Ben Harper [ tickets ] and the Innocent Criminals will kick off a headlining tour of North American clubs and theaters next month, according to tour organizers. The outing comes on the heels of the group’s busy 2000 touring schedule, which included an opening stint for Dave Matthews Band.

The group has scheduled 22 dates so far, all of which fall in the eastern half of the U.S. On Feb. 1, Harper and company are scheduled to begin their jaunt in Boston. A March 3 show in Charlottesville, Va., is the last on the group’s current itinerary.

Harper and the Innocent Criminals spent much of last year touring in support of “Burn to Shine” (Virgin), which was released in September of 1999. According to the group’s official website, a live, 2-CD set is tentatively scheduled for release in March--one disc with Harper and the Innocent Criminals, one with Harper solo, playing acoustically.

Last month, Harper performed two acoustic solo sets per night on Dec. 26 and 27 at the Wheeler Opera House in Aspen, Colo.

“I've only done a handful of solo shows over the past number of years, and it's quite different filling space for two hours by yourself, compared to being with the band,” Harper wrote on his website. “I enjoyed it very much, but also missed the Criminals.”

In addition to the upcoming U.S. shows, the group has scheduled three Australian dates in April.