Following their current run through Europe, bluegrass/folksters Nickel Creek [ tickets ] will head back to the states for a round of spring tour dates as they continue to back last year's "Why Should the Fire Die?"

The California-based trio, which spent much of January working through an itinerary that focused on the West and South, has lined up a new stretch of shows that begins March 15 in New Orleans and largely focuses on the Midwest. Details are shown below.

Released last August, "Why Should the Fire Die?" was produced by Eric Valentine (Smash Mouth, Third Eye Blind) and Tony Berg (X, Squeeze). Though digital recording studios have become norm for many musicians, Nickel Creek stuck with analog gear and traditional bluegrass instrumentation: mandolin, guitar, violin and bass.

"Why Should the Fire Die?" picked up a Grammy nomination for Best Contemporary Folk Album, and the cut "Scotch and Chocolate" received a nomination for Best Country Instrumental, but the group didn't post wins in either category.

In 2003, Nickel Creek did score a Best Contemporary Folk Album Grammy trophy for its sophomore set, "This Side."