Texas troubadour Lyle Lovett and his Large Band will perform at DPAC, the new Durham Performing Arts Center, at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 18.

Ticket prices start at $37 plus service charges.

"This is a long-awaited Triangle appearance of Lyle Lovett and his Large Band, and there couldn't be a more special setting than DPAC for this event," said Bob Klaus, general manager of DPAC.

A musician, singer, songwriter and actor, Lyle Lovett is one of the most distinctive and original artists of modern time. Though his music was initially labeled as country, it ranges from country and folk to big-band swing and traditional pop, seamlessly blending one style with another. His music may have been hard to categorize, but critical acclaim has come easily as he garnered four Grammy Awards - three for country and one for pop genres.

Singer and songwriter Natalie Merchant performs at DPAC Monday, Aug. 30, at 8 p.m. The seven-week tour will be Merchant's first major outing in seven years. She and her eight-piece band will perform new material as well as favorites from throughout her career.

Ticket prices start at $28 plus service charges.

"Natalie Merchant has sold millions of record albums and has one of the most distinctive voices in music. We're excited to host another of America's great singer-songwriters and something tells me this could be one of DPAC's best shows ever," said Klaus.

Over her 28-year career, Merchant has earned a place among America's most respected recording artists with a reputation for being a gifted songwriter and a captivating performer. After rising to fame at the helm of the popular folk-rock band 10,000 Maniacs, she enjoyed even greater success as a solo artist during the mid-'90s. Her self-produced debut album, "Tigerlily" (1995), sold an astonishing 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. Her literate, socially conscious songs established her among the pre-eminent women in pop music.

After the birth of her daughter in 2003, Merchant took an extended break from recording and touring. During this time, Merchant has been researching, writing and recording a collection of songs adapted from the works of various classic and contemporary poets. This project, titled "Leave Your Sleep," is her first studio album in seven years and was released in April.

A prominent social activist, Merchant effectively campaigns in the name of animal rights, domestic violence and homelessness, lending both financial support and raising public awareness.

Tickets for both concerts go on sale to the general public Friday, May 21, at 10 a.m., through Ticketmaster outlets, including Crabtree Valley Mall, FYE and Lowes Foods, online at dpacnc.com and through the DPAC Call Center at (919) 680-2787.