Monday, October 3 Boise, Idaho concert review
“She’s SO good,” beamed an eight year old girl.
Lindsey Stirling commanded the Boise Memorial Stadium crowd’s attention from
the very first note. Then the 90 minute splendor really kicked (and danced)
into step. Even with a tightly calibrated audio and visual presentation for
maximum stimuli, all eyes stayed on the EDM violinist.
The 2016 finale in Boise Knitting Factory’s Summerfield outdoor concert series, Stirling showed off her trademark nimble dance steps across a dizzying array of hits.
Getting off to a hot start on a cool night with liberating anthems “Shatter Me” and “Lost Girls”, Stirling, her band and quartet of dancers were definitely brave enough to weather a sub-50 degree mountain chill as night fell on the Treasure Valley.
Amidst five costume changes and almost as many instrument swaps, Stirling proved to be a world class ringleader. With a stage show featuring magic, theatrics, humor, a sneak preview of a new video, dance choreography from several different disciplines and even animals (a near show-stealing appearance by Lindsey’s pet dog, Luna), there is no equal to the whirling dervish of motivation and joy in glittery sneakers that is Lindsey Stirling. But what shone through the most was the Arizona native’s genuine charm. Even with over 1.5 billion video views and 8.5 million YouTube subscribers, every word she spoke was rooted in humble appreciation.
The friendly crowd gathered on the outfield grass with blankets and light jackets were emotionally moved for so many different reasons.
They were invigorated by high energy songs like “Crystallize” and “The Arena” and filled with delightful nostalgia when Lindsey and her band took a center stage sitdown break to perform a medley with children’s instruments (which included big crowd pleaser “The Legend of Zelda main theme”). But most stirring was Stirling’s tribute of hope and perseverance remembering her late keyboardist and best friend, Jason Gaviati. “Gavi’s Song” and its accompanying images were beautiful.
Although I felt way out of place without a lawn chair (and thus made my way to the front rail of stage right), the casual crowd – who looked more ready for a Sunday afternoon family picnic than a show – were all intimately engaged and up for anything. In stark contrast to the typical audiences of the loud, sweaty, elbow-to-elbow packed in ruffians I’m used to, Lindsey brought out refreshing, family atmosphere. Granddads with young children sat next to cool moms with teenage daughters and all enjoyed a night of music at the ballpark.
But Stirling and company sure saved the best for last! Culminating with “Stars Align” and grand finish of “Roundtable Revival” into “Don’t Let This Feeling Fade”, Lindsey demonstrated just what turned her from 'the dancing violin girl' into an innovative, international headliner.
“She’s SO good,” beamed an eight year old girl.
 |
| Photo courtesy of Ryan Blewett @ryblew |
The 2016 finale in Boise Knitting Factory’s Summerfield outdoor concert series, Stirling showed off her trademark nimble dance steps across a dizzying array of hits.
Getting off to a hot start on a cool night with liberating anthems “Shatter Me” and “Lost Girls”, Stirling, her band and quartet of dancers were definitely brave enough to weather a sub-50 degree mountain chill as night fell on the Treasure Valley.
Amidst five costume changes and almost as many instrument swaps, Stirling proved to be a world class ringleader. With a stage show featuring magic, theatrics, humor, a sneak preview of a new video, dance choreography from several different disciplines and even animals (a near show-stealing appearance by Lindsey’s pet dog, Luna), there is no equal to the whirling dervish of motivation and joy in glittery sneakers that is Lindsey Stirling. But what shone through the most was the Arizona native’s genuine charm. Even with over 1.5 billion video views and 8.5 million YouTube subscribers, every word she spoke was rooted in humble appreciation.
The friendly crowd gathered on the outfield grass with blankets and light jackets were emotionally moved for so many different reasons.
They were invigorated by high energy songs like “Crystallize” and “The Arena” and filled with delightful nostalgia when Lindsey and her band took a center stage sitdown break to perform a medley with children’s instruments (which included big crowd pleaser “The Legend of Zelda main theme”). But most stirring was Stirling’s tribute of hope and perseverance remembering her late keyboardist and best friend, Jason Gaviati. “Gavi’s Song” and its accompanying images were beautiful.
Although I felt way out of place without a lawn chair (and thus made my way to the front rail of stage right), the casual crowd – who looked more ready for a Sunday afternoon family picnic than a show – were all intimately engaged and up for anything. In stark contrast to the typical audiences of the loud, sweaty, elbow-to-elbow packed in ruffians I’m used to, Lindsey brought out refreshing, family atmosphere. Granddads with young children sat next to cool moms with teenage daughters and all enjoyed a night of music at the ballpark.
But Stirling and company sure saved the best for last! Culminating with “Stars Align” and grand finish of “Roundtable Revival” into “Don’t Let This Feeling Fade”, Lindsey demonstrated just what turned her from 'the dancing violin girl' into an innovative, international headliner.
