Vanessa Carlton Logs A Thousand Miles

Although she wields a piano instead of a guitar, count Vanessa Carlton among the anti-prefab pop stars that have been ruling the charts. Her debut album, Be Not Nobody, landed at No. 5 when it was released this spring. The breakout hit left many scratching their heads wondering, “Who is this girl and where did she come from?”

Well, the questions have been answered. After supporting the Goo Goo Dolls over the summer and playing at numerous radio shows, Carlton has earned recognition. She recently performed at Neil Young’s annual Bridge School benefit – one of two females to appear on this year’s bill. The other was LeAnn Rimes.

Now, Carlton is out on her first headlining tour, and it’s a full one. The trek started October 20 and will continue through February, with the first months of the new year being spent in Europe.

Aussie hottie Ben Lee is onboard through November 13, while Marc Copely appears November 14-27. Los Angeles-based Maroon 5 step out of their familiar territory to ride along December 2-14.