Natalie Merchant is in London, where she performed two sold-out shows at Milton Court Concert Hall over the weekend, as part of Explorations: The Sound of Nonesuch Records, the Barbican’s month-long celebration of Nonesuch Records' 50th anniversary. The Times says: "The hall’s perfect acoustic and clear sightlines complemented the exquisite sound of her acoustic band and four-piece string section ..."

Merchant also stopped by the BBC studios for a live session on BBC Radio 2's Weekend Wogan Sunday morning, performing "Texas," off her new, self-titled album, plus the classic tune "Fever"; listen again online at bbc.co.uk. She returns to the BBC for Front Row tonight and for a live performance of "Fever" on BBC Two's Later ... with Jools Holland this Tuesday on BBC Two at 10 PM. Fans in the UK can tun in then and again this Friday at 11:05 PM for the full, one-hour episode of Later to see her perform again. For additional details, visit bbc.co.uk.

On Thursday, Natalie Merchant is joined by The School of Life founder and philosopher Alain de Botton at Shoreditch Town Hall in East London to discuss the inspiration for the songs on her new album, with live musical illustrations. She then returns to Milton Court this Sunday, May 18, for another sold-out concert, this time joining label mates Sam Amidon, Olivia Chaney, and Kronos Quartet for a celebration of roots music for the Barbican’s Explorations Weekend.

To pick up a copy of Natalie Merchant's just-released album, her first of entirely original songs by the singer-songwriter in 13 years, head to iTunes or the Nonesuch Store, where CD orders include a download of the complete album at checkout.