Tune In Turn On
Country music superstar Keith Urban has always been something of an anomaly. Born in New Zealand and raised in Australia, he later became a U.S. citizen after moving to Nashville in 1992.
Urban comes to Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22, for two performances on his “High and Alive” tour.
Before moving to the United States, Urban released his self-titled debut album in Australia in 1991. His first American solo album, also titled “Keith Urban,” followed in 1999 and introduced him to a worldwide audience.
More than three decades later, Urban remains focused on growing as both a musician and a person.
“Guitar-wise, I’d like to work on playing less,” Urban told iHeartCountry in a January interview. “Don’t play the next two notes I was about to play. That would be good. Have confidence that the one you’re playing right now is more than enough, and let it sit for a second.”
Urban also spoke about remaining grounded and approaching each day with intention.
“As a friend of mine says, ‘Just work on how you introduce yourself to the day,’ and I thought that was an absolutely beautiful phrase,” Urban said. “You get to do it every day.”
Urban and actress Nicole Kidman divorced in 2025 after 19 years of marriage. They have two daughters. Urban has largely avoided publicly discussing the split, instead keeping the focus on his music and touring.
So, what can fans expect from a Keith Urban concert?
His shows are an energetic blend of modern country and arena rock, driven by blistering guitar solos and warm interaction with the crowd. Urban frequently walks extended catwalks to connect directly with fans, reads signs from the audience and occasionally brings concertgoers onstage. He has also been known to leave the stage and make his way through the crowd.
The result is a show that can feel both larger than life and surprisingly personal.
With all that in mind, expect two raucous nights of country music when Urban comes to Atlantic City this weekend. We’ll be there, and we can’t wait.
Keith Urban performs at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Aug. 21 and 22, at Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena, 1000 Boardwalk, Atlantic City. For tickets and information, visit casino.hardrock.com/atlantic-city.
Tune-ups: Josh Bassett presents ‘Jersey Magick’
Josh Bassett and I have something in common: We both moved to California to pursue careers in music. While I eventually returned to New Jersey, the singer-songwriter remained in Los Angeles and built a successful career. He now divides his time between Southern California and Italy, where his wife was born.
The Somers Point native returns home Thursday, Aug. 20, to perform his original music at Gateway Playhouse. The show begins at 8 p.m., with doors opening at 7 p.m. Bassett will donate the proceeds to the theater.
Gateway Playhouse is located at 738 Bay Ave. in Somers Point. Tickets are $27. For tickets and information, visit gatewaybythebay.org.
Doug is the owner/operator of Doug Deutsch Publicity Services, which since 1995 has been servicing nationally touring acts, and working record release campaigns for clients. Doug can be reached at ShoreLocalDoug@gmail.com
