The Western Swing combo features Elana James on violin and vocals, Whit Smith, guitar and vocals and Jake Erwin on bass and vocals.

The tour follows this month's release of a 20-track `Best of' set on Shout! Factory through Shock Records

The Austin-based trio owe much to the hot swing and jazz of the 20's, 30's and 40's, as well as the cowboy and country/folk influences that give the music its regional flavour.

The Hot Club's music is lively, dazzlingly played, and captures a strong vintage swing sensibility that appeals to listeners and dancers alike.

The group was formed in the mid-90s by Elana James and Whit Smith, who met through an ad in the New York City's Village Voice paper.

More than a decade later, having grown to be the most globe-trotting, hard-swinging Western Swing trio with five CDs behind them, they got a call from Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson to join their tour.

Elana ended up back with Dylan as both a member of his touring band and his opening act.

In the United States, the group has been featured on NPR's All Things Considered, The Grand Ol' Opry and A Prairie Home Companion.

Among the youngest members ever to be inducted into the Texas Western Swing Hall of Fame, the band continues to develop its unique, ever-evolving sound.

The band kicks off their tour at Thornbury Theatre in Melbourne on April 3, then Oakleigh Bowling Club on April 4,Gallipoli Legion Club, Newcastle on April 5, The Basement in Sydney on April 7, Clarendon Guest House in Katoomba on April 8, Brass Monkey, Cronulla on April 9, East Coast Blues & Rooty's Festival in Byron Bay on April 11 and National Folk Festival in Canberra on April 12 and 13.

Watch them on http://www.myspace.com/hotclubofc owtown.