Bluegrass/folk trio Nickel Creek [ tickets ] have added a number of dates to their current tour, as the group continues to back its 2005 release, "Why Should the Fire Die?"

The new dates will expand a schedule that began in March into August, including the band's Aug. 6 appearance at Chicago's Lollapalooza festival.

The trio will continue its current outing Wednesday (4/12) in Laramie, WY. Indie-pop quintet Matt Pond PA will provide opening duties through Nickel Creek's April 18 show in Rochester, NY. A variety of opening acts, including Old Crow Medicine Show and The Ditty Bops, will support the band for the remainder of the outing.

During a brief tour hiatus in May, the band's Chris Thile (mandolin/banjo) will play several solo shows in New York, beginning with a May 2 concert. Additionally, fiddler Sara Watkins will make several appearances in May with the acoustic Republic of Strings group led by multi-instrumentalist Darol Anger.

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.

Guitarist Sean Wilkins released his third solo album, "Blinders On," in March.