By Carl Weiser
Enquirer Washington Bureau

WASHINGTON - A group of musicians announced Wednesday they will play a tour of nine battleground states, including Ohio, to raise money for a group dedicated to ousting President Bush.

The "Vote for Change" tour rolls into Ohio on Oct. 2 with four concerts around the state.

Cincinnati's concert will feature country rocker John Mellencamp and R&B singer Babyface.

Concerts in Toledo, Cleveland and Dayton will present Bruce Springsteen, R.E.M., Pearl Jam, the Dave Matthews Band, the Dixie Chicks and My Morning Jacket.

Organizers said Wednesday they haven't yet set the price of tickets or the exact times or locations of the shows.

The proceeds will go to America Coming Together, a group active in Ohio that is pushing to elect John Kerry.

ACT's president Ellen Malcolm said she expects to raise millions.

"This is not about Bush-bashing," said singer Bonnie Raitt.

"This is presenting why we feel it's important that there needs to be a change - in as fun and a rockin' way as possible."

Republican National Committee spokeswoman Heather Layman said the concerts show that Kerry's allies are celebrities while the Bush campaign draws on ordinary Americans.

Tickets go on sale Aug. 21.

For more information, go to www.moveon.org and www.act4victory.org.

E-mail cweiser@gannett.com