IT'S SHOWTIME!

INXS, Bob Dylan and Michael Bolton have all confirmed Hong Kong dates as the territory's international gig scene looks set to go into overdrive.

Dylan, who has never before played the territory, will stage 'The Legend in Concert' show at the Hong Kong Coliseum on February 27. Uncertain of local response to the pioneering singer/songwriter, promoter The Entertainment Company is looking initially at one night in the 7,500 capacity venue.

Bolton, the suave shaggy-haired crooner of power ballads, has signed up to play a Hong Kong show on March 13 but the venue will not be announced until early February. Should Bolton prove popular enough to go to a second night, there may be a clash with Peter Gabriel who will be performing at the Hong Kong Stadium on March 14.

Meanwhile, INXS will definitely be playing its first Hong Kong show. The band will perform at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on February 23. Tickets - $180, $280 and $380 - are available from the concert hotline (phone 541-3633) or from URBTIX outlets after January 24.

Kicking off a hot spell of live music action is the speedy return of Chris Isaak, who charmed a small Convention Centre crowd in December. The San Francisco heart-throb will be bringing his tremendous value-for-money show to the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on February 1. Tickets ($200, $300) are available from the hotline, and URBTIX outlets.