It’s also been a big year for The Parlotones in the band’s native country with the group holding its “Dragonflies and Astronauts” event July 16. Set at Johannesburg’s Teatro at Montecasino, the show combining technology, music and a theatrical performance aired on DirectTV as a 3D spectacular. Of course, there was also a 2D airing for those of us whose home entertainment systems are still a tad short on depth. DirectTV is re-airing the show more than 80 times during August and September.

The band’s upcoming U.S./Canada trek begins in Washington, D.C., at DC9 Oct. 12 and wraps at San Diego’s The Casbah Nov. 5. Stops along the way include Atlanta, Ga., at Smith’s Olde Bar Oct. 14; New York’s Highline Ballroom Oct. 19; Toronto at The Mod Club Oct. 22; Denver’s Larimer Lounge Oct. 25; Vancouver, British Columbia, at Biltmore Cabaret Oct. 28; Seattle’s Crocodile Café Oct. 29; and West Hollywood at the Roxy Theatre Nov. 4.

The band has a couple of South African gigs on the books, supporting Coldplay at Cape Town Stadium Oct. 5 and Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium Oct. 8. There’s also a headlining U.K. run beginning in London Nov. 9. For more information, visit The-Parlotones.com.