'Nashville' Cast Members Going on Tour

More than a year after word first leaked that the stars of country music drama "Nashville" would hit the road, ABC has made it official.

The network on Monday announced that stars Charles Esten (Deacon), Clare Bowen (Scarlett), Jonathan Jackson (Avery), Sam Palladio (Gunnar) and Chris Carmack (Will) will hit the road for a three-city tour in April and May. Co-star Will Chase (Luke) will join for one date in New York. 

"We’re thrilled to have an opportunity to showcase our artists in a live setting where fans can enjoy the music from the show in a more intimate setting,” said Dawn Soler, senior VP of TV Music at ABC Entertainment Group. "Each song is a crucial part of our storyline and each week our multitalented actors are able to breathe life into the story by performing these wonderful lyrical works."

"We have an exceptionally talented cast of great actors, many who are also wonderful singers, musicians and songwriters,” said Steve Buchanan, Nashville EP and president of the Opry Entertainment Group. "It is exciting to be able to hit the road and be face to face with our show’s fans."

Tickets will go on sale Friday, April 4, for dates in Chicago (4/25), Washington, D.C. (5/4) and New York (5/6). The tour will be presented by the Nashville Convention and Visitors Corp. and produced by Opry Entertainment Group.

The tour marks the latest potential revenue stream from the drama, which stars Connie Britton and Hayden Panettiere. The series, from Lionsgate Television and ABC Studios, has already released multiple music compilation albums featuring the original music performed on the show. The fourth volume will bow May 6, with the three previous albums selling more than 3 million tracks.  

The official announcement comes a year after the stars first indicated that a tour was in the works. For his part, Lionsgate TV chief Kevn Beggs told THR that he hoped the show would go on tour, following in the footsteps of American Idol and Glee.

Stars Britton and Panettiere previously told THR that they would not likely be heading out on tour with the rest of the cast -- many of whom have music careers and perform outside of the series.