Conor Oberst tour brings Mystic Valley Band back to the U.S.

After completing their current European tour, Bright Eyes frontman Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band will be back in North America this fall for a series of more than 30 newly announced performances. The second leg of the American tour begins September 20 in Omaha, NE, and concludes November 20 in New Orleans, LA.

Oberst’s current European tour began August 22 at the Leeds Festival in the UK and runs through a September 15 show at the Columbia Club in Berlin, Germany. More 2008 world dates are in store for Oberst and his country-tinged rock band. After a September 28 performance at the Austin City Limits Festival in Austin, TX, the band will perform a brief three-date engagement in Australia before returning to the States for the remainder of the tour.

The Mystic Valley Band is touring in support of Oberst’s eponymous solo record, released August 5. Previously, Oberst released 10 albums under the name Bright Eyes and with an ever-changing line-up of backing musicians. His most recent Bright Eyes recording was the April 2007 release “Cassadega,” which peaked at No. 4 on the U.S. charts.

On September 3, the band’s Web site announced a limited time pre-sale for select shows on the upcoming U.S. trek. Presales opened at noon the same day and were password protected. Face value for the tickets ranged from $18 to $28, depending on the venue.

The Mystic Valley Band formed late in 2007 and is the collaboration of Oberst, Rilo Kiley drummer Jason Boesel, and Nik Freitas, who supported Bright Eyes and Rilo Kiley on their recent headlining tours. The remainder of the touring band is filled out with guitarist Taylor Hollingsworth, bassist Macey Taylor, and Bright Eyes’ multi-instrumentalist Nate Walcott.

The line-up is indicative of the close relationship between Oberst and his fellow indie giants, Rilo Kiley. Members of Bright Eyes and Rilo Kiley collaborate frequently, most recently on Rilo Kiley frontwoman Jenny Lewis’ solo album “Rabbit Fur Coat.” Oberst supplied guest vocals for Lewis’ cover of “Handle With Care” by the Traveling Wilburys.

Lewis will perform solo material on the first six dates of the Oberst’s upcoming U.S. trek. Both musicians will then perform at the Austin City Limits Festival on September 27 before continuing with their respective headlining tours.

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band itinerary:
(Dates subject to change.)

* with Jenny Lewis