Carrie Underwood fans: It’s safe to stop holding your breath. The pop- country superstar has added another show to her Front Range schedule, bringing total Colorado visits in 2008 to three. The “American Idol”-bred vocalist returns to the Pepsi Center on Sept. 16, by which time the venue should be long-cleared of those pesky politicians. Tickets are on sale 10 a.m. Monday. ($35-$55, Ticketmaster)
Alicia Keys needs a wheelbarrow to carry her awards, and it’s easy to see why: The R&B vocalist’s talent stands out on each of her releases, including last year’s (unimaginatively titled) “As I Am.” She plays the Wells Fargo Theatre on Sept. 17. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($49.50-$100, Ticketmaster)
Lindsey Buckingham will perform at the Ellie Caulkins Opera House a little over a week after his new album, “Gift of Screws,” is available. Tickets for the Fleetwood Mac member’s Sept. 24 concert are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($46- $66, Ticketmaster)
Ani DiFranco often shows up at outdoor festivals in our fair state, but she’ll hit the Paramount on Sept. 27 for a more traditional theater set. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. today. ($29-$34, TicketHorse)
Corbin Bleu’s young audience — cemented via hits like “Jump In!” and “High School Musical” — will likely flock to the teen star’s gig at the Temple Buell Theatre on Sept. 5. Tickets are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. (29.50-$55, Ticketmaster)
James’ “Laid” remains most people’s touchstone for that U.K. rock act with the satisfyingly folky bent. But anyone who followed the group before and after its 1990s limelight trip knows it’s much more than a catchy single. Tickets for James’ rare, Sept. 29 performance at the Ogden are on sale at 10 a.m. today. ($22.50- $25, Ticketmaster)
John Hiatt and Joan Osborne have added a Sept. 9, season-closing show at Chautauqua Auditorium to their already-scheduled swing through Colorado. Tickets are on sale now. ($42.50-$55, )
Jenny Lewis has established her solo career slowly and gracefully, continuing to record and tour with her main gig (indie-country act Rilo Kiley) while branching out with a persona that’s only marginally different from her bandleader role. Tickets for Lewis’ Sept. 17 concert at the Ogden are on sale at 10 a.m. today. ($20.50-$23, Ticketmaster)
Lotus describes its music as “downtempo electronic trip-hop lounge.” Despite that, it’s clear that the groove-oriented band thrives on both its lack of definition and focus on rhythm. Tickets for its Oct. 10 show at the Ogden are on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. ($18.50-$20, Ticketmaster)
Eef Barzelay’s second solo effort makes good use of the yearning voice we became acquainted with his band, Clem Snide, layering melodies to heartrending effect. Barzelay plays the Hi-Dive on Aug. 4. Tickets are on sale now. ($8-$10, hi-dive.com)
