Pulitzer Prize-winning composer, trumpeter and band leader Wynton Marsalis [ tickets ] will once again steer the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra through its annual tour of the US.

Marsalis and the group, which usually operates out of the venerable New York City performing arts theater, will kick things off Feb. 27 in Chicago and visit a dozen cities from the Midwest to the East Coast before wrapping with a three-night finale at JLCO's home base. Stops include a two-night stand in Minneapolis and engagements in Indianapolis, Boston, Philadelphia and Washington, DC. The full itinerary is included below.

The tour, dubbed "We Are the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra," takes its name from the rousing way Marsalis has introduced the big band at each JLCO concert for more than 20 years. The outing is expected to feature the 15-piece outfit performing classic tunes by Thelonious Monk, works from the Blue Note catalog and the jazz big-band canon, as well as compositions and arrangements by members of the group.

The current JLCO lineup features music director Marsalis, along with Freddie Hendrix, Ryan Kisor and Marcus Printup on trumpets; Chris Crenshaw, Vincent Gardner and Elliot Mason on trombones; Walter Blanding, Victor Goines, Sherman Irby, Ted Nash and Joe Temperley on reeds; Dan Nimmer on piano; Carlos Henriquez on bass; and Ali Jackson on drums.

The Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra has toured annually for more than 12 years, and is the official house band for Jazz at Lincoln Center activities, including educational events and performances featuring an ever-expanding roster of guest artists.

In addition to touring with JLCO, Marsalis is getting ready to release his fifth Blue Note album, "He and She," which was inspired by music that explores waltz tempo in a jazz context. The set, which combines spoken word and music, is due March 24.