update: The Atlanta-based quintet Collective Soul [ tickets ] has announced a handful of dates, beginning on March 29 in Tucson, in support of its latest album, "Blender" (Atlantic).

The shows, which are a blend of college, park and concert hall gigs, come on the heels of the band's latest single, "Perfect Day." The song features a duet between Collective Soul lead singer Ed Roland and part-time Atlanta resident Elton John.

"That's like my trophy for being in music," Roland said of pairing up with John on the rollicking, relentlessly addictive "Perfect Day." "[John], being my hero in music and my introduction to rock and roll--to get to know the man is reward enough. But to have him come in and play, it's hard to put in words. All I can say is, all five members of the band were saying, 'Is this for real?'"

Recently, Collective Soul trekked to the Moroccan desert for an Internet performance and interview.

In related news, Dolly Parton included the cover of the band's 1994 hit "Shine" on her bluegrass album "Little Sparrow."