Janelle Monáe Spring Dates

Although Janelle Monáe’s bio and 2008 EPs explain that she is an alien from outer space, the singer-songwriter has booked a series of two-night residencies on planet earth, in the U.S. to be exact.

After opening for No Doubt, Paramore, Erykah Badu and Raphael Saadiq, Monáe’s upcoming trek marks her first major headlining tour.

The tour kicks off March 15 at Black Cat in Washington, D.C. and concludes with two gigs April 9-10 at Joe’s Pup in New York.

Additional stops include Johnny Brenda’s in Philadelphia (March 17-18), Café Du Nord in San Francisco (March 21-22), Viper Room in West Hollywood, Calif. (March 23-24), Schubas Tavern in Chicago (March 29-30) and Smith’s Olde Bar in Atlanta (April 4-5).

Photo: John Davisson

Stubb’s Bar-B-Q, SXSW, Austin, Texas

The tour kicks off just three days before the release of her debut album, The ArchAndroid. The first single “Tightrope” is available for purchase (as well as a free stream) on the singer’s official website.

Monáe’s sound is hard to categorize as she blends together everything from indie rock and R&B to new wave, dance opera and show tunes.

Entertainment Weekly describes “Tightrope” as “as a wildly catchy future-funk workout, led by a jumpy walking bassline and featuring a characteristically suave guest verse from OutKast’s Big Boi.”

Big Boi says that what he loves about Monáe “is that she has a magical ability to bring folks together.” OutKast bandmate Andre “3000” Benjamin also sings her praises, explaining that “Ms. Monáe has one of the most enchanting voices of our generation. She’s a living, singing babydoll. Darling … just darling.”

Fans can also catch Monáe on tour this summer as part of the 2010 Lilith Tour. This year’s Lilith, which returns after an 11-year hiatus, also features Sarah MacLachlan, Norah Jones, Mary J. Blige, Loretta Lynn, Tegan and Sara, Heart, Cat Power, Gossip, Sia, Kate Nash, Sara Bareilles and Colbie Caillat.

Click here for Janelle Monáe’s Web site.