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Last time I checked, playing the violin wasn’t the coolest thing to do. But dubstep electric violinist Lindsey Stirling, however, might just change that.
Thursday night was Stirling's Summerfest debut, but it was far from her first time in Milwaukee – she performed at Turner Hall Ballroom and Riverside Theater in 2013 and 2014, respectively. I’ve listened to Stirling since I discovered her on YouTube in 2012, so when I saw her on the lineup, I knew I had to see her. I mean, who doesn’t want to see a dancing, dubstep violinist?
Violin in hand, Stirling stepped onto the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard stage in a glittery silver outfit. She took a powerful pose in the middle of the stage and began playing her violin, immediately entrancing the audience.
The crowd was a mix of young and old. Everyone was standing and seemingly transfixed by Stirling as she danced with her violin.
Not only a talented musician and dancer, she’s a visual artist, too. Stirling told the audience she often thinks of a music video before she writes a song. Her love of Peter Pan inspired her to create and write "Shadows," one of my favorite sets of the night. Stirling’s shadows, large and small, were projected onto panels on the stage. Some would mimic her movements, others would move in their own right.
Stirling performed "Video Game Medley," showing beautiful shots of vast countryside and scenes of her music videos for all the gamers in the audience. She even opened up to her fans about her battle with depression a few years back when introducing "Transcendence." This was when I could really see her passion and love for what she does.
Her most popular song, "Crystallize," drew many phones into the air, as people snapped photos and videos of Stirling dancing among glaciers – not real glaciers, just video projections.
Oh, and during "Roundtable Rival" there was a keytar versus violin battle. It was pretty rad. Stirling hit notes with her violin that made the crowd erupt with applause, all while dancing. I love a good keytar, but I think the violin won.
Since most of the songs didn’t include singing, it was quite refreshing to just feel the music without having to listen to lyrics. I almost felt more in the moment. However, Stirling did sing one piece, and I wasn’t let down by her voice. As one fan near me said, "She can do it all." And indeed she can.
Stirling’s backup dancers are fantastic. They transitioned well from hip-hop to lyrical and helped her show really come together. I especially loved that she gave each of them a shoutout at the end of the show. I was also impressed by the amount of costume changes Stirling tackled. I noticed about five or six different outfits. Bravo.
While her performance was superb, I did think the set went a little long. I’m not sure if the crowd would agree with me or not, but I would have liked to see maybe one or two songs cut.
At the end, however, Stirling told the crowd she’ll be back in Milwaukee, and I sincerely hope she means it. She could undoubtedly take on a larger stage at next year’s Summerfest (hint, hint).
Her performance was inspiring, exciting and visually appealing. I have to say I was impressed by her energy and absolute love for what she does.
