Dwight Yoakam, Jimmy Buffett Downunder

Australia is proving to be a successful destination for U.S. country superstars, following sellouts for Dolly Parton, Taylor Swift, Lady Antebellum, Tim McGraw and Dierks Bentley.

Now Dwight Yoakam returns for nine arena and theatre shows Nov. 12-26. The dates, through McManus Entertainment, sees him teamed with Australian multi-platinum Lee Kernaghan whose album Beautiful Noise is out October 1.

After three shows only in Sydney two years ago, Jimmy Buffett returns for two more shows through Chugg Entertainment. The Sept. 21 show is open air in Brisbane’s Botanical Gardens, while he makes his first trip to Melbourne in 20 years with an appearance at the Palais Theatre Sept. 23.

Former Big Day Out co-promoter Viv Lees, who returned to promoting after a year’s break with a Billy Bragg, is also bringing out Primal Scream for five theatres Dec. 3-11.

U.S.-born Paris-based soul and jazz singer Krystle Warren, who was a standout at the Way To Blue Nick Drake tribute show at the Sydney Opera House, returns for a more extensive run. After opening for Rufus Wainwright (as well as being part of his band), Gaynor Crawford Presents has her headlining four theatres Sept. 23-29.

Celtic Thunder returns for Nine Live for their most extensive run downunder in early 2013. They play 14 arenas Jan. 23 to Feb. 16.