The Slips Andrew Barr and Marc Friedman will back Natalie Merchant at her first live appearances in New York City in four years. Merchant will headline New Yorks Hiro Ballroom from January 4-6 and 8-10, playing a blend of old classics and new material.

The Slip rhythm section recently recorded a track with Merchant as part of a charity compilation and backed the former 10,000 Maniacs singer at recent her Boston gig. For more on The Slips connection with Merchant, please read this recent site feature.