The second hiatus for the Black Crowes is underway, which means that technically the band members are all free agents right now. During their hiatus from 2002-2005 Chris Robinson, Crowes frontman, took advantage of the time off to form the group New Earth Mud, which was a solo project essentially. We all know that history tends to repeat itself. Not long after the final notes had been played by the Black Crowes in December, Robinson quickly formed his Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

There isn’t a lot known yet about the group’s lineup or much of anything yet. However there is an official website up. According to the site the Brotherhood has 33 gigs announced already, which will all be in California. The outing will kick off in March and run through May. The Brotherhood will rotate residencies, including the Echoplex in Los Angeles, Soho in Santa Barbara, the Independent and Cafe Du Norde in San Francisco, Cellar Door in Visalia, Casbah in San Diego and multiple visits into San Luis Obispo, Pioneertown, Sausalito and Sacramento. Most noteworthy is that Robinson will be bringing the Brotherhood to Big Sur to close the tour out on May 29 at the intimate and prestigious Henry Miller Library.

Although the current hiatus for the Crowes began officially on December 16 when they wrapped up their six night run in San Francisco at the Fillmore, eight shows had been added onto a throwback run for July across Europe.

Although nothing has been confirmed, a source familiar with both groups said that Adam MacDougall, a fellow Crowe band member, will be involved in some capacity with the Brotherhood. Also revealed was that Robinson has a new batch of songs he’s been sitting on that he has been anxious to present to the world and his fans. It will start, of course, in California.

Further Reading: