Five-time Grammy Award winner country folk star Mary Chapin Carpenter is set to appear at the Norfolk and Norwich Festival for the first time.

Eastern Daily Press: Mary Chapin Carpenter new album Sometimes Just The Sky is out in March. Photo: SubmittedMary Chapin Carpenter new album Sometimes Just The Sky is out in March. Photo: Submitted (Image: Archant)

The ever appealing singer-songwriter is known for a string of hits including Passionate Kisses, Stones in the Road and Shut Up and Kiss Me.

Beloved by fans and critics alike, she has sold over 14 million records worldwide and her shows always have an intimate feel, with her tender storytelling ability bridging the divide between audience and performer.

She will be appearing as part of the festival at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 17. Ticket go on public sale on February 8, from 9.30am.

The eloquent singer from Princeton, New Jersey, has released 14 studio albums, including 1992's Grammy-award winning Come on Come On and 1994's number one Stones in the Road, featuring the bluesy, raucous Shut up and Kiss Me.

Though she has previously visited the region to appear at Cambridge Folk Festival, she comes to Norwich for the first time to perform songs from her expansive back catalogue and from her new album Sometimes Just The Sky, released on March 30.

A celebration of her acclaimed 30-year recording career, the album features new versions of 12 of Carpenter's most beloved songs as well as one newly written song, the title track.

She re-imagines one song from each of her 12 studio albums, along with Sometimes Just The Sky.

Recorded at Peter Gabriel's Real World Studios near Bath with her long-time collaborator guitarist Duke Levine alongside handpicked musicians, it was produced by Ethan Johns, who has previously worked with Ryan Adams, Kings of Leon, Laura Marling and Paul McCartney.

Opening the Norwich show will be award-winning Australian singer-songwriter Emily Barker, who blends country and English folk with 60s Pop.

• Mary Chapin Carpenter is at Norwich Theatre Royal on May 17, 7.30pm, £32-£8, 01603 766400, nnfestival.org.uk