Merle Haggard lines up roadwork following cancer scare

Merle Haggard has booked an extensive run of live appearances this spring and summer as he bounces back from his surgery last fall to treat lung cancer.

The country legend kicks off the slate Feb. 4 in Colusa, CA, and has about 20 dates lined up over February and March, with a few more appearances slated for early summer, including a June 14 slot at the Bonnaroo Festival in Manchester, TN. Dates are below.

In November, Haggard underwent surgery to have part of his lung removed. He later revealed that he had undergone the surgery after being diagnosed with non-small cell lung cancer.

"I think we can stir up some good humor out there among the folks that are crying for good news, and just give them a moment's happiness," he said in a statement announcing his intention to tour again after the cancer scare.

Haggard's most recent album, 2007's "The Bluegrass Sessions," is also his first foray into bluegrass music. Released on Del McCoury's record label, the set, which shot to No. 1 on Billboard's Top Bluegrass Albums chart, includes some new tunes, several reworked Haggard classics and some bluegrass standards.

Earlier this month, Haggard penned a song to commemorate Barack Obama's Presidential inauguration. The lyrics to the track, "Hopes Are High," are currently posted at the singer's website.

TOUR DATES
 tour dates and tickets
February 2009
4 - Colusa, CA - Colusa Casino Resort
5 - Anaheim, CA - The Grove of Anaheim
6 - Las Vegas, NV - Aliante Casino
7 - Wendover, NV - Peppermill Casino
8 - Grand Junction, CO - Avalon Theater
10 - Cheyenne, WY - Cheyenne Civic Center
11 - Casper, WY - Casper Events Center
12 - Billings, MT - Alberta Bair Theater
13 - Great Falls, MT - Great Falls Civic Center
14 - Butte, MT - Butte Civic Center
15 - Idaho Falls, ID - Idaho Falls Auditorium

March 2009
6 - Evansville, IN - The Centre
7 - Hiawassee, GA - Anderson Music Hall
8 - Montgomery, AL - Montgomery Performing Arts Centre
10 - Laredo, TX - Laredo Entertainment Center
11 - Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall
12 - Dallas, TX - Meyerson Symphony Center
13 - Thackerville, OK - Winstar Casino
14 - Newkirk, OK - First Council Casino

June 2009
14 - Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival

July 2009
9 - Mahnomen, MN - Shooting Star Casino Event Center
12 - Rhinelander, WI - Hodag Country Festival
17 - Mt. Pleasant, MI - Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort


 tour dates and tickets
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