Jillith Fair: A Tribute to Jill Sobule
In a heartfelt celebration of Jill Sobule, the beloved singer-songwriter who passed away on May 1 at the age of 66, eleven tribute concerts have been announced. Scheduled from late May through early September, these concerts collectively fall under the banner of “Jillith Fair.” Cities from Los Angeles to Northampton, Massachusetts are set to honor Sobule’s lasting impact on the music world, giving fans a chance to celebrate her life and legacy.
Concert Schedule and Cities
The tribute concerts kick off in Northampton, Massachusetts, on May 31, hosted by Erin McKeown. This initial show will feature an array of talented guest artists, including Marshall Crenshaw, Syd Straw, and Madeleine Peyroux. Other cities participating in the tribute include Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, with additional locations like Nashville, Minneapolis, and New Orleans expected to be added later.
Los Angeles Celebrations
Los Angeles will host two prominent events. The first, a concert on June 1 at McCabe’s, has already sold out. This star-studded event will be emceed by Dan Navarro and will feature Margaret Cho, Tom Morello, Cindy Lee Berryhill, and others. The house band for this concert will include renowned musicians from the recent documentary “Immediate Family.”
Following that, on July 1, a second larger concert will be held at Largo, again featuring artists like Cho and John Doe, along with Sara Watkins and others. This dual tribute reflects the deep appreciation LA has for Sobule’s contribution to music.
New York City Tribute
On July 20, Joe’s Pub in New York will host a concert featuring talents such as Joan Osborne, Tracy Bonham, and Richard Barone. This event promises to be another memorable tribute, showcasing the diverse array of artists who have been influenced by Sobule.
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More concerts are also scheduled in other cities, such as Seattle and Evanston. Tickets for these events can be found online. The shows will generously benefit the It Was A Good Life Foundation, which plans to allocate proceeds to the ACLU and other causes Sobule was passionate about.
Posthumous Releases
In addition to the tribute concerts, fans will have the opportunity to enjoy new music from Jill Sobule. On June 6, two posthumous releases will be unveiled: her self-titled 1995 album on red vinyl and the original cast recording of her stage musical *“Fck 7th Grade.” These albums provide an exciting chance for fans to connect with Sobule’s artistry directly.
More Celebrations Planned
The tribute announcements included promises of numerous additional celebrations, including unreleased recordings and reissues of previous works. There are also plans for a documentary film, and the Sobule team is working on organizing similar events on her birthday, January 16.
Complete Lineup of Tribute Shows
Here’s a quick overview of the full lineup:
- Northampton, MA – May 31
- Cambridge, MA – June 1
- Santa Monica, CA – June 1 (Sold Out)
- Evanston, IL – June 7
- Oyster Bay, NY – June 14
- Philadelphia, PA – June 21
- Los Angeles, CA – July 1
- Seattle, WA – July 2
- New York, NY – July 20
- Albany, CA – August 8
- Pittsburgh, PA – September 6
Each show will feature an incredible lineup of artists and promises to be a unique experience honoring Sobule’s vibrant spirit and contribution to the music landscape.
Conclusion
The Jillith Fair tribute concerts serve not only as a celebration of Jill Sobule’s music but also as a reminder of the influences she had on her peers and subsequent generations of artists. As fans gather in various cities to reminisce, share stories, and celebrate her artistry, the legacy of Sobule continues to resonate. Attending these concerts allows fans to pay homage to a remarkable talent, ensuring that her music and message endure long into the future. For additional information and tickets, check the official website here.