Craig Ferguson to perform at the Van Wezel

Though it's been seven months since he's stepped away from CBS's "The Late Late Show," the program that brought him into the comedic mainstream, Craig Ferguson is far from finished.

Nine seasons hosting the award-winning talk show has given the accomplished comedian, author and gameshow host ample inspiration to travel around the country and share his newest comedic observations.

Ferguson will stop by the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall at 8 p.m. December 1, as a part of his nationwide "The New Deal" tour. Tickets go on sale July 31.

During his near decade-long tenure at "The Late Late Show," Ferguson developed into a true Renaissance entertainer, delving into television, literature and comedy. His late night show differed drastically most nights from his peers in the late night talk show circuit. He'd provide often improvised and insightful commentaries on current events and entertainment as opposed to scripted jokes, sketches or games.

Ferguson also wrote and published two books: a 2006 novel,"Between the Bridge and the River" and a 2009 memoir, "American on Purpose." In addition, Ferguson has been performing stand-up comedy for 30 years, including his Grammy Award-nominated special "I'm Here to Help."

Recently he earned a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding gameshow host for his work on "Celebrity Name Game" and voiced Gobber the Belch in the "How to Train Your Dragon" franchise.