Lindsey Stirling Brings Music Back to The Armory

Lindsey Stirling – The Artemis Tour, 2021. Concert Review by Dylan Novacek with Photography by Richard Berg.

Lindsey Stirling at The Armory Photo By Richard Berg II

Renowned pop-violinist and dancer Lindsey Stirling brought music back to The Armory in Minneapolis after nearly a year and half of closure. Touring behind her 2019 studio album, Artemis, Stirling’s performance served as a reminder of how music can shine a light in dark times.

Prior to the show, fans felt a significant amount of uncertainty; a feeling far too familiar thanks to COVID-19 and the highly contagious Delta Variant. Recently, several tours have experienced further rescheduling and artists pulling out. Six days prior to the tour stopping in Minneapolis, opening performer Kiesza had to take a break due to an exposure.

Stirling noted that they almost didn’t make it to Minneapolis in her address to the audience. Thankfully enough, Stirling made it! The audience, and especially the crew of incredibly talented performers and technicians, couldn’t have been happier. Truly, everyone on stage gave a performance of a lifetime.

Rising to fame in 2010, Stirling has gone from viral star to creative visionary. Her 2019 album follows the story of the moon goddess Artemis and her battle with Nyx, the goddess of the night. Nyx’s goal is to overcome the moon goddess with darkness. However, her efforts prove futile.

“When in a situation of light versus dark…light always wins,” Stirling exclaimed, as she encouraged the audience to illuminate The Armory with their lighters and cell phones.

Lindsey Stirling at The Armory. Photo by Dylan Novacek.

As I sat in the audience at my first concert since February of 2020, I was moved to tears. Throughout the night, Stirling preached what it meant to be strong and be your authentic self. While they are ultimately simple messages, they proved to be the most relevant as we emerge from over a year of isolation.

A strength of this performance was how immersive it was. With Stirling’s costume changes, she embodied each of her original characters. Accompanied by world class dancers and a stunning lighting display, you felt her music come alive.

Several times throughout the night, Stirling took to the sky as she would levitate above the stage while still shredding on her violin. At one point she played blindfolded and upside down, all while spinning above the stage. For lack of a better written description, it was freaking awesome!

For me, Lindsey Stirling has always been a favorite of mine. At my wedding earlier this summer, I walked down the aisle to her collaboration with Andrew McMahon entitled Something Wild. As a concert addict, it’s been a goal of mine to see each significant artist who has impacted my life. I am so happy I get to check Lindsey Stirling off the list.

My favorite song of the night was a tie between opening track Artemis, or The Arena. I loved her epic and bombastic tracks. Additionally, it was sweet to see her cover some Disney classics like the theme from Up. Seeing her dog run out on stage with a balloon tied around her was even better.

I should also note – she had the audience stand up and film a TikTok video with her. Although she hasn’t posted it yet, I am 100% positive I am in it – thus making it my first ever TikTok dance. Thanks for that experience Lindsey.

Overall, Lindsey Stirling and company put on an incredible show full of world class performances, incredible choreography, and an important message of optimism and hope.

Concerts are back for now. Please get vaccinated so we don’t have to lose them again.