Who? Pomona, CA-born singer/songwriter Tom Waits, known for his nicotine-caked jive-mumble, distinctive growl, busted-heart ballads, and eclectic musical stylings, from industrial to jazz and beyond.

What? Waits’ first U.S. outing since 2006, a 13-date affair dubbed the Glitter and Doom tour, which was announced this morning in a comical YouTube press conference (via Billboard.com). The jaunt will roll out with a pair of gigs in Phoenix, AZ June 17 & 18, then drop into Southern outposts like El Paso, Dallas, Tulsa, Knoxville, and Atlanta.

Should I go? Absolutely. Waits’ seasoned, unique musical artistry, and weathered, charred vocals coalesce into an unparalleled live experience, one many fans -- Waits has a devout cult following -- are sure to hit. Among them: actress-cum-musician Scarlett Johansson, who is gearing up for the release of her debut, an album predominantly comprised of Waits covers.

Tom Waits tour dates:

6/17-18, Phoenix, AZ (Orpheum)
6/20, El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre)
6/22, Houston, TX (Jones Hall)
6/23, Dallas, TX (Palladium)
6/25, Tulsa, OK (Brady Theatre)
6/26, St. Louis, MI (Fox Theatre)
6/28, Columbus, OH (Ohio Theatre)
6/29, Knoxville, TN (Civic Theatre)
7/1, Jacksonville, FL (Moran Theatre)
7/2, Mobile, AL (Saenger Theatre)
7/3, Birmingham, AL (Alabama Theatre)
7/5, Atlanta, GA (Fox Theatre)