Lilith Fair Announces Chicago Line-up, Location

This summer's re-vitalization of Sarah McLachlan's Lilith Fair will officially hit Chicago on Saturday, July 17th, at First Midwest Bank Ampitheatre. Similar to the set-up of the original festival, each of the dates will feature eleven artists. The only holdovers from each city will be the opening set from the local Our Stage winning artist and the closing set from, festival-founder, Sarah McLachlan. A handful of the line-ups have been announced, with Chicago's listed below:

'Our Stage Winning Artist'
Vedera
Kelly Clarkson
Kate Nash
Cat Power
Mary J. Blige
Meaghan Smith
La Roux
Heart
Vita Chambers
Sarah McLachlan

It is not quite our dream line-up, but Kate Nash and Cat Power are interesting picks and Heart adds a classic rock element to balance the poppy Kelly Clarkson, electro-bliss of La Roux and soulful Mary J. Blige.

For the record, the nine acts we would hand-pick from the list of those involved would be - Beth Orton, Brandi Carlile, Gossip, Metric, Tegan and Sara, Grace Potter And The Nocturnals, Kate Nash, Missy Higgins, and Sia. So, one out of nine isn't bad.... ?

Upcoming Shows - Week ending January 31st

Friday, January 29th - Schubas - Hacienda, Alberta Cross - 10 pm - $12

The debut from Alberta Cross, The Broken Side Of Time, is the kind of ass-kicking blues-drenched rock that we feel confident recommending without even seeing them yet. There is no way a songs like "ATX and "Song 3Three Blues" can disappoint live.

Friday, January 29th - Cubby Bear - Erin Martin, Brent James & The Contraband, Red Wanting Blue - 8pm - $7

As Nate mentioned on this week's podcast, this is one he hasn't seen yet - but has heard nothing but rave reviews of. Think poppy roots rock.

Saturday, January 30th - The Vic - Cold War Kids - 8pm - SOLD OUT

Rickety indie rock delivered with a soulful edge, Cold War Kids are back on tour in support of their new Behave Yourselves EP. The show is sold out with good reason. We wouldn't blame you if you stood outside and begged for tickets. They are worth it.

Monday, February 1st - Lincoln Hall - Moneypenny, Yes Giantess, La Roux - SOLD OUT

It seems crazy that they were even offering 'at the door' prices. La Roux is a HUGE deal in the UK, and this show sold out for good reason. The duo's brand of throwback synth-heavy pop is a breath of fresh air.

Podcast 2

Our second podcast is officially up and ready for your ears at iTunes.

This week the guys discuss the strange feeling of wanting to attend Lilith Fair, find out what The Cardinals are up to, and finally get around to that news about the debut from Chicago’s AM Taxi. We (almost) head out to see Pet Lions and recommend La Roux at Lincoln Hall (2/1) and many more shows.

Please subscribe to the show via iTunes, and rate (or even possibly review) the show.

Thanks for listening!

Lilith Fair Adds Artists

The reformed Lilith Fair just added a boatload of very cool artists that might make you reconsider what you thought of Sarah McLaughlin's female-friendly festival. The latest to jump on board for the touring festival are: Loretta Lynn, Heart, Norah Jones, Cat Power, Sia, Gossip, La Roux, Beth Orton, Ceci Bastida, Erin McCarley, Frazey Ford, Julia Othmer, Kate Nash, Lights, Missy Higgins, Lissie, Marina & The Diamonds, Priscilla Renea, Rosie Thomas, Melissa McClelland, Toby Lightman and Elizaveta.

With more 'major artists' promised to be announced in the coming weeks, and site favorites like Tegan And Sara, Brandi Carlile and Grace Potter And The Nocturnals already on the list, it is hard to imagine passing up this collection of talent.

Check the Lilith Fair site for the full list of artists currently committed to the tour. We will update you as soon as we find out where and when Lilith hits Chicago.