It was a moment in time. The Lilith Fair debuted this month in 1997. The brain child of Sarah McLachlan and featuring an exclusively female line-up the festival had its heyday from 1997-1999. And it was amazing. It featured Jewel, Tracy Chapman, The Indigo Girls, Missy Elliott, India Arie, 4 Non-Blondes, Lisa Loeb, you name it. If you were a woman in contemporary music in the late 90s you likely graced the stage. McLachlan in her artistic and business wisdom read the tea leaves and found a bunch of Gen Xers who were clamoring for more women in music and the opportunity to see them take center stage. other festivals like Lollapolloza featured an almost all-male line-up and were more rock oriented. This festival featured singer-song writers, punk rockers, hip-hop artists, soul music, country, jazz, and much more.
I think that the moment in time also resonated with Gen Xers because we grew up with strong women role models in our homes and on our stereos. The children of divorce we were more likely to be raised in households where mom was the breadwinner and our parents were listening to Joni Mitchell, Aretha Franklin, Loretta Lynn, Patti Smith, and other trailblazing women in music. The 90s were the best. So that got me to thinking. What would be the best line-up for Lilith Fair, 2017? Honestly we have another revolution of women taking over music so why not? So here it is, my dream list of a great Lilith Fair 2017. Two day festival, Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Headliners – Beyonce, Madonna, Taylor Swift
Top Billing – Rihanna, Adele, Janet Jackson, Lady Gaga, Miranda Lambert, Missy Elliott, Janelle Monae
Hip Hop – Nicki Minaj, Remy Ma, Young M.A, Lil’ Kim, Lauren Hill, M.I.A., Lizzo
Rock – Cat Power, Haim, Joan Jett, Bjork, The Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs, P!NK, Kelly Clarkston
Pop Music – Lorde, Britney Spears, Miley Cyrus, Shakira, Ariana Grande, Elie Goulding
Alternative – PJ Harvey, Courtney Barnett, Fiona Apple, Alabama Shakes, Charli XCX, Paramore, Echosmith, Sleigh Bells, Misterwives, The Overcoats, The Dead Weather, Grimes, Tov Lo
Country – Alison Krauss, The Band Perry, Kacey Musgraves, Elle King, Margo Price
So, who am I missing because I am sure to have some glaring omissions.
Considering Outloud 