The boys of summer - meaning the triumvirate of New Kids on the Block, 98 Degrees, and Boyz II Men - kick off their big 2013 tour at Mohegan Sun Arena this week.

It's actually three concerts in all, with each added when the first and then the second sold so well. It begins on Tuesday, continues Wednesday, and then returns Friday, May 31. In between, on May 30, NKOTB will be in Boston to be part of the multi-act Boston Strong concert to benefit The One Fund Boston, to help the people affected by the Boston Marathon bombing.

NKOTB had such success with their joint tour with Backstreet Boys in 2011-12 that they're following up with these concerts with Boyz II Men, who happen to be the best-selling R&B group ever, and 98 Degrees, who are touring for the first time in a dozen years.

As with the BSB shows, here, NKOTB is expected to do some collaborations with the other bands on this tour.

- KRISTINA DORSEY

New Kids on the Block with special guests , 7:30 p.m. Tues., Wed.,

98 Degrees & Boyz II Men

and Fri., May 31; $59, $79; mohegansun.com.