Anna Paulson
Violinist, vocalist, and all-around entertainer Lindsey Stirling began her career on YouTube. She got her big break on season five of America’s Got Talent, following that up with an appearance on Dancing With the Stars this past year. She’s known for being funny, sassy, and quite sarcastic. Her playful character plays a huge role in her performances.
She played her Christmas album, Warmer in Winter, in front of a sold-out Orpheum Theater on Monday night. She transported the audience into a winter wonderland with her singing, dancing, and violin playing.
People are drawn to her because she is true to her beliefs, down to earth, entertaining, and funny. She also seems to genuinely care for people. For example, she encouraged the audience to notice those who feel invisible, explaining that the best way to not feel invisible and alone is to see those who are like you and do something about it.
She also spoke about the passing of her father, who recently died of cancer, and of her best friend. If there was ever a time to talk about angels, it is during Christmas.
One of the most touching stories she told involved her father. She forgot her dance routine as she was about to walk onto the set of Dancing with the Stars. After praying to her father, her angel, she immediately felt better and gave one of her best performances. The story was followed by a meaningful performance of “Angels We Have Heard On High.”
In addition to being a skilled violinist and entertainer, Lindsey is also a melodic singer. “Santa Baby” was a highlight for her vocally, and the stage production was incredible. She changed outfits at least six times throughout the show, not including the one in which she started the concert. The five large screens behind her, which changed with each song, were also effective.
Although the crowd was engaged throughout the show, they went crazy when she played one of her originals, “Crystalize.” A fan favorite (and one of mine as well), she even snuck the Harry Potter theme song into it, which made me love her even more. In case you’re wondering, and I know you are, she’s a Gryffindor.
She introduced her “dance coach” in the middle of the show: Luna Baby, her Chihuahua, who strutted onstage with her hair dyed pink and a tutu to match. The crowd loved it, bursting into laughter as she did a few tricks for treats. After many failed attempts at having her bow to the audience, Lindsey gave up and handed her off to the stage crew.
The encore, which found her re-emerging onstage amidst intense fog, was also memorable. She played her latest single, “I Wonder as I Wander,” changing outfits twice as the music video played behind her.
Having followed Stirling for years, I was excited to finally see her live, and she didn’t disappoint. And to think that the judges of America’s Got Talent, who were initially impressed by her, eventually said she wouldn’t even be good enough to fill a theater in Vegas. Considering that she’s been on fire ever since, as her nearly sold-out show at the Orpheum proves, it’s safe to say that they were wrong.
As such, Lindsey Stirling is an inspiration. Even though she didn’t make it as an America’s Got Talent finalist, she used that rejection as motivation to create her own path to success. Her strong, fierce poses throughout her performance showed how confident she is. She never missed a note, even as she was lifted up by stage props, turned upside down, and even ran across the stage. Truly incredible.
Be sure to pick up Warmer in Winter. Your holidays will be a little brighter, and you can be happy knowing that you’re supporting a talented musician who is also a positive influence.
Check out more of Sarah’s photos on Instagram.
Setlist
All I Want for Christmas Is You
Christmas C’mon
Let It Snow
Warmer In The Winter
Jingle Bell Rock
I Saw Three Ships
Feeling Good
Jingle Bells / Deck the Halls / It’s Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas / Feliz Navidad / Hedwig’s Theme / Grandma Got Ran Over By a Reindeer / Oh Holy Night
Hallelujah
Angels We Have Heard on High
What Child Is This?
Crystallize
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Santa Baby
Run Rudolph Run
We Three Gentlemen
Carol of the Bells
You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch
Encore: I Wonder as I Wander
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