Going back to their college worship band roots, Christian rock band Kutless will begin a new touring season this spring with their first ever acoustic tour debuting March 6th in Minneapolis, MN. The Kutless Acoustic tour will also include newcomers Esterlyn and Chris Taylor, both releasing debut albums in 2008.

The Kutless Acoustic tour will offer an intimate evening with the band performing acoustic and unplugged versions of their vast catalogue of hits as well as sharing the stories behind the songs. The band chose to deliver an acoustic tour, wanting to create an environment where they could enter into a worshipful time with their fans, which is a departure from their intense rock show.

The tour will feature Esterlyn (http://www.esterlyn.com/), who will release their debut project “Lamps” on February 26th, as well as BEC Recordings’ progressive pop/songwriter Chris Taylor (http://myspace.com/christaylorband), who will release his debut “Take Me Anywhere” on April 15th. Tour dates listed below and on Kutless.com.

After the Acoustic Tour, which will end April 27th, Kutless will be in full throttle for their summer release of their fourth studio project. The band is currently recording in collaboration with producer Pete Kipley (The Afters, MercyMe, Phil Wickham). Continuing to serve their fans feeding them up-to-date information, journals and photos, the band has launched www.exclusivekutless.com.

About Kutless: The Portland, Oregon-based Kutless has emerged as one of Christian and rock music’s hottest acts. Kutless has played before nearly two million fans in the past four years, has had eight radio hits from the band’s first three CDs, Kutless, Sea of Faces and Strong Tower, and been nominated for multiple Dove Awards, earning its first last year for the band’s participation on the Special Event Album of the Year, the soundtrack to “Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.” Kutless’ music also has been featured in television and film. On the NBC hit TV show “Scrubs,” in an episode this season titled “My Bright Idea,” the Kutless song “All of the Words” played for almost two minutes during a pivotal scene of the popular comedy.

Launched by original members Jon Micah Sumrall (lead vocals) and guitarists James Mead and Ryan Shrout, the band formed first as a modern rock/worship band at Warner Pacific College in Portland in 2000, influenced by Christian rock predecessors such as the Supertones as well as mainstream modern rockers like Staind, Creed, and Incubus. Kutless signed to Tooth & Nail/BEC Recordings in late 2001 and released its self-titled debut the following year, which went on to become the fastest-selling debut in the label’s history. Hearts of the Innocent marked the recording debut of the band’s new members, drummer Jeffrey Gilbert and bass player Dave Leutkenhoelter, both formerly of alt-rock band Seven Places. In 2007, Nick De Partee joined the band as the new guitarist after being with the band for over a year as their guitar tech. Kutless is currently in the studio working on their as-yet-untitled new release, due to hit stores in June 2008.