Lilith Fair Rocks the Northeast
Chris Novak

Early August was notable not only for bringing an end to the sweltering July heatwave, but also for ushering in the arrival of Lilith Fair to our area.  Organized by musician Sarah McLachlan, Lilith Fair is a celebration of women in music.  Featuring artists with varying musical styles, Lilith Fair boasts talent diversity while still asserting an aura of solidarity and sisterhood.

Along with the thousands of fans that swarmed area arenas for the event, I too was in attendance under the summer sun for this third and final American-based Lilith Fair.  This year boasted a starkly powerful main stage line-up of Suzanne Vega, My'a, The Pretenders, Sheryl Crow and Sarah McLachlan.  Artist/Comedienne Sandra Bernhard was also on hand not only to perform a stand-up monologue, but also to join most of the artists during their sets to wildly dance and sing with them.  The second stage and village stage, which showcases rising talent, featured artists like Melky Sedeck, Samsara and Nina Gordon, to name a few.  The audience was most definitely given an energizing show; most of the time, concert-goers were on their feet, screaming, dancing and singing along with these phenomenal female artists. It was a sight (and sound!) that was enough to give anyone goosebumps.

Of course, Lilith Fair is not only about music, but also a message--a strong feminist one at that.  A portion of each ticket sold is donated to local women's charities to further women's causes and concerns.  Lilith Village, Lilith Fair's own  concert marketplace of women's wares, also housed booths for Planned Parenthood and NOW, among other socially-conscious organizations.  At a time when feminism is accused of failing to reach the younger generations, Lilith Fair certainly serves as the ultimate public-service announcement on the importance of feminist ideas and true "woman power" in our lives today.

Next year, Sarah McLachlan takes her idea and her entourage to Europe, to expand the scope of Lilith Fair and reach fans beyond our American borders. Though it is disappointing to think we will not see Lilith Fair in our parts next summer, it is a comfort to know that indeed the show will go on.