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Schedule:
Doors Open at 3:00pm
Women's Shelter ($1 Per Ticket Recipient): Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Program
Loni Rose - 3:30-3:50 - Village Stage
Murmurs - 3:55-4:15 - Village Stage
Bijou Phillips - 4:20-4:40 - Second Stage
Beth Orton - 4:55-5:15 - Second Stage
Eden AKA - 5:15-5:35 - Village Stage
Mya - 5:35-6:05 - Main Stage
Sixpence None the Richer - 6:05-6:35 - Second Stage
Sandra Bernhard - 6:35-6:45 - Main Stage
Luscious Jackson - 6:50-7:20 - Main Stage
Sandra Bernhard - 7:25-7:40 - Main Stage
Liz Phair - 7:45-8:25 - Main Stage
Sheryl Crow - 8:45-9:40 - Main Stage
Sarah McLachlan - 10:00-10:55 - Main Stage
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by Lisa Jann
Seattle Times staff reporter

GEORGE, Grant County - From skinny 8-year-olds cartwheeling around the grass, to the six pack of teen babes holding court in pink lawn chairs, to the middle-aged lesbian couple snuggling under an umbrella, the chicks came out to play at the Gorge on Saturday.

A haven for bikini-clad sunbathers (and their moms), Lilith Fair's safe vibe of plentiful music and good weather pervaded the checkerboard of blankets on the grassy slopes.

Starting off on the second stage, Bijou Phillips gave her first go at rock girldom, belting out songs evocative of Alanis on helium, or the sound of Jewel being scratched against a chalkboard.

Playing pixie celeb the rest of the day signing autographs, she obviously needs a few years to grow into fame, and hopefully, her own sound.

Christian poppers Sixpence None the Richer said it best when announcing their ubiquitous single, "Kiss Me." "This song we've played a lot more than twice," joked singer Leigh Nash before the sugary cut, but balanced the hit with a serviceable cover of "There She Goes" by the La's.

Beth Orton gave the festival's most striking performance, her reedy voice floating over her acoustic guitar and four-piece band, with ballads from her latest album "Central Reservation." She's a stunner, and one to catch the next time she's in town for a club show.

Luscious Jackson upped the bpm (beats per minute) on the main stage with a set from all three of its albums, as singer Jill Cunniff bopped with her microphone.

To bolster her R&B teen crooning, Mya brought in a foursome of dancers and her tapshoes: The girl can sing, but when she flew into a five-minute tap solo to the beats of her bongo player, she brought the house down.

A sage-burning Sandra Bernhard took the stage for two all-too short monologues. Musing on the "haunting beauty" of Courtney Love, Bernhard recounted her infatuation with and then snub by the Hole singer, quipping, "I felt like Wynona Ryder. A woman stronger than me? Wow!" Then she launched into a screaming version of Aerosmith's "Dream On," which was awesome.

Liz Phair chose a set of old material and coming attractions. Copping the song "Stranger" from her "Girlysound" demo tape, Phair wisely picked up her guitar often and more confidently than her last solo show in Seattle.

Sheryl Crow rocked in her tight leather pants with a bass, guitar and accordion. Casting her pop-rock hooks and getting the masses to bite, she brought special guests Pete Droge and Elaine Summers downstage for "Everyday is a Winding Road."

Headliner and hostess of the party, Sarah MacLachlan, graciously thanked everyone for coming and passed out her hits for a sing-along, including a countrified version of "Hold On."

Monday, July 12, 1999

By D. PARVAZ
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

The crowd for the second of Lilith Fair's weekend shows at the Gorge was considerably denser than the previous night's -- not to mention louder and far more gung-ho.

It was sunny; they were at the Gorge, and they were happy with the free samples of wet-wipes and perfume being handed out by the women's music festival's vendors.

For all the grumbling about Lilith Fair's commercialism and political agendas, you just can't criticize its charitable nature. At a brief press conference before Friday's show, singer-songwriter and festival founder Sarah McLachlan presented two checks, each worth about $10,000, to the Eastside Domestic Violence Center and the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Program.

Now on with the show . . .

The only all-girl act at Lilith (even the ordinarily all-girl Luscious Jackson has a couple of men touring with them), the precocious Los Angeles duo of Heather Grody and Leisha Hailey (a k a the Murmurs) could re-write the book on how to talk dirty and influence people. Folksy in their acoustic guitar style and all punk in spirit, the Murmurs ruled the Village Stage.

On the second stage, Bijou Phillips told the crowd that Saturday's show was her sixth live performance ever, which didn't stop her from really seeming to connect with the audience.

Phillips has a frail, little-girlie sort of voice that works well with the more hushed songs but gets lost in her beefy back-up band's noise during the more rockin' numbers.

Not that Phillips cared. She just bopped around the stage.

The second stage should have been called "The Beth Orton Stage."

Orton on Saturday did a set that was as good, if not better than the previous night's. With a voice built on staggering breaths and a suffering brand of poise, Orton was unstoppable.

