The concert promises to be very intimate with Moore playing organic folk-pop songs along with an accomplished group of musicians.

Former bubblegum-pop star Mandy Moore has been touring nationwide all summer in support of her new album, “Wild Hope.” The singer who had previous Top 40 hits with “Candy,” “Crush” and “Cry” will be stopping by with her “Wild Hope” tour in Milwaukee on Sept. 30 at 7:30 p.m. at The Pabst Theatre.

The concert promises to be very intimate with Moore playing organic folk-pop songs along with an accomplished group of musicians.

The charming first single off of “Wild Hope,” “Extraordinary,” has not been as successful as Moore’s former hits. In an interview with her official website, Moore says that she is trying to “become an established singer/songwriter” and the only way she can do it is by branching away from the dancehall/Top 40 sound.

Critics seem to like Moore’s new folk-pop sound. In their review of “Wild Hope,” Spin Magazine wrote, “The tunes are catchy and heartfelt, as Moore moves from lush ballads to acoustic folk that recalls Patty Griffin. (The) songs (are) so warmly soul-searching.”

If you have been following Moore’s career, you would know that she has been taking a break from music to star in films for the past half decade.

Just this summer she starred in the comedy, “License to Wed,” with Robin Williams. And who could forget 2002’s “A Walk to Remember,” the film in which Moore played “Jamie Sullivan” and blossoms an on-screen romance with “Landon Carter,” played by Shane West.

Moore tells USA TODAY that, “I’ve spent the last three years either thinking about or writing or recording my new songs, and now its time to perform for a live audience.”

Folk-pop singer Ben Lee will be opening for Moore at the concert. Lee has had success with his hit “Catch My Disease” from the album, “Awake Is the New Sleep” in 2005. The song was even featured in the 2005 film, “Just Friends” which starred the hilarious Ryan Reynolds.

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