Martina McBride easing back into live performance

Country singer Martina McBride, who has been taking an extended break from work following the birth of her new baby, is beginning to map her return to the stage.

McBride is currently scheduled to play five concerts over the next few months, beginning with an Aug. 31 appearance at the Minnesota State Fair. Details are in the itinerary below.

Ava Rose Kathleen McBride--the third daughter of McBride and her husband, John--was born June 20.

McBride's latest general-release album was 2003's "Martina," which marked her first new studio set since 1999's "Emotion." She co-produced the platinum-certified set with long-time collaborator Paul Worley, and recorded it at her new Nashville studio, dubbed Blackbird.

Earlier this year, McBride released "My Heart," an eight-song disc created for Valentine's Day that was available exclusively through Hallmark Gold Crown stores.

In 2004, she picked up her third straight CMA award for Female Vocalist of the Year.