George Strait [ tickets ], who has long been one of country music's most popular live performers, opens 2003 with more than a month of shows on the U.S. concert circuit.

With the exception of the tour's lone amphitheater date in Phoenix, all shows will be performed "in the round," with the stage in the center of an arena. Epic recording artist Tammy Cochran will open on all dates.

Strait is scheduled to release his first concert album on Feb. 26. The 16-song CD, titled "For the Last Time--Live from the Astrodome," was recorded on the closing night of the 2002 Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. Mr. Strait performed for more than 68,000 fans that night, including President George W. Bush and First Lady Laura Bush.

Strait co-produced the forthcoming album--his 30th--with longtime collaborator Tony Brown.

The Astrodome was home to the Livestock Show and Rodeo for 37 years, but the event will move to Houston's new Reliant Stadium in 2003. Strait is scheduled to appear at the event's opening ceremonies on Feb. 25.

Strait has 27 platinum albums, more than any other country artist, according to the Recording Industry Association of America. His most recent studio album is 2001's "The Road Less Traveled."