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Behind the Scenes in Phenix, AZ July 18 - Phoenix Timeline 10am A tour date in Phoenix is one met by the crew with a whole lot of apprehension -- but only for one reason -- the heat. It's always expected to be exceptionally toasty here, and today's temperatures live up to those expectations. By mid-morning, we've met the expected high for today that's hovering around 100ºF, but it feels at least 10 or so degrees higher. Luckily, we've got misting tents around the venue and backstage to keep us cool -- if only we could stand under them all day long or have them hover over us as we went about our business. 4pm Lisa Sanders plays to a sparse yet appreciative crowd that has gathered under the sun to take in her spirited brand of folk music. It's not a surprise that many Lilith concertgoers will wait until later in the day to head to the festival, to avoid standing out in the worst of the heat. After her excellent set, I interview Lisa who is still pumped from playing, and overjoyed about her experience at Lilith. 4:55 On the lawn and across the village is the B-stage where Cibo Matto is scheduled to go on. The band members huddle together at the side of the stage and a do a group hug for about a minute and a half while anxious fans wait and watch. They disband and walk onto the stage to an excited and raucous group of people. This is Cibo Matto's last day, and we're all quite sad to see them go. Their sets have been outstanding, as they lent such a new and exciting dimension to the Lilith line-up. Not only were they audience favourites, but many of the crew and other Lilith artists could be seen at their daily performance on B-stage. Today, in attendance for their last appearance on Lilith are Vince Jones from Sarah's band, Luscious Jackson, Sheryl Crow's bassist, Victoria Williams, and Dido. 5:20 As E.G. Daly gets ready to go on at the village stage, a quiet group of people are sitting on the grass probably utilizing whatever energy they have left in this heat just to hold their heads up. E.G. gets on and introduces herself then proceeds to introduce her alter ego using a strange voice. The crowd is confused so she gives them another hint, "a baby's gotta do what a baby's gotta do" she says in this surreal child-like sing-song. It strikes a familiar chord but I still can't place it. She gives in and tells the crowd she does the voice for Tommy Pickles on the "Rugrats" television cartoon show. Cheers and laughter from the crowd and then a request to do "Smelly Cat" from her appearance on "Friends" ensues. She says she can't remember the words and starts her set. 6:30 The B-stage finds Victoria Williams performing with her band on their only Lilith Fair date this summer. Victoria is a resident of Arizona, which explains her one-off appearance here today, although everyone wishes she would play more dates on the tour. Victoria and her band are always great to see play as they seem to perform without set lists, playing any songs they happen to feel like at the time or going with requests from the crowd. 7pm After a short interview with Surrender Dorothy, who opened today's day of music on the village stage, the wind picks up suddenly, and lightening brightens the charcoal grey sky. It looks like we're in for a terrific rain storm, and the village vendors scramble to secure their flapping tents, and wait for the word to close down shop. 8pm The wind continues to cause the trees to sway wildly, but it looks like the storm will be passing us by. A good thing, considering all the people on the lawn who may not be prepared to deal with any kind of unexpected rain today. In the meantime, Martina McBride takes to the mainstage in front of an overjoyed crowd who seem more than ready for her performance. Martina whips the crowd into a frenzy, and the crowd responds fullheartedly, showing a great amount of fondness for her music. This is only one of two shows Martina will be playing on the Lilith Fair, so her fans in the audience should be feeling mighty lucky to see her share the mainstage with the likes of Mya, Luscious Jackson, Sheryl Crow and Sarah...as she'll do later tonight during the grand finale. |
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