No need to only listen to only one type of music. Transcending genres is the ultimate listening experience.

After a few days at Lilith I thought to myself " . . well, I guess from now on things might become a little familiar," like I'd almost know what to expect. So I went to the press conference and I realized... I was totally wrong. The energy is growing more and more every day. No two days here are ever the same. You know you are in the middle of a musical revolution when Bonnie Raitt is saying stuff like: "We are kicking ass once and for all!" But just like butt kicking comes in all different forms, for example Judo, Boxing etc... So does music and I can't think of two Lilith artists who are more different from each other than India Arie and Victoria Williams.

I had the pleasure of learning a little bit about up and comer India Arie at the Lilith press conference earlier in the day. She showed up carrying her guitar. When I asked her how she came to be at Lilith Fair she said someone at her record company was really persistant and managed to get her added to the bill.

All I knew about Victoria was...nothing. Nothing except that everyone else associated with Lilith Fair seemed to know who she was. And they all said pretty much the same thing...she was unusual and brilliant! Well then, I would have to find out what the deal was for myself.

At 3:55, I was at the Village stage waiting to hear India. You could tell she was an extremely confident young woman but there was a humble quality...almost like she wasn't confident JUST because she was on stage, but because she was about to do what she loved doing. When you love something there is no fear. She has a great smile and sense of humor, perfect for attracting the concert goers to come over and check her out. Her guitar playing is so beautiful and inspired, just like her voice. Donnie, her partner on stage uses his masculine voice as the perfect backdrop for India's soulful melodies. As she performed the crowd's numbers grew more and more with each song. The music was soothing and relaxing like an afternoon daydream. It was the sound of someone you loved comforting you, encouraging you, consoling you. When India was done the crowd applauded and made their way to meet her in person.

Victoria Williams is nothing like anything I have ever heard or seen before. When she came to the stage her posture was completely unusual like a mad scientist hunched over an experiment, in her case, hunched over her guitar. But this woman doesn't mess around. She also plays the harmonica, the keyboard and something that looked like a banjo with an extremely long neck. She took her seat and her skirt was hiked up over her knees but there was nothing sexual about it. She reminded me of a quirky little girl trapped in a woman's body. Her music erupted as her childlike voice delivered chaotic and flawless lyrics. Nothing about what she does is structured in a traditional sense. She places language and sound where she feels it belongs instead of where it is usually placed. She's painting brave pictures, the E.E. Cummings of women musicians.

How could it be that I could get so into both of these women when they are so different? I don't know. Maybe it's goes back to that whole theory about there being a time and a place for everything. Why do I have to limit my musical experiences to only one type of music? I don't.

When I want to have my mind blown up, aired out and reconstructed so that I can see a whole new way of looking at things I will listen to the music of Victoria Williams.

And when I need to feel the nurturing of a mother or the comfort of a friend, when I need to remember that I'm fine just the way I am: I will listen to India.

"I'm never going to have any pre-conceived notions of any musician again." Natalie Merchant Lilith Fair Press Conference Aug. 3 1998

Amazingly good natured Catie Curtis has a crisp clean sound, a background as a drummer and every reason to be at Lilith Fair. She seemed a little shy and I regretted not having a chance to ask her something at her first Lilith Press Conference, but they were running out of time and so the story goes. But I had a chance to check her out at her performance while I was running around doing other work and she had a great sound. Nice and clean...clear as a bell. I can't wait until tomorrow's show so I can hear more!

Sitting and talking to Catie is an absolute pleasure. She is so down to earth! You can just tell that this is a really cool individual. And obviously the people booking Lilith agree. They called her management and invited her to join the line-up and Catie was psyched! If you ask Catie she will tell you, "I am really amazed by this line-up."

Catie Curtis grew up in a small town in Maine, a self taught guitarist who started her journey into the music industry as a drummer in high school. After attending Brown University and studying not music but taking some writing classes, she realized her desire to be a song writer. There was a happening folk scene and it was there that she started to evolve into the multi-talented musician she is today.

Catie says she plays guitar like a drummer and describes her music as "Acoustic Pop". Her style is a great addition to the happenings here. And just as she is entertaining the crowds with her songs she is really enjoying herself too. "I really love Sarah McLachlan's records, and I listen to them all the time so I'm really loving seeing her live. And Bonnie Raitt I feel the same way about. And then I love just the mere presence and idea of Victoria Williams, 'cause like, it's kind of like back porch pop and it's just so real." She's looking forward to seeing Des'ree who just joined the Lilith line up yesterday. After our chat with Catie I was so glad I had the opportunity talk to her. She is a super nice woman who has a calming effect on me. Although, you wouldn't be able to tell judging by the tape because I was a total spaz and talked all over the place! What can I say? I was excited! Gimme a break people! I was really impressed by this woman who came from a small town in Maine who can play two totally different instruments. And I mean different! I can kind of play the drums but I am a nightmare on guitar! It's not an easy transition just trust me on this.