The Danish art rock trio Mew will return to the Unites States and Canada starting in late November with a string of headlining dates. Ironically, the Dec. 1 date in Washington, DC will probably get the most attention, since the band isn’t headlining at all. Instead, they’ll be opening for legendary alt rockers the Pixies.

For eight of the other dates, Mew will give bands in those markets the chance to open their gigs via a contest. Details will be posted at: www.mewsite.com/openformew. Mew is performing this act of kindness, by the way, as a way to pay forward the generosity of bands like the Pixies, who have over the years allowed Mew to open for them.

In other news, the band recently stopped by the AOL Interface to record some tracks that can be heard at: www.spinner.com/interface/mew.

Tour dates are as follows, and ones with an asterisk denote concerts with local band contests.

11.30 Philadelphia, PA: Trocadero*

12.01 Washington, DC: Constitution Hall (w/ the Pixies)

12.02 Boston, MA: Paradise Rock Club*

12.04 New York, NY: Webster Hall*

12.05 Montreal, QC: Carbaret Du Musee Juste Pour Rire

12.06 Toronto, ON: Mod Club

12.07 Chicago, IL: Metro*

12.10 Seattle, WA: Neumos Crystal Ball Room*

12.11 Vancouver, BC: Venue

12.12 Portland, OR: Hawthorne Theatre*

12.13 San Francisco, CA: Mezzanine*

12.14 Los Angeles, CA: Henry Fonda Theater*