Uncle Kracker tour to make ‘Happy Hour’ last all spring

Rap-rock musician Uncle Kracker continues his crossover into the world of country as he tours behind his latest studio album “Happy Hour.”

The singer-songwriter will showcase his new blend of musical stylings on the intimate Happy Hour Tour of the United States. The four-week venture currently stands at 24 dates, beginning March 11 at The Machine Shop in Flint, MI, and wrapping April 10 at Cattle Annie’s in Lynchburg, VA.

Along the way Uncle Kracker, whose real name is Matthew Shafer, will perform for audiences on March 14 at Peabody’s Downunder in Cleveland, OH; March 22 at Majestic Theatre in Madison, WI; and April 2 at Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ.

Though he’s toned down his act in recent years, Uncle Kracker is by no means abandoning his roots in rock. The musician’s headline venture will feature support from Rehab, a rap-rock band from Georgia.

Tickets are already on sale for Uncle Kracker’s gigs on March 19 at Austin’s Fuel Room in Libertyville, IL, and June 4 at the 5th Street Beach Stage in Virginia Beach, VA. Additional public ticket sales begin this Friday, February 12, with most prices set in the affordable $25-and-under range.

After three rock albums and waning impact on the mainstream charts, Uncle Kracker took a five-year-break and returned with the country-tinged “Happy Hour.” Released in September 2009, the effort earned the musician his highest position on the Billboard 200 (No. 38) since his 2000 debut, “Double Wide.”

Uncle Kracker itinerary:
(Dates are subject to change.)