Rodrigo y Gabriela y C.U.B.A.

Rodrigo y Gabriela are trying out something different for their spring U.S. tour. For the first time in their careers the duo is bringing a backing band on the road.

The Mexican acoustic rock group, which features Rodrigo Sánchez on lead guitar and Gabriela Quintero on rhythm guitar and percussion, is touring in support of the duo’s fourth studio album, Area 52. The release is due out this month.

An announcement on Rodrigo y Gabriela’s website explains that they are bringing Cuban band C.U.B.A. on tour “in order to showcase the thrilling and dynamic collaborations featured on Area 52 in a live setting.”

Photo: John Davisson

Sasquatch! Music Festival, Gorge Amphitheatre, Quincy, Wash.

The U.S. tour kicks off April 3 at Seattle’s Paramount Theatre with dates booked through a May 5 gig in Austin at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q / Waller Creek Amphitheatre.

Stops along the way include Portland, Ore. (April 4); Oakland, Calif. (April 5); Hollywood, Calif. (April 7); Broomfield, Colo. (April 10); Chicago (April 12); Milwaukee (April 13); New York City (April 20); Upper Darby, Pa. (April 21); Boston (April 23); Charlottesville, Va. (April 26) and Atlanta (April 28).

The duo will also play the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival May 4.

A previously announced European tour is scheduled Feb. 19 through March 2.

Ticket pre-sales for the U.S. dates begin Friday at 10 a.m. local venue time. The public on-sale begins Jan. 20.

For more information click here for Rodrigo y Gabriella’s website.