Popular Songwriter Brings Back Women's Music Fest

Following in the footsteps of such Canadian singer-songwriters as Leonard Cohen, Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, folk artist Sarah McLachlan helped kick off a resurgence in the genre when her popularity exploded during the '90s. With a distinct brand of atmospheric folk-pop, the singer's first album 'Touch' quickly found an audience in her native country when it was released in 1988, going gold in short order. McLachlan establishing herself as a sensitive young singer-songwriter with an affecting voice and a down-to-earth genuineness not often found among pop stars.

A buzz began building in the States with her sophomore release, 'Solace,' in 1991, but the singer didn't break into the mainstream until her third album. 'Fumbling Towards Ecstasy' took off on the strength of the hit singles "Hold On," "Possession" and "Good Enough," eventually selling over five million copies. To promote her follow-up effort 'Surfacing' in 1997, McLachlan conceived and organized Lilith Fair, a two-stage, multi-artist tour featuring female-led folk, rock and R&B acts. The estrogen-powered festival was a surprise success amid the competing summer rock tours and became a virtual cottage industry, spawning a live compilation album, a book and a rush to sign female songwriters.

After raking in the most money of any festival tour that year, Lilith Fair continued annually through 1999 before diminishing returns brought the venture to an end. While there was some debate whether such a specialized music event could succeed in the current beleaguered climate for the concert business, the festival returned to the summer circuit in 2010. Though a number of dates ended up being canceled, McLachlan brings the latest edition of what is now simply called Lilith with iconic classic-rock band Heart, songwriters Miranda Lambert, Colbie Caillat, Terra Naomi and Susan Justice, indie-rock acts A Fine Frenzy, the Submarines and Kitten and '80s favorites the Bangles.

Lilith Monday, July 5, 2:30 p.m.$36-$133.50 Shoreline Amphitheater