There are some musicians who attain the title of rock god because of their unique, powerful, prodigious musical abilities.

And there are those who reach rock god status because they unequivocally and irreversibly alter the world of music and or the world itself.

And then there are those who do both.

And then there is Sarah McLachlan.

Sarah is currently on road with the Fumbling Towards Ecstasy 30th Anniversary tour. Like many of the album anniversary tours of recent years, this concert featured the entirety of the honoured album. And along with it, a number of Sarah’s other hits and a few new songs.

Seeing her live at the Edmonton stop of this tour, there is no denying Sarah McLachlan is a rock goddess of song-writing, playing multiple instruments, and voice. If you have any doubts, just go hear her sing Fear live (which is in the setlist). Incredible range. Breath-taking. Operatic.

Or crowd (and this author’s) favourite, Angel. Or the fun, enigmatic Ice Cream. Or Possession.

Sarah was truly magnificent in Edmonton. Roger’s Place was captivated.

As my friend whispered, in awe after Fear, “She is a goddess.”

Rock Goddess!

She is legend.

She, who said to the world in the 90s what do you mean you won’t play two women musicians in a row on the radio? What do you mean women can’t headline festivals? Let me show you. And promptly created one of the most successful festivals ever – Lilith Fair – a festival not only with women headliners, but made up entirely of women-led artists.

Rock Goddess.

Sarah McLachlan changed the story. She and Lilith Fair revolutionized festivals.

According to a new documentary, the festival not only showed the power and value of women artists but of female crew, and of predominantly female fanbases.

Lilith was also the first to have a festival ‘village’ of goods and charity tents.

And, while not the first, they also donated proceeds to local women’s shelters and other such charities in each city.

As if that wasn’t enough, Sarah took her earnings from Lilith and started the Sarah McLachlan School of Music (SoM), which offers free music programs for children and youth who face barriers to music education.

Sarah mentioned in concert that one of their schools is right here in Edmonton. In 2016, SoM opened a school here in partnership with MacEwan University.

Which seems serendipitous considering the final original Lilith Fair took place here at Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium( on August 31, 1999).

Rock Goddess, for sure. But also Edmonton’s music angel.