Singer/songwriter James Taylor [ tickets ], who recently wrapped up a short stint of stripped-down theater gigs, will embark on another round of similar shows in April.

As he did during his March tour, Taylor will perform in on guitar with only one backing musician, keyboardist Larry Goldings. The April trek is currently scheduled to visit performing arts halls in nine Midwestern cities.

Meanwhile, Taylor is beginning to sketch his plans for the summer, with a date in Massachusetts currently on his docket.

Taylor was honored last month in Los Angeles as the MusicCares Person of the Year for his various charity works. Among the artists who performed in tribute to the Rock and Roll Hall of Famer were Bruce Springsteen, Dixie Chicks, Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt, Carole King, Sheryl Crow, Sting, Jackson Browne, David Crosby, Dr. John, India.Arie, Alison Krauss and Taj Mahal.

Taylor's most recent album of all-new material is 2002's "October Road." A holiday set titled "James Taylor: A Christmas Album"--sold exclusively at Hallmark retail outlets--followed last year.

Billboard reported in February that Taylor has begun work on a new studio album, but no release date has been scheduled.