April 27 is the big day around here as that is the day of this year's Lilith Fair press conference. It's taking place in New York this year and we'll be on hand to bring you all the information as it is announced. Artists, cities, venues, and other information will be released on this day.

The press conference will be broadcast live over the internet. You can join the feed directly from the Lilith Fair site. Starting time is Tuesday April 27 at 11:00, Eastern Time. You will need the Windows Media Player (good for windows and macintosh) to watch the press conference.

Also on April 27 we'll be unveiling the new design for the Lilith Fair site. Make sure you stop by and say hello.

After a very successful introduction in 1998, Lilith Fair is pleased to announce that the Lilith Fair talent search will continue in 1999. Joining forces with Xoom.com, hosts of the Lilith Fair web site, Lilith Fair and Xoom.com, along with local promoters, will be presenting talent showcases in 16 markets across North America beginning April 29 in Toronto.

Winners will receive the opening slot at their local Lilith Fair date as well as a complete web package from Xoom.com.

In addition to the local showcases, there will also be one internet talent contest that will be featured here at lilithfair.com and will allow bands from all over to compete for an opening slot on this summer's tour. Details on the internet contest, as well as rules for all the contests will be announced April 27.

Donna Westmoreland, organizer of the showcases for Lilith Fair told us that "Last year's talent searches were tremendously successful on two levels. First we and the people in each city that had a talent show were rewarded with a wonderful showcase of local talent. And second, Lilith Fair had a great addition of local talent to each show."

Complete details about the talent search

Continuing a tradition that started with the first Lilith tour, Lilith Fair again donated $1 per ticket sold to a non profit group (generally women's shelters) in each market that there was a show. In 1998 over $800,000 was raised for local and national organizations through Lilith Fair tickets sales alone. Another $150,000 was raised by Lilith Fair's sponsoring organizations. The cheque presentation each day is one of the most moving things about Lilith Fair. And as Natalie Merchant says "it's the best reason to attend the press conference."

This year, Lilith Fair will again donate $1 per ticket to a shelter for victims of domestic violence in each city in which we perform. If you represent such a shelter, and would like to apply for consideration, please fill out the application that is available below.

1999 Women's Shelter Donation Application Form

If your organization doesn't fall under our parameters for donation recipients, you still may be able to have a table at one or more Lilith Fair shows. Organizations have had great luck distributing information and signing up volunteers at Lilith Fair. The application for groups who wish to table is below.

1999 Not-for-Profit Tabling Application Form

Two new Lilith Fair albums are set to be released on May 18. The two albums feature many of the artists from 1998's tour performing live from various dates across North America. Some of the artists featured include: Sinead O'Connor, Queen Latifah, Shawn Colvin, Sarah McLachlan, Morcheeba, Natalie Merchant, Cowboy Junkies, Tracy Bonham, MeShell Ndegocello, Luscious Jackson, Liz Phair, K's Choice, Indigo Girls, Emmylou Harris, Bonnie Raitt, and more.

The two albums will be sold separately and are available in quality record stores throughout North America as well as respected online retailers like the tremendously respected Lilith Fair store.

Complete track listings