Three "underplay" concerts -- shows in smaller-than-needed venues that will probably sell out right away -- were announced this morning:
*Smiley arena-level pop/rocker Jason Mraz will promote his new album of semi-acoustic, strings-accompanied tunes in the intimate State Theatre on Oct. 18. Tickets go on sale Saturday at noon for $25-$75 through Ticketmaster. The L.A. folk-pop quartet Raining Jane will back him at shows this fall.
*Gloom-rock greats Interpol will return to First Avenue on Nov. 14 following the Sept. 9 release of their first album in four years, "El Pintor." The band's site says tickets will go on sale Tuesday at 10 a.m. at prices TBA.
*Fresh off Saturday's All-Star Game concert at TCF Bank Stadium, Atmosphere added an Aug. 22 gig at First Avenue with another hometown act who can easily sell the place out, Prof, as well as Rhymesayers newbie Dem Atlas and DJ Fundo. They're all on tour together this summer. Tickets go on sale Friday at noon through eTix.com and First Ave outlets for $25. That will kick off quite a weekend of local hip-hop at the club, as Sims and Astronautalis are already down to play there together the following night.
