This Wednesday, Smithereens lead singer Pat DiNizio will go on the road to support his first solo album and to raise money for the Grammy In Schools program.|

During the tour, DiNizio's first stint on the road in more than three years, the singer will hit intimate venues throughout the United States. In addition, he will stop at six Borders Books and Music stores to promote the Grammy program, which is sponsored by the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. The Grammy In Schools program was set up to provide a mentoring experience to high school students interested in the music business.

"As a former music education major," DiNizio says, "[the program] is an opportunity for me to teach students about something that has brought so much fulfillment to my life." At the Borders' gigs, DiNizio will play an acoustic set and spend time fielding questions from curious high school students. A portion of sales from each specific in-store performance will go toward the Grammy program. (Ari Bendersky)

Pat DiNizio's tour schedule:

• Jan. 14 - 7th House, Pontiac, Mich.
• Jan. 15 - Metropol, Pittsburgh
• Jan. 16 - Top Cats, Cincinnati (*Borders show during day)
• Jan. 17 - Agora Ballroom, Cleveland
• Jan. 19 - The Horseshoe, Toronto
• Jan. 21 - Middle East, Cambridge, Mass.
• Jan. 22 - Iron Horse, Northampton, Mass.
• Jan. 23 - Mickey's, Baltimore
• Jan. 24 - The Bayou, Washington, D.C.
• Jan. 26 - Mercury Lounge, New York (*Borders show during day)
• Jan. 27 - North Star, Philadelphia
• Jan. 29 - Smith's Olde Bar, Atlanta
• Jan. 30 - Ace of Clubs, Nashville
• Jan. 31 - Barrister's, Memphis
• Feb. 2 - House of Blues, New Orleans
• Feb. 4 - Galaxy Club, Dallas
• Feb. 5 - Electric Lounge, Austin, Texas (*Borders show during day)
• Feb. 8 - Nita's Hideaway, Tempe, Ariz.
• Feb. 10 - Belly Up Tavern, Solana Beach, Calif.
• Feb. 11 - Coach House, San Juan Capistrano, Calif.
• Feb. 12 - House of Blues, Los Angeles (*Borders show during day)
• Feb. 13 - Bottom of the Hill, San Francisco
• Feb. 17 - Bluebird Theater, Denver (*Borders show during day)
• Feb. 19 - The Galaxy, St. Louis
• Feb. 20 - The Hurricane, Kansas City, Mo.
• Feb. 21 - Blue Note, Columbia, Mo.
• Feb. 22 - House of Blues, Chicago (*Borders show during day)
  (tour dates courtesy of Velvel Records)