After releasing two new albums next month, Harry Connick Jr. and his big band will hit the road for US dates beginning Feb. 23 in Boca Raton, FL.

So far, several East Coast shows are on the books in February and March, and more will be announced soon, according to Connick's website.

The multitalented performer has two albums set to hit the street Jan. 30. The first, "Oh, My Nola," comprises jazz, gospel, brass band, R&B, country and funk styles, and includes four new songs written by Connick, as well as classics that are central to the musical culture of New Orleans. The second, "Chanson du Vieux Carré," is Connick's third instrumental piano release on the Marsalis Music record label, and is also a tribute to the Grammy-winner's native New Orleans.

Connick's latest single, "All These People," from the album "Oh, My Nola," was released in August as a duet with gospel singer Kim Burrell. It was inspired by the suffering that the crooner witnessed firsthand after Hurricane Katrina. All proceeds from the song will benefit the New Orleans Habitat Musicians' Village, a project conceived by Connick and his longtime friend and colleague Branford Marsalis.

In addition to his music and humanitarian work, Connick has kept himself busy performing on Broadway and making a name for himself as a television and film actor. He made his Broadway theatrical debut in "The Pajama Game" in January 2006. The cast album from the Tony Award-winning production was just nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best Musical Show Album.

Taken from liveDaily