Ten years after it last made its way across America, the Lilith Fair – a touring festival made up of female artists only – has returned. With 23 shows booked in the States in 2010, now the women-friendly festival is heading down under, with a series of intimate shows titled ‘A Taste of Lilith’.

Led by Canadian singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan, the Lilith Fair was born back in 1997, after the “Angel” singer became frustrated at the inability for female artists to get proper recognition on radio, in the media, and in the live arena. Named after a Jewish legend that purports that Lilith was Adam’s (as in Adam and Eve) first wife, the concert series was extremely successful in the ‘90s, despite only lasting for three years and raising over AUS$11.2 million for female-based charities.

Now, the festival has returned. Having never toured to Australia, Lilith will make its local debut with a smaller show, combining performances by McLachlan alongside the Court Yard Hounds (Martie Maguire and Emily Robison of Dixie Chicks), Kate Miller-Heidke and the Verses – the new project from Ella and Jesse Hooper, ex-Killing Heidi.

“The 2010 Lilith Tour isn’t just a celebration of women in music, but a celebration of diverse female voices across all genres,” says co-founder Terry McBride. “We have had many international artists perform on Lilith, including many Australian artists. It’s now time to spread Lilith internationally starting with one of our favourite places in the world, Australia”

Headlining the shows, Sarah McLachlan has sold over 40 million records worldwide so far, with her latest release, Laws Of Illusion, released back in June. Martie Maguire and Emily Robison meanwhile, helped form the Dixie Chicks back in 1989, and released their own, self-titled Court Yard Hounds LP in May this year to critical acclaim.

Brisbane’s own Kate Miller-Heidke was recently been announced as the winner of the prestigious 2009 International Songwriting Competition, while the Verses released their debut LP, Seasons, two weeks ago.

A Taste of Lilith will be donating $1 from each ticket sold to the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.

Tickets go on sale Friday 27 August, and dates are:

Monday 4 October – Enmore Theatre, Sydney, NSW
Friday 8 October – One Movement for Music, by Twilight, Perth, WA
Sunday 10 October – Adelaide Entertainment Centre Theatre, SA
Tuesday, 12 October – Palais Theatre, Melbourne, VIC
Saturday 16 October – Convention Centre, Brisbane, QLD