With the launch of a major North American tour on the horizon, Wilco [ tickets ] has firmed up its itinerary with a few new shows and has confirmed some new opening acts.

New shows on the band's schedule include additional nights at Chicago's Auditorium Theatre and Minneapolis' Orpheum Theatre, as well as a performance at Brandeis University in Waltham, MA.

Meanwhile, newly confirmed opening acts include Joseph Arthur (Sept. 22, 23 and 25), Dearhoof (Oct. 25-30) and Carla Bozulich (Nov. 10-19). Previously announced openers are Calexico (Sept. 14-18) and The Fierry Furnaces (Sept. 27-Oct. 6).

Wilco's latest album, "A Ghost is Born," hit stores in June. The band co-produced the set with Jim O'Rourke, who engineered the group's previous release, 2002's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot."

Joining Wilco's touring band this year are keyboardist/guitarist Pat Sansone (The Autumn Defense) and guitarist Nels Cline. Earlier this year, multi-instrumentalist Leroy Bach, who officially joined the band before the release of 2002's "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot," departed. Programmer/keyboardist Mikael Jorgenson has since taken over Bach's slot.

The only remaining original members of Wilco are frontman/guitarist Jeff Tweedy and bassist John Stirratt. Drummer Glen Kotche replaced Ken Coomer before "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" was recorded, and multi-instrumentalist Jay Bennett exited after "Yankee Hotel Foxtrot" was completed.