He'll also be carrying books, posters and music, surely enough for anyone. But, for the Southern Discomfort Tour, Kinky also comes with a Mexican refreshment: his brand new Kinky Friedman's Man in Black Tequila, "positively guaranteed to bring out one's inner Kinky."

The Kinkster, who has just wrapped up a highly anticipated new book with Billy Bob Thornton titled The Billy Bob Tapes, and who has started writing one with Willie Nelson, will begin the Southern Discomfort Tour in Texas, then swing through the Deep South, often to places he's never been. At most stops on the tour, Kinky will conduct special tequila tastings of the new high-grade, top-shelf tequila, either before or after performances.

Kinky will sing all the tunes for which he is famed, including "They Ain't Makin' Jews Like Jesus Anymore," and "Ride 'Em Jewboy," and, naturally, he will continue his long-running commentary on current politics and the state of the union, as well as give a book reading. An official signing party will follow each show; Kinky vows he "will sign anything but bad legislation."

As a very special added bonus, the hilarious and multitalented Kacey Jones will open most of the dates on the second half of the tour, starting in Lafayette. Best known for her comedic-country trio Ethel and the Shameless Hussies (MCA), Kacey has appeared on A Prairie Home Companion, Woodsongs, The Bob and Tom Show, and many other programs. As a producer in Nashville, Kacey has worked with Willie Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Tom Waits, and, of course, the Kinkster. As a performer, she has worked with Delbert McClinton, Kris Kristofferson, and Waylon Payne, and she has been christened the Official Songstress of the Sweet Potato Queens, a worldwide organization boasting over 75,000 members.