Though a new LeAnn Rimes [ tickets ] album will hit record stores in two months, most fans will have to wait until the middle of 2000 to see the young country star in concert. So far, just 10 cities are on Rimes' itinerary between September and November, and she's not expected to add many additional dates this year.

Rimes turns 17 years old on Aug. 28. Despite the fact that she won't be able to gamble legally for four more years, her 1999 itinerary routes her through five casino venues. Rimes plans a more extensive tour in mid-2000, including European dates.

According the official Rimes web site (www.rimestimes.com), a new single titled ''Big Deal'' will hit the streets on Sept. 13. A new album is tentatively scheduled for release on Oct. 26.

Rimes is also scheduled to play at the fifth annual Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser on Sept. 25 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Others confirmed to perform are Elton John, Gloria Estefan, Luther Vandross and David Foster.

The Grand Slam for Children concert fundraiser benefits the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation, a not-for-profit organization established in 1994 to assist at-risk youth in Las Vegas, the tennis star's hometown. According to organizers, the benefit has sold out the MGM Grand Garden Arena each of the last four years.