Frank Black [ tickets ]--known as Black Francis when he was fronting the Pixies--has announced the dates for nine solo acoustic shows in California, beginning with three nights at Los Angeles’ Knitting Factory.

Black played in London on Wednesday (11/16). At that show, he said that he had scheduled the gig at the last moment to get some "chuck bucks" while he was on holiday in Scotland. He previewed material from his upcoming album, "Dogs in the Sand," which will be released in January.

Contrary to rumors on other music websites, former Pixies member Joey Santiago did not perform with Black at the London show. "Joey was at a film festival in London last week," said Black. "Sorry for the confusion."