Judge approves a new slate of R. Kelly concert dates

Embattled R&B star R. Kelly, who has been free on bond since he was indicted on child pornography charges earlier this year, has been given the go-ahead by a judge to play a brief set of tour dates.

Kelly--who must get a judge's approval before leaving the state of Illinois--is now scheduled to play concerts in Houston, New Orleans, Philadelphia, and Hampton, VA.

He was also given the go-ahead to travel to Killeen, TX, on Oct. 23 and 24 and New York City on Oct. 28-30, though shows in those cities weren't confirmed at press time.

The upcoming dates will be Kelly's second concert-run of the year; he played several shows in July and August.

Kelly is facing a 21-count indictment for child pornography possession in Chicago, as well as an additional 12-count charge in Florida. His next court date is Dec. 1 in Chicago.

Despite his legal woes, Kelly remains a viable commercial force. His new best-of album, "The R. in R&B Collection, Vol. 1," entered The Billboard 200 album chart at No. 4 last week, and he continues to write and produce material for other artists.

The new Kelly-penned song "One More Chance" will appear on the forthcoming Michael Jackson best-of set "Number Ones," which is due in stores on Nov. 18.

Kelly is nominated for a pair of American Music Awards--Favorite Soul/R&B Album for "Chocolate Factory" and Favorite Male Soul/R&B Artist. The 31st annual American Music Awards ceremony airs live on ABC-TV from the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles on Nov. 15.