TORONTO - The most "un-Lilith" like artist on the bill stole the show in Toronto
Saturday night.
R&B sensation Mary J. Blige had the rain-drenched crowd at the Molson Amphitheatre on their feet and getting down as she ran through a high-energy set that included a rousing version of U2's "One" and hits like "Family Affair" and "Be Without You."
"Toronto, thank you so much. This is my first ever Lilith Fair experience and I am enjoying it already," Blige said as she peered out into the predominantly female crowd. "(It's just) beautiful people and beautiful energy."
Strutting around in tight black and white patterned pants and stiletto heels, Blige turned Lilith into a full on rock concert -- a stark contrast from the mostly mellow sets that preceded her.
But even if it seemed like she didn't belong on a bill that also included singer/songwriters like Chantal Kreviazuk and Tara McLean, organizer Sarah McLachlan was quick to point out that the festival was open to all female artists -- including more mainstream acts like Miley Cyrus and Lady Gaga, both of whom were asked to be part of Lilith.
"Miley's doing a movie and Lady Gaga's doing her own tour … They would've been on it if they would've said yes because they're part of the picture as well. This is a celebration of all the different genres out there," McLachlan told reporters during a press conference.
The nearly sold out show in Toronto marked the end of the Canadian leg of Lilith and even though the resurrection of the festival 11 years later has been plagued with poor ticket sales, big names like Kelly Clarkson pulling out and cancelled dates, McLachlan is still calling it a success.
"We came into this in a very tough economic climate and we knew that going in. I don't think any of us as performers knew how challenging it would be but that being said I think we're all having an amazing time," said McLachlan.
Kreviazuk, who played at the early years of Lilith Fair back in 1998, concurred.
"It's so nice to be back here as a grown up years and years later and really be able to revel in what (Sarah) meant (Lilith) to be. I feel really honoured."
McLachlan says plans are still in place for a festival next year but that some things might have to change -- including paring down the number of artists on the roster.
"Yeah we've had our challenges but for me … I'm having so much fun and I put the financial stuff in a little box and put it on a shelf a while ago."
Lilith also gave up-and-comers like Darrelle London, who was the local talent search winner for Toronto, a chance to shine. The young singer/songwriter, who has recently been signed to Perez Hilton's new record label, was "over the moon," considering Lilith was the first-ever concert she attended, at the age of 13.
"I remember the acts so vividly, I remember Sarah being so inspiring and that was around the time in my life I started thinking this might be something I wanted to do so I had the best time and the fact that I'm here playing now, it just feels amazing," London told CTV.ca during an interview.
London said she's been writing some songs with Kreviazuk, who joined London on stage for one song, and had the pleasure of meeting McLachlan at the sound check.
"The whole thing is pretty much a dream come true."
Earlier in the day at the side stage, Winnipeg duo Ash Koley had the crowd bobbing their umbrellas up and down in sync with their catchy hit song "Don't Let Your Feet Touch Ground."
"I really love the umbrella dancing. I think that's something we should start as a trend," remarked lead singer Ash Koley.
Court Yard Hounds, featuring Emily Robison and Martie Maguire of The Dixie Chicks, kicked off the main stage performances with a twang, while Kreviazuk had fans singing along to favourites such as "Time," "Leaving On a Jet Plane" and "Feels Like Home."
Toronto artist LIGHTS, who told the audience this was the biggest crowd she'd ever played for, picked up the pace with her brand of bright electro-pop, before handing over the stage to Blige.
McLachlan later closed the show, singing a mix of old favourites like "Angel" and "I will Remember You," as well as material from her new album "Laws of Illusion."
"This is so healing and beautiful. I'm so glad I'm here right now," she said to the crowd.
