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Despite an album that's gone platinum and a movie in the works, the heartthrob singers better known as the Jonas Brothers are average teenage boys. That means they play hard and eat a lot.

"When we are on tour, we consume tons and tons of food. We literally eat a dinner before and after each set," said 19-year-old Kevin Jonas, the oldest of the sibling trio that also includes 18-year-old Joe and Nick, 14.

Their favorite indulgence?

"We love our cheesecake," Kevin said during a recent telephone interview with The Tribune to talk about the band's "Look Me in the Eyes" tour, which visits the E Center Friday at 7 p.m.

Regular refueling is a necessity for these musical brothers, whose 2006 song "Year 3000" launched them into popularity with the Disney 'tween set.

Since then the dark-haired hotties have worked at a marathon pace.

Last February, they recorded "Jonas Brothers," their second album, in just 21 days, after writing most of the songs themselves. The album was released in August and debuted at No. 5 on the Billboard top 200. The single "S.O.S." shot to the top of the iTunes download list. The album has since gone platinum.

The New Jersey natives then filmed a new Disney Channel original movie, "Camp Rock," that will premiere next summer. Joe stars as a bad-boy rocker who is sent to a summer music camp by his fellow band mates, played by Nick and Kevin.

Days after filming wrapped, the boys headed out on tour, opening for the sold-out Hannah Montana/Miley Cyrus "Best of Both World's" concert tour. The show came through Salt Lake City in October for two performances, one of which was filmed for a 3-D movie which opened in theaters Friday for a one-week engagement.

Somewhere in between all that, the brothers Jonas starred in a Baby Bottle Pops commercial and performed on the American Music Awards.

When they have extra time, the trio continue guitar lessons and play Wiffle ball. Kevin likes to paint. Joe makes movies and Nick shoot hoops.

Fans might be surprised to learn there is a fourth Jonas brother, 7-year-old Frankie, affectionately called "the bonus Jonas."

"He doesn't like to watch the shows," said Kevin. "He'd rather play video games on the Wii."

Last Thursday, the band kicked off its first solo tour, named for the single "When You Look Me in the Eyes." The sappy ballad is reminiscent of music from another boy band from a few years ago, The Backstreet Boys.

The Jonas brothers insist they are a different kind of guy band for a new generation. But they're flattered by the comparison.

"They [the Backstreet Boys] have sold so many units and made such an impact on pop culture, it's awesome for us to be considered like that," said Kevin. The brothers have performed with the Backstreet Boys and even asked them for advice on how to survive in the industry.

"Nick Carter told us to watch the people we admire the most and follow what they did," said Kevin. If they heed that wisdom, the brothers are likely headed in the right direction as their list of musical heroes includes Paul McCartney and John Mayer.

Still, their best role models still seem to be their parents - Denise and Kevin Sr. "They raised us to reach for the top, but live like you're at the bottom," Kevin said.

Good advice, as long as there's plenty of cheesecake.

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* KATHY STEPHENSON can be contacted at kathys@sltrib.com or 801-257-8612.