Four boys, a girl and a La's cover that should've never happened ("There She Goes"), Sixpence None the Richer sounded just like their self-titled CD -- dull.

Meanwhile, there was some serious booty-shakin' going on on the main stage, starting with Mya's oh-so MTV set.

Mya had some amazing dancers with her (stolen, it would seem, from a Gap TV ad) and definitely held her own. She opened with "Ghetto Superstar," the song she did for the "Bulworth" soundtrack. The song lacked something without rapper ODB and crew leading the way. Mya has a sweet, hushed kind of voice -- an endearing Janet Jackson-esque brand of cute.

What's frustrating is her lack of originality. She has the pipes; she has the opportunity. Why not write songs that in some way (any way) distinguish her from all the other soul/dance artists?

The one surprise Mya pulled on the audience was a tap number she performed with percussive accompaniment. It was well-executed and very entertaining.

A mish-mash of tan lines and sunburns danced wildly to Luscious Jackson's grooves. As it did the night before, the band had Ashwin Sood, McLachlan's drummer/husband, drop in on the hand-drums for a few numbers.

Liz Phair is not the shy creature her recordings and interviews would lead you to think she is. Although tiny in stature, she positively roars across the stage. And she smiles more than you'd think (if you've listened to her albums, that is). There's a morose, weighty quality to Phair's voice: If a pout had a voice, it would sound like Liz Phair's.

She was backed up by some great musicians. The drummer wasn't just a dumb beat in the background, and someone really knew his way around a wa-wa pedal on stage, because when they tore into "Supernova," all of Grant County knew it.

Songs like "6' 1"" and "Never Said" (both off "Exile in Guyville") turned the crowd inside out, as did a couple of numbers off an as-yet unreleased album.

Sandra Bernhard provided comedically unsettling moments between sets. She sang Aerosmith's "Dream On" and proved she could do a better Steven Tyler than Tyler himself.

Sheryl Crow could also probably sing circles around Tyler. She opened with "Change Would Do You Good" and then strapped on her bass for "My Favorite Mistake."

The thing about Crow that makes her so darn watchable on stage is that she doesn't seem to take herself at all seriously. She's just there, having a ball and letting you join in on the ride. She even brought Luscious Jackson out for a cover of the Who's "Squeeze Box."

The grand finale, of course, was McLachlan. Through the late '90s, McLachlan went from being just another pretty voice to being an entire industry. McLachlan was never considered just a pretty voice back in her native Canada, however. In fact, she's pretty much been a superstar there since the late '80s.

Her presence on stage threw the crowd into a frenzy. Impassioned cries of "I love you, Sarah!" were in the air, and McLachlan, always demure (if mildly flirtatious), coyly returned the affection.

She touched on the fact that this was the last Lilith Fair tour, saying that after three years, she wanted to end things on a high note. Well, she succeeded.

She opened with "Possession" (the song that launched a lawsuit by a fan saying that McLachlan had used elements of his letters to her for the song) and continued down the list of her hits ("Sweet Surrender," "Hold On," etc.).

With her strong, sensuous voice and warm stage presence, it's no wonder her fans feel as though each of them has a personal relationship with McLachlan.

It'll be interesting to see if anyone steps up after this tour is over, because until they do, Rolling Stone magazine might have trouble coming up with any year-of-women-in-music type covers.

Hey there, my name is Tammy Wilson, and I just got back from Lilith Fair at George, WA, the venue - The Gorge. It is the most beautiful place, with amazing views and sunsets. In fact Sarah McLachlan said it is their favorite venue, and wish they could stay for the whole tour and ship everyone from all over in. I wish that would be so cool to have everyone come here to see what a beautiful place this truly is!

Just being there was so amazing, there was this wondrous energy in the air from everybody including the artists. This concert was truly inspiring. I have never felt this good from any concert I've been to. From the views, to the unity and connections though the music, everyone was so happy and in a good mood, even to donate money too the Lilith Fair organizations, which is a good thing that goes to a good cause.

When we first arrived Loni Rose was playing at the Village stage. She was really good for just hearing her songs one time. I believe she's from Seattle because she was one of the two chosen for the Talent Search with KISS 106.1 or STAR 101.5 (local FM radio stations). She sings a song off of the soundtrack American Pie . I think she's going to go somewhere in the music industry because she held a good crowd.

We were walking all about the booths and glanced over at the Village and Second stage every now and then at Bijou Phillips and Beth Orton, we really weren't paying that much attention but they sounded okay.. We missed the TBA at the Village around 3:55pm I think it was a band called Murmurs.

Then Mya was playing on the Main stage at 5:35pm. We didn't get a chance to see her but I hear she was on the television show Fresh Prince, Will Smith's little cousin. Now she's an R&B artist.

Then we saw Sixpence None the Richer and they were excellent! They kind of sound like the Cranberries from their first album- No Need To Argue but way, way, better . They are probably one of my favorite bands now. They were so good that after the second song Kiss Me everyone stuck around, she was surprised and said "Wow, thanks for sticking around after that song...." and smiled generously.

