By John J. Moser | OF THE MORNING CALL
May 28, 2009

What recession? No one would know we’re in an economic crisis by the number of top music acts on the road this summer. Or maybe it’s because of the recession, and the need to boost revenues. Whatever the reason, summer brings a crowded concert season, with some tours already under way.

No concerts are likely to be more crowded than those for the Jonas Brothers — those white-hot ‘tween dreams. The frenzy only promises to increase with the June 15 release of the New Jersey trio’s album, ”Lines, Vines and Trying Times.”

The boys have sold out most dates on their North American summer tour. Area dates include July 14 and 15 at Izod Center in East Rutherford, N.J., and July 23 and 24 at Wachovia Center in Philadelphia. In all, the brothers have sold more than a staggering 800,000 tickets for this leg of the tour. The shows will be staged ”in the round,” meaning more front row views than ever.

Some acts have slashed ticket prices to compensate for the economy, but Jonas Brothers seats sold out despite prices as much as $86.50 for area shows, meaning fans are willing to pay to see their faves.

Asked about the higher prices in a March interview to announce the tour, youngest brother Nick Jonas said, ”We wanted to find a way to provide a bigger and better show for our fans and this was one of the ways we had to do so.”

So if you have the money, there’s plenty out there this summer — and even some great shows if you don’t:

More ‘tween acts: The Jonas buzz is so strong, there’s lots of heat by association. Demi Lovato, 16, who opened for the brothers’ tour last summer (including a stop at Allentown Fair) and starred with the trio in last June’s Disney Channel movie ” Camp Rock,” is on a solo tour. Of course, it helps that Lovato stars on her own Disney show, ”Sonny With A Chance,” had a No. 2 album with her debut ”Don’t Forget” last year, and has ”American Idol” runner-up David Archuleta as her opening act. Her stock also is likely to rise with the June 26 release of the Disney Channel movie ”Princess Protection Program” and a new disc, still untitled, July 21. She stops June 22 at Wachovia Arena At Casey Plaza in Wilkes-Barre, on June 27 at Philadelphia’s Mann Center for Performing Arts, Aug. 21 at Hersheypark Amphitheatre and Aug. 22 at Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City…

Source: Morning Call