Better Than Ezra will embark on a nationwide tour this summer in support of their upcoming brand new album Paper Empire, due out May 12. The tour will be the band’s first without drummer Travis McNabb who departed from the band earlier this year, new drummer Michael Jerome will take his place as previously announced. Lead singer Kevin Griffin says that the album’s unique title is actually inspired by effect of the fragile state of the economy has on people’s lives today. “It seemed apropos given the current economic woes and where we are right now. Most of these institutions in your life — whether it’s love, relationships, your belief system, religious convictions, or politics — are pretty fragile when it comes down to it, explained Griffin. “There’s a really precarious nature to everything that you hold dear in your life. If you recognize that, you’re more likely to do a better job taking care of it.” The first single from the album, a track titled “Absolutely Still” is currently available for a limited time as a free download on Alternative Addiction. Better Than Ezra Tour Dates: Apr 25 – TPC of Louisiana – Avondale, LAApr 26 – Jazz &Heritage Festival – New Orleans, LAMay 1 – The Windjammer – Isle of Palms, SCMay 2 – Rosewood Crawfish Festival – Columbia, SCMay 29 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LAMay 30 – House of Blues – New Orleans, LAJun 2 – Flytrap Music Hall – Tulsa, OKJun 3 – Harrah’s Whiskey Road House – Council Bluffs, IAJun 5 – Taste Of Fort Worth – Fort Worth, TXJun 6 – House Of Blues – Houston, TXJun 7 – House Of Blues – Dallas, TXJun 9 – Soul Kitchen – Mobile, ALJun 11 – City Limits – Delray Beach, FLJun 12 – Jannus – Tampa, FLJun 13 – HOB – Orlando, FLJun 14 – Variety Playhouse – Atlanta, GAJun 16 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DCJun 17 – Trocadero – Philadelphia, PAJun 18 – Alive At The Square – Buffalo, NYJun 19 – Irving Plaza – New York, NYJun 20 – Paradise – Boston, MAJun 23 – House Of Blues – Cleveland, OHJun 25 – Vogue Theater – Indianapolis, INJun 26 – 4th Street Live – Louisville, KYJun 27 – House Of Blues – Chicago, ILJun 28 – Summerfest – Millwaukee, WisconsinJul 24 – Kansas City Live – Kansas City, MOJul 25 – The Pageant – St. Louis, MOJul 30 – Alive @ 5 – Stamford, CTOct 7 – Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, FLOct 8 – Walt Disney World Resort – Orlando, FL