| |
| |
  |
 |
Behind the Scenes in Philadelphia, PA July 31 Timeline 1pm As soon as we got here today, we knew we were in Hershey. Not only were some of the crew talking about going for the tour of the Hershey factory, but there were displays of certain Hershey related product reminders adorning the venue, such as the signs on the dressing room doors in the shape of Kisses. Someone even said that they spray the venue and amusement part next door with a chocolate scent, but I don't know if I believe that... 3:30 It's very hot and oh-so muggy today, which is never our favourite kind of weather to work in. It tends to make everyone want to move at a much slower rate. Too Cynical to Cry start off the Village stage today, and the crowd enjoys their poppy, jangly sound. The lead singer thanks the crowd, and she seems to have an English accent...I'll have to investigate their origins. 4:40 Kendall Payne works up a sweat (not difficult today!) while entertaining the audience with her passionate songs and her impressively strong voice. She moves around alot on stage, except to sing a slower, quieter song that culminates with her belting out the chorus, and really showing off her vocal talents. It's hard to believe, but Kendall is only 19. 6pm This is a strange venue that we're at today - quite different from the ones that Lilith usually stops at. Here at Hersheypark, there are bleachers that box in the "grass" area, on which the reserved seats are located half way, behind which there is an open area for what are usually the general admission "lawn" seats. However, today this is no grassy slope to sit on, so it means people are mostly standing to see the show, or are simply lying on blankets, seemingly just there to hear the music, as it would be impossible to see much of anything from that position. It makes for a very congested and rather chaotic arrangement, and not the best way to see such a great show. Me'shell opens the mainstage, and the crowd responds to her politely, though I think her mellow music might not be enough to rouse this hot, sweaty crowd, perhaps made a bit lethargic by the hot temperatures and high humidity they've sat through already today. 7:45 It's obvious that the crowd is here to see the Dixie Chicks today. As soon as they start, everyone is on their feet, clapping away, and singing to every song. There is even a few attempts at interpretive square dancing going on by a few people towards the back. The sun is going down, the air is cooling off and the roller coaster across the street is now lit up, helping to maintain the party atmosphere that has just developed, encouraged by the lively, fun music of the Dixie Chicks. 8:30 We meet up with the Mediaeval Baebes for an interview. It's quite amazing that they've all gathered together for us, as I imagine it must be difficult for them to try to do things together considering there are 14 members in the group. We head for their dressing room, which ends up feeling just like a sauna, made worse by the amount of people occupying it. As they sit and politely answer our questions, it's quite obvious that everyone is very uncomfortable in the oppressive heat of the room; we cut things short so we can all get out of this awful room. 9pm Sheryl's onstage, and the rain has begun. Although the big, fat drops feel deceptively innocuous, the bright lights shining down towards the stage reveal how heavy the downpour really is. I wonder if the audience is prepared for the rain, and whether it will cut short the show tonight. Between the panels that drape the backstage, Sheryl can be seen playing in front of a sheet of rain. It must be odd for a performer to have to keep on going, while the audience before them is having a not-so-grand time getting drenched. 10pm The rain only lasted a few minutes and the show went on as planned, but the humidity has risen back up to a hateful level. After a quick run over to the amusement park for a ride on the roller coaster, we get back in time to catch Sarah's set. This venue, which seemed so uninviting in the heat of the day, now basks in the shifting glow of the inspired stage lighting; the audience stands as an enraptured collective, admirable for having endured a long day of battling the elements simply to enjoy some great music. |
 |
|
 | |
 |
 |
© 1999 Lilith Fair. Designed and maintained by Nettmedia.