John Kruth, a former Milwaukeean who was a Summerfest entertainment staple, returns to the Midwest this month for a five-show tour.

Kruth, a singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist (mandolin/guitar/banjo/harmonica), travels to the Midwest with the Eva Destruction Orchestra, featuring Paul "Evil" Kneevers on keyboards, bass, trumpet and accordion; Lodewijk Broekhuizen on violin, and bassist/drummer Tim Burntnett.

Kruth will release a new record in spring 2008 called "Splitsville," featuring songs from Croatia that include Croatian musicians, guest appearances by Camper Van Beethoven's Jonathan Segel and Victor Krummenacher, and Matt Darriau of The Klezmatics.

Here's the line-up for John Kruth's gigs in the Midwest:

Dec. 14: McAuliffe's Pub in Racine
Dec. 18: The Mill in Iowa City
Dec. 20: Lee's Liquor Lounge in Minneapolis
Dec. 21: Center Portion in Chicago
Dec. 22: The Highbury Pub in Milwaukee