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Schedule:
Doors Open at 3:00pm
Women's Shelter ($1 Per Ticket Recipient): Ernestines
Diana Braithwaite - 3:30-3:50 - Village Stage
Alexandra Sleightholm - 3:55-4:15 - Village Stage
Joan Jones - 4:15-4:35 - Second Stage
Emm Gryner - 4:50-5:10 - Second Stage
Summer Sage - 5:10-5:30 - Village Stage
Deborah Cox - 5:30-6:00 - Main Stage
Bif Naked - 6:00-6:30 - Second Stage
Dixie Chicks - 6:35-7:20 - Main Stage
Indigo Girls - 7:40-8:25 - Main Stage
Sheryl Crow - 8:45-9:40 - Main Stage
Sarah McLachlan - 10:00-10:55 - Main Stage
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The second day of Lilith Fair in Toronto took place in the midst of the first weekend of Canada's longest running fall fair: The Canadian National Exhibition. Located in the concrete starkness of the Molson Amphitheater, just south of the tacky hucksters and cheesy thrill rides of the CNE, Lilith Fair shone like a pure crystal of joy, fun and celebration. A far cry from the 'Estrogen-fest' described by the Toronto Sun!

The day couldn't have been more inviting: temperatures upwards of 30 degrees, full sun coming off of Lake Ontario. The crowd was total capacity, with latecomers willing to pay up to $125.00 for nonexistent lawn tickets. It seems that Lilith Fair was the quiet phenomenon of the summer. No one really talked or heard about it much, but everyone that had a feel to go, got their tickets early.....proof that you don't really need a lot of hype when you have something cool that people want!

Walking into the grounds with my wife, it was obvious that this was a concert by, and in celebration of, women. It was an interesting experience, being a man amidst so many women. Rather than holding on tightly to my masculine energy and acting as an observer, I learned that the way to be comfortable, and integrated, was to become a part of the scene. I would say that this made for one of the most enjoyable concerts that I have ever attended (and I have been to many in my forty five or so years). It was great to be A PART OF this group of joyous, music loving PEOPLE....rather than standing around, as a man..observing, judging, looking at a group of women... APART FROM. Take notes men...this is the way to get along with women!

The first thing we realized, was that the programs, which were small cards with the music lineup and times, were all gone. It is good to have one...so if you go to Lilith....try to get there early enough to get a program. We wanted to get there in time to catch Alexandra Sleightholm, an up and coming Toronto singer/songwriter. She was performing her last song just as we arrived...but we did catch enough to know that she played a great set. Alex has been playing around Toronto and area, and her voice and stage presence has become even more striking than the last time we heard her, a year ago, in a small coffee house north of Toronto. Watch for her in the future!

Moving off to the grass, we stretched out, caught some rays, and put back a couple of the overpriced, but much appreciated Molson brews. At just under $10.00 for a pint glass, and with literally a beer stand every 500 feet or so, it was obvious who was making the money at this show! Still, with Molson as the major sponsor of the venue, it seems clear that they get their due. Who would have ever thought women would drink so much beer? (old stereotypes die hard!)

Emm Gryner's set was competent....melodic and got some of the folks up off their seats...........but it was Bif Naked who was the first to really rock the place. With a youthful and energetic crowd, who knew the words to most of her songs....Bif knew how kick ass. She looked the part too: sort of a Cher meets Axel Rose look, with jet black straight hair, deadly black eye makeup, black tank top, and enough skin ink to earn the respect of the Easyrider crowd. Her set was more than just attitude though....some great lyrics, especially in a song to her dad on his remarriage.

Things moved to the main stage, and so did we...taking our seats in the stands. We were close enough to really see and hear, so it was very cool.

Deborah Cox: I don't know what I expected: after reading a less than glowing review in the Toronto Sun...I guess that I expected some kind of lame disco queen. Bullshit! This girl has a phenomenal talent! Incredible power, and range: our own Whitney Houston...right here in Canada! Smooth R&B tunes to rival anything heard on pop radio, plus a gut wrenching soaring soul delivery right out of the gospel choir! Terrific!

Indigo Girls.....killer band....great material: TOO DAMNED LOUD!.. So much volume and bass, that it didn't seem possible that we could still have to sit through several hours of music. Loved the band, but seriously bad hand on the mixing board: who wants to hear this music at Led Zeppelin volume levels!

Fortunately: all the bands that followed had better mixes than the Indigos....so that didn't prove to be a big problem.

Note: on timing.....incredible split second timing: it seemed that every band and performer did just the alotted amount of material, got on and off on time, and had their road crews absolutely ready when needed. Very professional....

Dixie Chicks: energetic, incredible musicianship, great lyrics, vocals, everything! Never heard this group before, but I would definitely see them again. (I didn't think I liked country!) The lead singer, sort of a countrified Joey Heatherton, sings with a powerful Dolly Parton style, but with a kind of Joan Jett sensibility. Personality plus. The other two Chicks...sisters....playing fiddle and banjo, as well as some dobro, were standout musicians. They did some incredible bluegrass, as well as a funky bluesy tribute to Bonnie Raitt featuring some killer lap-style dobro. The final number even included a little nod to Lauren Hill. Cool.

Sheryl Crow: came out rocking. Although Sheryl looked a little fried...as in tired...she did really rock the place. With a great band, and solid material, she sounded like a real pro. It's obvious she's been playing constantly for years. Great band....killer lead guitar player. Sheryl is competent on bass, guitar, and even a little accordion. I was surprised how great her trademark songs sounded live: not really too poppy, but really solid rockers. The mid-70's Stones sound of My Favorite Mistake was particularly near and dear to my heart.

Biggest surprise of the night: on Every Day is a Winding Road: Sheryl said she was going to have some special guests out to help. Out came a few band members from other bands....but then....a very familiar looking guitar player with a very funky (and phallic) looking axe slid out from the right side of the stage. After a few unsure seconds...it was true: The Artist (yes: formerly known as Prince) himself was on stage, playing a few incredibly tasty licks and doing some killer backup vocals to Sheryl's lead.

As quickly as he arrived, he was gone...with a gracious nod to Sheryl.....leaving a screaming crowd unbelieving of the treat that they got!

Sarah: really: the star of the show. It was clear, that she was the heart and soul of Lilith Fair. Her presence and spirit was so overwhelming. She sang like an Angel....looked like a goddess, and gave everyone what they came to see and hear. Her voice was in perfect form, she did all the material from Fumbling, and everything else we needed to hear. The perfect set.

The finale: Bob Dylan's I Shall Be Released: with every performer on stage .... a great gospel tinged ending to a fantastic day. So cool to see the love and support for the young artists from Sarah and the other veterans. Just a very, very cool vibe ... the whole day, all aspects.

Sorry the review wasn't more in-depth.....a few notes would have ensured a full song lineup, band member names, etc....but hey: you get the idea! Overall rating for Lilith Toronto: ***** (five stars)