After singing the national anthem for the NBA all-star game in Los Angeles, classical music's biggest pop star -- or pop music's most classical star? -- Josh Groban should feel more at home when he travels to Minneapolis' basketball arena on July 8.
Tickets to his Target Center concert go on sale Friday at 10 a.m. for $75 and $95 through Ticketmaster.
Part of the hunky baritone's "Straight to You" tour, the show will feature an audience-participation segment and a production likened to "a theater experience."
Groban is still out promoting last year's album "Illuminations," recorded with rock/hip-hop producer Rick Rubin and featuring songs co-written by Minneapolis music vet Dan Wilson of Semisonic.
A few other concert announcements to start off the week: The Monkees are using the Minnesota Zoo as a stepping stone on their latest tour without Michael Nesmith, with two shows penciled in July 1-2. Also, First Avenue has landed another gig by indie-folk maestro Iron & Wine for June 8.
CHRIS RIEMENSCHNEIDER
