Lindsey Stirling @ Artpark (Inside Main Stage), Lewiston, New York 6-12-14

What happens when you combine dub step with the most classical instrument of them all, the violin? What happens when you combine dance with theatrical production? Lindsey Stirling. Stirling is acquiring an ever-growing, diverse fan base due to collaborating with artists of many genres such as Lzzy Hale of Halestorm and Adam Young of Owl City. She has orchestra students raving whilst their conductors are cringing. Lindsey Stirling kicked off the show at ArtPark beyond the veil, literally. The first quarter of the first song, “Beyond the Veil,” Stirling and the band consisting of Jason Gaviati on keyboards and samples, and Drew Steen on drums and other various percussion, were hidden behind a translucent drape. Only until now have I realized the meaning behind it. Ah metaphors.

Throughout the performance, Stirling featured multiple back up dancers to accompany her on stage. There were impressive costume changes that took place in between witty speeches and a coming of age video with footage of Lindsey as a baby through adulthood. The show never got boring and every song was a different story whether it be pirates, acoustic throwbacks or finding yourself lost in space. At one point in the show, Stirling announced that everybody should turn to the people around them and introduce themselves and become friends. Maybe even become best friends, or maybe even date and get married through fanciful stirlingmingle.com.

What I took away from the show would have to been the inspiring messages that Stirling delivers about confidence and being comfortable in your own skin, and finding hope in tough times, both in what goes on around you or through your own experiences.

Setlist:

Beyond the Veil
Mirror Haus
Electric Daisy Violin
Night Vision
Heist
Swag
We Are Giants
Legend of Zelda Medley
Transcendence
All of Me (John Legend cover)
Take Flight
Moon Trance
Roundtable Rival
Master of Tides
Crystallize
Shatter Me

Encore:

Stars Align