Heartland singer-songwriter John Mellencamp [ tickets ] has slated a series of spring dates to continue his "Words and Music Tour" that began last year.

The jaunt kicks off March 30 at Evansville, IN's Robert Stadium, and continues through April 18.

Members of Mellencamp’s official fan club, Club Cherry Bomb, will be able to purchase premium tickets to his concerts through an online pre-sale at least a few days before tickets go on sale to the general public, according to his website. On-sale dates haven't been announced

Mellencamp continues to promote the three-disc set "Words and Music: John Mellencamp's Greatest Hits," which was released in late 2004. The album includes 35 of his biggest hits along with two new songs--"Walk Tall" and "Thank You"--both of which were produced by Mellencamp and Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds. The first pressing of the album includes a bonus DVD with five music videos.

One of Mellencamp's hits, "R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.," has been reworked as an advertising piece for CBS Sports' coverage of the 2006 Men's NCAA College Basketball tournament. The new adaptation includes references to college teams in the verses. The spots were filmed at the Memory Hall gymnasium in Lebanon, Ind., where the 1986 movie "Hoosiers" was shot.

Fans wishing to see another side of Mellencamp, can visit his website to view some of his recent paintings.