Katie Melua Launches 2009 U.S. Tour Supporting Third Studio Album 'Pictures'

NEW YORK, NY. (Top40 Charts/ Dramatico Entertainment) - Georgian-born (former USSR), Katie Melua, is a unique and remarkable vocalist/guitarist known for singing open-hearted ballads and loved for her bluesy, sweet and sonically irresistible songs. The British singer/songwriter has confirmed a North American solo tour supporting songs from her new album, Pictures, (May 5th, Dramatico/Universal) and first single, "If The Lights Go Out." The tour kicks off May 3rd in Los Angeles.

Katie Melua has sold more than 10 million albums to date. Her extraordinary journey continues with Pictures. MOJO proclaims "She sings impeccably in her sultry and innocent way." Her "songs mark a new maturity both in performance and songwriting," raves the Sunday Express, "fans will adore every minute."

With distinctive vocals and simple melodiousness, Melua says, Pictures "stays true to what I have always tried to focus on - the lyrics and melody, with emotional songs that hark back to the roots of songwriting."

Since the release of Melua's first two albums, Call Off The Search and Piece By Piece, the 24 year old has achieved astonishing success. She topped the UK album charts with singles, "Closest Thing to Crazy" and "Nine Million Bicycles" and became the biggest selling female artist in Britain two years in a row. With "What a Wonderful World," Katie soared again in a duet with her idol, the late Eva Cassidy, and donated proceeds to the British Red Cross.

Katie Melua has been recognized with numerous world music awards, set a Guinness World Record for deepest underwater concert, actively supports Save The Children and even has a Dutch tulip named in her honor.

"I'm so looking forward to these upcoming shows," said Katie. "It's going to be a magical little evening with nothing to cover me but the songs."

5/3 - Los Angeles - Hotel Cafe
5/5 - San Francisco - Great American Music Hall
5/7 - Portland - Aladdin
5/9 - Seattle - Tractor Tavern
5/11 - Minneapolis - Dakota Jazz
5/12 - Chicago - Schubas
5/20 - Toronto - Enwave
5/21 - Ottawa - Bronson Centre
5/23 - Montreal - Metropolis
5/26 - Northampton - Iron Horse
5/27 - Boston - Passim
5/28 - New York City - Highline
5/30 - Philadelphia - Tin Angel
5/31 - Alexandria - Birchmere
6/1 - Annapolis - Ramshead
6/2 - Charlottesville - Gravity Lounge
6/4 - Decatur - Eddie's Attic
6/5 - Nashville - 3rd & Lindsley