David Cook tour hits campuses across U.S. for spring dates

As students across the country return to their colleges and universities at the end of their winter breaks, they should be on the look-out for one famously familiar face: rock musician David Cook. The winner on the seventh season of “American Idol” has announced plans for a spring 2009 tour that will hit many of the nation’s institutions of higher learning.

The 36-date Declaration Tour kicks off February 13 at Florida State University in Tallahassee, FL, and wraps April 25 at the University of Tulsa in Tulsa, OK. Stops include a February 20 show at the University of Wisconsin in Green Bay, WI, and a March 24 gig at Penn State’s York campus in York, PA.

Most concert dates will be open to the public as well as students, but for show-specific information, check with the venue. The circuit also includes a few regular venue performances, as well, including a February 14 concert at Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, MS, and a March 20-21 two-night stand at Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, NJ.

Previously announced shows for March 23 at Musica Theater in Akron, OH, and April 18 at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN, have already been removed from the itinerary. The March 23 concert has been rescheduled to Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, PA, but no new concert has been booked for April 18.

“There’s something inherently nostalgic about playing college shows. So many amazing acts used to do it, so it’s nice to be able to bring that ideal back, in some small way,” Cook said in a statement about the upcoming jaunt. “Besides, touring on a bus beats what we used to do, which was cram five guys into a seven-passenger van for one show, 13 hours away.”

Cook is touring behind his eponymous major label debut and sophomore album. The disc, which hit store shelves in November 2008, peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. The record is a follow-up to his self-produced and independently released album “Analog Heart.” The singer-songwriter won the title of “American Idol” in the reality music show’s seventh season against competitor David Archuleta.

David Cook itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)