE:  Tuesday, March 29

TIME:  2 p.m.

Place:  First Amendment Lounge, National Press Club

529 14th St. NW, Washington, D.C. 20045

Rock and roll legend Chuck Leavell, longtime keyboardist and musical director for The Rolling Stones, will discuss his new book about sustainable, smart growth, entitled, "Growing a Better America," at a National Press Club Newsmaker.

A conservationist, Leavell is co-founder of the eco-web site Mother Nature Network (MNN), the world's most visited for-profit environmental web site. His focus these days is on the escalated movement to protect the country's air, water and land, as well as a clean-energy economy (biodiversity), climate change and potential congressional "cap-and-trade" legislation, which is addressed in the book.

"With the incredible pressures on our natural lands and natural resources, it is important at this juncture that we make careful and intelligent decisions concerning how America is going to grow," Leavell told The Wire.

Leavell, who has played piano for more than 90 major recording artists, is in the midst of recording a CD in tribute to the pioneering blues piano players from whom he derives his musical inspiration. Keith Richards and John Mayer joined Leavell this month in Los Angeles to lay tracks for the CD, and Leavell returned the favor, recording with Mayer on his new CD in New York.

The Stones are currently in negotiations for a world tour next year, which will mark the band's 50th anniversary. Their 2005-2007 tour grossed a record $600 million. Leavell will take questions on his latest musical endeavors, including the possible Stones tour, as part of his Newsmaker appearance, and will play a song or two to conclude the event.

Reporters interested in environmental issues, as well as music and entertainment reporters, will find opportunities for news stories and features at this NPC Newsmaker.