Photo by Axel Koester/ AP/New York Times

Since all the critics love Prince in New York, that's where he will open his Welcome 2 America Tour in December. The announced dates are Dec. 14, 15 and 17 at Izod Center in East Rutherford, N .J. and Dec. 18 and 29 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. Tickets will go on sale Saturday. Prince announced his tour on Oct. 14 at the Apollo Theater but he did not specify dates and cities. He did say that every show will be different, featuring his own band as well as such artists as Janelle Monae, Maceo Parker, Esperanza Spalding, Cassandra Wilson, Sheila E , Larry Graham and the Twin Cities' own Mint Condition. "You need to come often because every time we play there's always something new," Prince said at the Apollo. "No concert is ever the same. I got a lot of hits. Bring friends, bring your children and bring foot spray 'cause it's gon' be funky." No word yet on Twin Cites dates.