Around 6:00pm we went down to ours seats we had a really good view. We sat in the 23rd row, WOW! Sandra Bernhard was performing her comedy act and boy does that girl have a mouth on her! She was pretty entertaining for what she does.

Then Luscious Jackson came on they are soooooo good! I had no idea wow! They were groovin'. I couldn't sit still, had to get up and dance.

Then Liz Phair came on stage she's alright, but I went to go get something to eat.

The highlight of the show was definitely Sheryl Crow all the way!!! My favorite artist. She got everyone up and was really cool talking to the audience; asking if we feel good and freaky, and talked about her new doo and a past boyfriend. She was really funny. She was having a blast on stage playing her guitar backwards and dancing all about the stage. We had to shake our asses the whole time she was on stage, excepted for the slower songs. She sang If It Makes You Happy, Leaving Las Vegas, Strong Enough, etc. Sheryl Crow is soooo cool!!! Sheryl invited Luscious Jackson up to sing a song. I forgot what it was because I was having too much fun but she brought out the accordion which kicked ass!!!!

To top the evening off Sarah McLachlan came on stage. Wow, her music is breath taking, she is such a passionate artist and shows it so well. I am glad that she came out last because you just get lost in her music, her voice just hypnotizes you. What a refreshing performance it was. We left near the end and missed the finale, I guess they all came out and sang Put A Little Love In Your Heart. Too bad we missed it, too bad this is the last year of Lilith Fair it was my first time going.

Final Words:

Music is a beautiful thing
It's the one thing we all have in common
It unites different cultures
It runs through our veins
Filling our souls with hope and love
I would be so lost in this world without music

Thank you to all of the artists at the Lilith Fair for sharing your inspiring talent.

Well LF was great!!!

Make sure you visit the smaller stages!!!

The first set I saw was the Murmurs... they were TBA and a very nice surprise!!! I was sitting there tapping and drumming and I look over and see who... sitting RIGHT next to me???... ASH!!! Sarah's cutie patootie husband:)

Then I saw Sixpence.. and Beth Orton .. while I was watching Beth and looking around at all the people I saw SARAH!!!!!! Sitting on the other side of the gates:):) Her cute nose gave her away:) If you do run into the artists..... don't freak out and don't freak THEM out!!!!! Be kewl and just be glad that you are walking right by them:) They are also trying to enjoy the shows!!!!

As for all the tents full of stuff to read, sign, buy, make, .. one of the best things are the mostly free tatoos!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you get one from every booth you will end up with your arms and legs covered!!!!!! They are so much fun!!!

Make sure you are in line early so that you are one of the few who get the FREE LILITH FAIR CD.... it is only promo and will only be found at Lilith:) It has Sarah, Patti Griffin, Telka, Duncan SHiek, and others:):)

Pick up a postcard/program so that you know who is playing and when:):)

The merch is great:):) Lots of stuff to buy:):) THe prices are ok:) For those who can't get much... make sure you get...

the Free CD
lots of tattos many are free
the little postcard/program the are free and get a few for your scrapbook:)
visit the Nettwerk and LilithFair booths:):)
... pick up the free Sarah/Murmurs fanclub postcard
... get the merch catalogs they have great pics to cut out and use:):):)

many artists sign stuff and I got Bijou Phillips and the Murumurs to sign the LF program:):):)

BRING A LITTLE BAG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! so that you can keep all of your stuff that you get nice and clean with out bends and stuff on them:):):)

No venue can beat the Gorge :):):) Sarah said both nights and the last two years that she wished that they could being all the concerts goers to the Gorge becuase it is the most beautiful place for anything:):) Especially LF:):):)

Mya was a nice surprise:):)
SHe had dancers and good sound:)
She brought up little kids and a few young ppl on the stage both nights and they got to dance around for the 7-8,000 on fri and 20,000+ concert goers on saturday:) On friday one little girl knew the words and the crowd lost it!!!! She was sooooooooo cute and it was so nice to know that this little girl was feeling on top of the world and having so much fun!!!

L Jackson was great:):):) They did Naked Eye and their new one called LadyFingers:) The sound was great and the crowd had fun:)

Liz Phair was super and I wished that I had had $$ to buy her cds these past few months!!! I would have loved to sing along to more songs!!!!!! Her sound was a bit off but she rocked:):) She is sooo tiny and had the kewlest outfits on!!!

Sandra Berhard was great!!!! Very funny and she has a nice voice!!! She sang two songs:)

Sheryl Crow was having a blast up there!!!!! I liked her set better the second night but that may have been becuase of my basically first row seat:):) THe second night her screen [they do videos] started to fall down and it almost took out the drummer and could have sent the whole band flying into the first 5 rows!!!!! THe wind picks up rather well at the Gorge:)

SARAH!!!
WONDERFUL!!!
Most of the songs are from Mirrorball and ones that the average person might know. Her blue sparkle pants are to die for!!! SO kewl! The huge mirrorball was great!! So fun to see the band having a great time!!!

Remember everyone.... SING with/ along on IceCream!!