Ray Stevens Embarks on Here We Go Again! Tour

Ray Stevens has been keeping plenty busy over the last couple of years — he's released a memoir, a Gaither Gospel Series album and a new musical comedy project — but all that work has kept the singer-comedian from spending much time on the road. But now, Stevens has returned to touring with his Here We Go Again! Tour.

The tour is named for Stevens' recently released comedy album, and artist says that getting back out on the road is something that's been on his mind lately.

"Over the past few years, I took a little hiatus from doing any live shows so I could concentrate on my studio work," he says in a press release. "Lately, I've had the itch to hit the road, so ... here we go again!"

The eight-date string of shows kicked off on June 12 in Franklin, N.C., and will snake through eight states, mostly in the South.

Here We Go Again! marked Stevens' return to comedic music for the first time in nearly 10 years. After working on different projects, the singer decided to return to his roots because he felt like it was the right time to try to infuse some laughs into his music.

“It takes me a while to catch on sometimes, but I realize now that while I like to do all kinds of music, it’s the comedy that most people think of when they think about Ray Stevens,” he says. “I think all the folks who are fans of my earlier works like "Ahab the Arab," "Mississippi Squirrel Revival," "The Streak" and "Gitarzan" will really enjoy this album. I feel like it’s some of my best work in years, and I hope it will make folks laugh … something that is much needed in the world right now.”

Here We Go Again! is available for download on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play.

Ray Stevens, Here We Go Again! Tour Dates:

June 12 -- Franklin, N.C. @ Smokey Mountain Center for the Performing Arts
June 13 -- Gulfport, Miss. @ Island View Casino
Aug. 1 -- Hiawassee, Ga. @ Anderson Music Hall
Sept. 12 -- Branson, Mo. @ Andy Williams Theatre
Sept. 19 -- North Myrtle Beach, S.C. @ Alabama Theatre
Oct. 2 -- Bowling Green, Ky. @ Southern Kentucky Performing Arts Center
Oct. 3 -- Pigeon Forge, Tenn. @ Country Tonite Theatre (2 shows)
Nov. 21 -- Deadwood, S.D. @ Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center