Earth, Wind & Fire [ tickets ] plans to celebrate its 30th anniversary by mounting a U.S. tour that will kick off on Sept 1. The veteran R&B and funk act is also marking the occasion with the release of a documentary video later this month.

The group’s 13-member touring lineup will feature Philip Bailey (vocals/percussion), Verdine White (bass), Ralph Johnson (vocals/percussion), Sheldon Reynolds (guitar/vocals), Bobby Gonzales (guitar), Robert Brookins (musical director/vocals/keyboards), Myron McKinnley (keyboards), B. David Whitworth (vocals/percussion), John Paris (drums), Danny Reyes (percussion), Ray Brown (trumpet), Reggie Young (trombone), Gary Bias (saxophone), as well as dancers Deanna Walters, Stacey Harper and Elizabeth Ramos.

Founding member Maurice White--Verdine’s brother--still serves as the band’s leader and producer, but no longer tours with the group, according to a spokesperson.

The band plans to include in its setlist such hits as “Shining Star,” "September,” “Fantasy,” “Let’s Groove,” “Reasons,” “Got to Get You Into My Life” and “That’s the Way of the World.”

In addition to paying tribute to its 30-year career, Earth, Wind & Fire’s upcoming Cool Blue tour is also being launched as a healthcare initiative geared toward men, according to a press release. Sponsored by pharmaceutical company Pfizer’s immensely popular--and blue--product Viagra, the tour will feature free health checks provided by the American Academy of Family Physicians Foundation (AAFP) at various concert stops, as well as additional health checks open to the public in several concert markets.

Band co-leader Bailey spoke about the initiative in a press release announcing the tour.

“There’s no way that we’d be able to do what we do on stage night after night for 30 years if we didn’t take good care of ourselves,” Bailey said. “Verdine [White], Ralph [Johnson] and I all turned 50 this year, so maintaining our health is of primary concern. But not enough people out there, especially men, see their doctors for regular checkups. Basically our message to our fans is to please take care of themselves.”

Part of the tour merchandise proceeds will be donated to the AAFP Foundation, according to organizers.

Additional September tour dates and a series of October dates will be announced soon.

Also to mark its anniversary, Earth, Wind & Fire is set to release a career retrospective on Aug. 21 titled “Earth, Wind & Fire: Shining Stars.” The film will be offered in both DVD and VHS formats.

The group is also working on a new album, according to Billboard. Collaborators include Wyclef Jean and Eric Benet.

Earth, Wind & Fire was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in March of 2000. The group scored its first Top 10 hit with 1974’s “Mighty Mighty.”