Natalie Merchant, one of the defining singer-songwriters of her generation, discusses her new album and multimedia collaboration, Cabinet of Wonder, an ambitious educational project based on traditional Mother Goose nursery rhymes and original songs. The project grows out of Merchant’s experience as a teaching artist at a Head Start preschool in Upstate New York, and is the culmination of her 40 years of involvement in children's arts, education, and community work.

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Merchant is celebrated as much for the poetry of her lyrics as for the distinctive sound and emotional richness of her voice. Born in Jamestown, NY, Merchant joined the alt rock band 10,000 Maniacs in 1981, serving as lead singer and primary songwriter.

Five of the band’s songs became top ten hits on Billboard’s Modern Rock Track music chart, including the #1 hit, “These Are Days.” She became a solo artist in 1993, releasing nine acclaimed albums, including Tigerlily, Ophelia, Motherland, Natalie Merchant and Paradise Is There. Her top ten hit singles include the all-time classics, “Carousel,” “Wonder” and “Jealousy.”