Corn-fed alt-rockers 311 have announced dates for a summer tour with Incubus [ tickets ]. Focusing on theatres, the 30-plus shows will begin May 23 at the Cox Arena in San Diego, CA and continue through early July.

311's blend of hip-hop and rock was most recently realized on its 1999 release ''Soundsystem,'' which featured the single ''Come Original.'' The Nebraska-based band has been on the road virtually non-stop since the release of "Soundsystem," and is currently winding down its spring tour with Jimmie's Chicken Shack.

Singer Nick Hexum explained what inspires him to write lyrics in a posting on the band's official website.

''I love to hear that people have taken our lyrics to heart. Some people just listen to music to groove or rock to, but others take a closer look. I feel a responsibility to talk about a way out of problems, just as much as the problem itself. Many people say our message is positive, but that's just natural. I couldn't imagine not finding things to like about life. On [''Soundsystem''] there is some darker content, but we'll never wind up competing for the gloom market.''