BOSTON (AP) – When it came time for Red Sox general manager Theo Epstein to kick off the first fund-raising event for his charity, The Foundation To Be Named Later, baseball’s youngest general manager wanted to do something a little bit different and a lot more laid back.

So Epstein took the popular winter fund-raiser, the “Hot Stove-Cool Music” concert held each January, and brought it outside.

“It beat having a rubber chicken dinner,” said Epstein, who estimated Saturday night’s event would raise more than $250,000.

The show featured a lineup that included Ben Kweller, The Gentlemen, Juliana Hatfield, Kay Hanley, Fountains of Wayne and a slew of bands featuring baseball luminaries making guest appearances.

“It’s always special when baseball and music come together, but to do it in this setting, in Fenway Park, under the stars makes it a memorable night,” Epstein said. “We’re raising a lot of money for a great cause so it’s pretty special.”

Epstein played guitar with local band Buffalo Tom, Red Sox pitcher Bronson Arroyo, who recently released his debut CD also performed, as did writer Peter Gammons, who played with his band, the Hot Stove All Stars.

Pitcher Tim Wakefield appeared on stage with The Gentlemen in a cowboy hat and strummed along on an acoustic guitar. Mike Timlin joined Wakefield and emcee comedian Mike O’Malley on stage to help auction Red Sox items.

The charity was established by Epstein and his twin brother, Paul, a social worker. The Foundation To Be Named Later is a branch of the Red Sox Foundation that will benefit eight nonprofit organizations that support community programs focusing on at-risk, underprivileged and disadvantaged youth.

“Hot Stove-Cool Music” has been held at the Paradise Rock Club every year since 1999, with the proceeds going to the team’s main charity, the Jimmy Fund. Gammons, who works for ESPN, has been with the event since its inception.

“We’re having a lot of fun for an extremely important cause,” Gammons said. “This just doesn’t happen in any other city. Baseball is so much a part of the culture here, more than any other city in the country. People here are generous, but they’re also pretty creative.”

AP-ES-07-16-05 2225EDT