Who's who at Lilith Fair

Sarah McLachlan, 42, Vancouver.

Latest album: "Laws of Illusion" (2010).

As Lilith's founder, she's always the closer, even though her luxurious piano pop (especially her new breakup songs) may be too downbeat for the arena.

Mary J. Blige, 39, New York.

Latest album: "Stronger With Each Tear" (2009).

The Queen of Hip-Hop Soul is a ferocious live performer, especially if she has enough time to build drama into her truncated set.

Heart, Seattle/Vancouver.

Latest album: "Red Velvet Car" (due Aug. 31).

Since the '70s, the Wilson sisters have been giving us the dog and butterfly of rock 'n' roll, playing it hard, soft and sexy.

Court Yard Hounds, San Antonio.

Martie Maguire, 40; Emily Robison, 37.

Latest album: "Court Yard Hounds" (2010).

Metric, a Toronto quartet fronted by Emily Haines, 35.

Latest album: "Fantasies" (2009).

With their fuzz-pop, these Juno winners (Canada's Grammys) for best alternative album and best group will bring some much-needed indie-rock cred to Lilith.

Chantal Kreviazuk, 36, Los Angeles.

Latest album: "Plain Jane" (2009).

Kate Nash, 23, London.

Latest album: "My Best Friend Is You" (2010).

The smiling, potty-mouthed British pop star is a paradox who comes across as both sweet and shocking.

Vedera, Kansas City.

Quartet led by singer Kristen May and her husband/guitarist Brian Little.

May's bright voice delivering emo lyrics and catchy choruses are the hallmarks of this pop group.

Vita Chambers, 15, Barbados.

Discovered on YouTube, this electro-pop newbie will join Justin Bieber's tour after her Lilith stint.

Bella Ruse, Minneapolis.

This minimalist folk-pop duo of opera-trained Kay Gillette and multi-instrumentalist Joseph Barker won a contest to appear at Lilith.