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During the late nineties, musician, Sarah McLachlan, put together a female-centric summer festival that had the whole world buzzing. Named the Lilith Fair, this music experience was the first of its kind. McLachlan, among others, was sick of the lack of women performers at most summer concerts and so she decided to do something about it. The result was an instant success, which carried on for three years. Now, in the summer of 2010, a revival is underway.

Tracy Chapman, Fiona Apple, Joan Osmond and Lisa Loeb were just some of the stars who headlined the original tour. It’s no surprise that it was the highest grossing festival that year. Although the 2010 revival tour acts have yet to be confirmed, it wouldn’t be shocking to see current musicians such as KT Tunstall and Colbie Cailla take to the stage.

The Fair is really more of a community experience as opposed to a gathering of a bunch of spectators. If the revival is anything like the late nineties’ version, don’t be surprised if you see a person or two whip out their Takamine acoustic guitar and break into song. There’s a campfire vibe to the whole thing, which is what some people loved about it.

There are a lot negative stereotypes still floating around regarding the tour. Some people called it ‘Girlapalooza’ and others used even worse names. Probably because it was something new and different, people just didn’t understand it. Many just assumed the festival would be filled with women stepping off motorcycles with a black helmet in hand. At was very much not the case.

The fair was an all-around cultural force, spreading its impact not only to the music industry, but to the fashion world as well. Many new trends and styles evolved through the hordes of fans that congregated. Although biker jackets made little-to-no appearance, there was no shortage of audience members who seemed to have donned their best eye cream for the masses of people watchers.

Although the acts were all female, the crowd was much more diverse. There’s no question that women made up the majority of the crowd, but more than a few men showed up. It just goes to show that the power of music is enough to bring anyone together.

With a 2010 revival on the way, the Lilith Fair is sure to make its presence felt once again. Not only will old fans come to reconnect and look back, but a whole new generation will be introduced to a cultural phenomenon that once revolutionized the summer tour.