Tift Merritt plans tour

Tour dates are:

Mon Mar 17 Philadelphia     Johnny Brenda's
Tue Mar 18 Northampton, MA  Iron Horse
Wed Mar 19 New York City    Mercury Lounge
Fri Mar 21 Alexandria, VA   Birchmere
Sat Mar 22 Durham, NC       Carolina Theater
Fri Mar 28 New Orleans      Parish/HOB
Sat Mar 29 Pittsburgh       Club Cafe
Sun Mar 30 Ashland, KY      Mtn Stage/Paramount Th.
Tue Apr 1  Toronto          El Mocambo
Wed Apr 2  Ann Arbor, MI    Ark
Fri Apr 4  Chicago          Schubas
Sat Apr 5  Madison, WI      High Noon Saloon
Sun Apr 6  Minneapolis      Cedar Cultural Ctr
Tue Apr 8  Denver           Bluebird Theater
Fri Apr 11 Vancouver        Plaza
Sat Apr 12 Portland         Doug Fir Lounge
Sun Apr 13 Seattle          Tractor Tavern
Tue Apr 15 San Francisco    Great Am. Music Hall
Thu Apr 17 Los Angeles      Troubador
Fri Apr 18 San Diego        Anthology        
Sat Apr 19 Tucson           Plush
Mon Apr 21 Austin           Parish
Tue Apr 22 Dallas           Cambridge Room
Thu Apr 24 Atlanta          Five Spot
Fri Apr 26 Wilkesoro, NC    Merlefest

After two records and a Grammy nomination, Merritt took hiatus with a piano in Paris and wrote songs. Merritt's debut, "Bramble Rose," had been well received. "Tambourine," her sophomore album, was Grammy nominated for Country Album of the Year.

"Another Country" was written by Merritt, produced by George Drakoulias, and recorded by David Bianco. The players include guitarists Charlie Sexton and Doug Pettibone and Merritt's longtime band, Zeke Hutchins (drums), Jay Brown (bass) and Danny Eisenberg (keyboards).

Merritt will also host her very own public radio program this year. A program of artist-to-artist radio interviews entitled "The Spark" will debut on Marfa, Texas Public Radio on Jan. 27. Merritt's first guest is Nick Hornby.