It’s just the time of Nick

Nick Jonas of the Jonas Brothers says he wasn’t sure how ticket sales would go for his new side project, Nick Jonas and the Administration.

“It’s so much different than anything I’ve done in the past, so I can never assume anything, and I didn’t with this,” Jonas says.

“That’s why we wanted to make sure we had a real intimate vibe, in case the tickets didn’t sell. Once I saw it was selling, it was a relief.”

The tour is largely sold out, whether it’s curiosity about Kevin and Joe’s little brother or genuine interest in the music on his upcoming CD “Who I Am,” scheduled for release Feb. 2.

The idea for the side band came about after Jonas realized that new tunes he was writing didn’t necessarily sound like Jonas Brothers songs.

“These songs were just pouring out of my heart about things I was going through, and I sat down with management and told them my idea of doing the record,” Jonas says.

“It was about me branching out and finding my own sound.”

Some former members of Prince’s NPG band are part of Jonas’ touring band.

“Those are musicians I was really inspired by,” he says. “I learned so much from them.”

Naturally, Nick’s detour has led some to wonder whether there’s trouble in the Jonas camp.

“It’s just a side project I’m able to do,” he says, adding that his brothers are supportive.

“They were at the first couple of shows, right there singing along and cheering.”

Jonas will squeeze in at least a few Jonas Brothers numbers.

But unlike a JoBros concert, which can come with its share of frills, he says with this show “the focus is on the music and having a musical experience.”

The birthday bunch

Actor Dean Jones is 79. Blues singer Etta James is 72. Actress Leigh Taylor-Young is 65. Actress Dinah Manoff (“Empty Nest”)is 52. Actress Ana Ortiz (“Ugly Betty”) is 39. Singer Alicia Keys is 29.