British-blues godfather John Mayall [ tickets ] and his current crop of Bluesbreakers are set to play more than a month of U.S. concert dates this spring, starting on March 11 in Arlington, MA.

The group is supporting "John Mayall & The Bluesbreakers and Friends: 70th Birthday Concert," a CD and DVD that were released separately last year. The releases chronicle Mayall's July 19, 2003, birthday concert in Liverpool, England, which featured special guests Eric Clapton [ tickets ] and Mick Taylor.

Mayall's Bluesbreakers are an ever-changing group that has served as a training ground for many guitar greats, including Clapton, Taylor, and Jack Bruce, as well as Fleetwood Mac members John McVie, Mick Fleetwood and Peter Green.

Mayall's current Bluesbreakers band includes Tom Canning, Hank Van Sickle, Joe Yuele and Buddy Whitington.

The "70th Birthday Party" DVD opens with "Southside Story," and features a mix of blues standards; classics from the band's best-known album, "Bluesbreakers" (also known as "Beano," a set that featured Clapton); and contemporary Bluesbreakers material. Clapton's appearance at the show marked his first performance with Mayall in 38 years.

The companion CD spans two discs, and features 19 tracks.