Dubbed the Words & Music Tour, after his recently released 2 CD greatest hits package, the outing starts on March 23 at the Savannah Civic Center in Georgia.

A string of additional Words & Music Tour dates are expected in the near future.

Mellencamp will be backed by his full touring band and will perform songs pulled from his vast repertoire, including hits as “Jack & Diane,” “Small Town,” “Pink Houses,” “R.O.C.K. In The U.S.A.,” “Authority Song” and more.

Mellencamp said from his Bloomington, Ind., base: “Going out and playing now is a great way for me to keep these songs alive. We’re keeping the ticket prices down to let people know I’m still aligned with the common man.”

For all dates on the tour in March and April the top ticket price is set at $45, the average ticket price will range between $25 and $35 at most venues.

Seminal folk-rocker Donovan, rarely seen on tour, will be featured as a special guest on these tour dates. He’ll be performing a set that includes many of his best known songs – “Sunshine Superman,” “Hurdy Gurdy Man,” “Wear Your Love Like Heaven, ” Season of the Witch” – and will also join with Mellencamp for a special onstage collaboration.