CHANGING DIRECTION
 
 Unlike previous years which focused mainly on the folksy, roots rock aspect of female music, this year's tour is also showcasing several hip-hop and world music acts. Acts like Queen Latifah, Missy Elliott, Neneh Cherry, Erykah Badu, and Lauryn Hill will be joining the Fair's rotating roster.
 
 "It's all talent-driven," said Andrew Klein, president of business affairs at Connecticut-based Entertainment Marketing Communications International about the upcoming tour. "Lilith Fair, by far, was the most successful festival last year because it has a new story to tell and female artists were really hot. Many of them had won Grammys."
 
 Other acts scheduled to make an appearance include:

• Natalie Merchant
• Mary Lou Lord
• Tracy Bonham
• Imani Coppola
• Morcheeba
• Bonnie Raitt
• Luscious Jackson
• Beth Orton
• Mono
• Victoria Williams
• The Indigo Girls
• Emmylou Harris
• Cowboy Junkies
• Joan Osborne
• Sinead O'Connor
• Lisa Loeb
• Chantal Kreviazuk
• Letters To Cleo

 During the press conference, McLachlan also announced that this year's tour will benefit select non-profit organizations, including the Breast Cancer Fund; the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network; LIFEbeat; and Planned Parenthood.