KEY POINTS:
She sang about "fallin'" on her debut album and now, third album in, American singer and musician Alicia Keys is claiming she's "superwoman".
If you don't believe her, then get along to Vector Arena on December 6 for proof when she returns to New Zealand in support of her latest album As I Am.
Her Vector concert will be a big step-up in size from her last show here in 2004 when she played at a sold-out Aotea Centre.
Keys also plays TSB Arena in Wellington on December 7.
She will be supported by American Idol winner Jordin Sparks who released her self-titled debut album late last year.
Tickets go on sale August 22 from Ticketmaster (Auckland) and Ticketek (Wellington).
In September local reggae-soul band the Black Seeds head out on an 11-date nationwide tour to celebrate the release of their fourth album Solid Ground.
The tour starts in Wanaka on September 10 with dates in Hamilton on September 18 at Altitude and in Auckland at the Powerstation on September 19 and 20.
For full tour schedule see theblackseeds.com. Tickets go on sale Monday from amplifier.co.nz.
Speaking of reggae, the second Raggamuffin Festival in Rotorua on February 7 looks like it will be another hit with Bob Marley's son Ziggy Marley headlining the day-long event along with Mr Lover Man Shaggy, Ziggy's older brother Stephen Marley, Eddy "Electric Avenue" Grant, Inner Circle, and Arrested Development, along with locals Kora, Unity Pacific, and Three Houses Down.
This year the inaugural 30,000 capacity festival sold out when UB40 headlined and tickets for 2009's event go on sale August 25 from Ticketmaster.
Meanwhile, American country rocker Steve Earle returns to New Zealand for two concerts including a night at the Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna on November 13. Tickets for the show go on sale from Ticketmaster on August 26.
The tour is in celebration of his latest album, Washington Square Serenade, and he will be supported by his wife and songstress Allison Moorer.
