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Lindsey Stirling Summer Tour - Reviewed

- Jacqueline Radakovich



The dancing violinist came to Lincoln Monday night and rocked the theoretical roof off Pinewood Bowl Amphitheater! Stirling is on a summer tour with the band Walk Off The Earth kicks off on August 1st in Connecticut and ends on September 2nd in Oregon. Although it was in the middle of their tour, and with temperatures reaching 100 degrees, Stirling and her opener came out with lots of energy and ready to perform an amazing show. This tour comes after Stirling’s new single “Kashmir”, a cover and adaptation of Led Zeppelin. Despite the heat, Pinewood had a full house for this performance, and the crowd was a super friendly family-based audience. Going into the show, I did not know who was opening for her and was curious to see who they put to open for an EDM, dancing violinist.



Subsequently, I saw Walk Off The Earth got on stage and immediately was impressed with the choice. wolfpack is a group from Toronto, Canada, which consists of Sarah Blackwood, Gianni Nicassio, Joel Cassady, David Speirs, and Adam Michael. Sarah and Gianni were the lead vocalists and played a series of instruments including banjos, ukuleles, horns, and percussion. Joel was on mainly percussion, backup vocals, and guitar. David on percussion, flute, bass, and Adam on guitar, keys, and bass. The whole band played an abundance of instruments with two lead vocalists and everyone else on background vocals. It was a fun and intriguing performance and unlike anything, I had seen before. I am a big advocator for energy and percussion on stage, and they advanced particularly in those two areas. They came out energized and ready to have a great time on stage. They played several of their original songs as well as some covers that everyone in the crowd could sing along to. They were interactive with the crowd and appreciative of their fans. One thing that stuck out about their performance was their chemistry and togetherness on stage. Sarah and Gianni were harmonized and in sync when they needed to be, and the band had one sound that they all contributed to.



There was a moment where they all hovered around a single instrument as they all played on it as wel as sang. It was amazing how in sync their sound was when being forced to play from the same instrument! Not only was it musically entertaining, but they also put on a show visually by throwing in little tricks and all their energy. They also brought out their sons to perform their version of WOTE’s new single, “My Stupid Heart”, which was a super cute moment that everyone could share. Lindsey Stirling herself even came out to perform a song with them before her performance. If If I had a chance to see this band again, I would. Be sure to check out their new album. Lindsey Stirling started rising to fame in 2010 on America’s Got Talent, where she advanced to the quarterfinals, where judges said she “wasn’t good enough”. She took that criticism constructively and now she is selling out shows all over the country and has won several awards. Stirling is what I describe as a dancing violinist who performs all types of music from classical to rock EDM. Another criticism she got from the AGT judges was that she needed to be in a group because her performance alone was not enough to fill a theatre. It is almost comical how wrong they were, as she is on stage alone with her drummer and guitarist and the show is anything but boring. She and her band also excel in the percussion and energy areas.



Lindsey Stirling started rising to fame in 2010 on America’s Got Talent, where she advanced to the quarterfinals, where judges said she “wasn’t good enough”.

She took that criticism constructively and now she is selling out shows all over the country and has won several awards. Stirling is what I describe as a dancing violinist who performs all types of music from classical to rock EDM. Another criticism she got from the AGT judges was that she needed to be in a group because her performance alone was not enough to fill a theatre. It is almost comical how wrong they were, as she is on stage alone with her drummer and guitarist and the show is anything but boring. She and her band also excel in the percussion and energy areas.


Drew Steen - Drummer for Lindsey Stirling Photo Credit: @thatonetmitchkid


Stirling’s set started intensely with Drew Steen on drums and Ryan Riveros on guitar and keys. An insider source informed us that Drew Steen is a Lincoln local and Southeast Knight. Drumming is in his blood, as his brother once played drums for Reel Big Fish. Another fun fact about Steen, his band growing up was called Metropolitan Ape. He proved himself on stage going crazy on the drums and not holding back. The presence of the drums gives a stronger feel. Stirling is a powerful individual, and he pairs with her sound beautifully. Riveros was also spectacular on keys and guitar, and it added great elements to the sound. Stirling was also on stage with several backup dancers who were in sync and fit the performance well. She performed many of her most popular tracks and had fun doing it. One thing about Stirling is I can physically see her having fun on stage and give it her all. Dancing while playing the violin is a tough skill to master and it took her a while to get the groove, but she has mastered it indeed. She also played a piece from Bach to go back to her classical roots. Another thing she did that stood out to me was she brought a fan up on stage to perform with her. She brought up a man named Brian, who played the wind synthesizer which was an interesting instrument that oddly paired well with the violin.



The performance as a whole was amazing, and Stirling’s playing was top-notch. It is impressive how much range she has with just a violin and how entertaining the show was. Everyone was engaged and looked to be having a great time. She was super interactive with the crowd as well and engaged everyone in making a TikTok to promote her Led Zeppelin cover. Stirling was someone I have always wanted to see and would go see again. If you missed this show, there are still several more dates lined up on the summer tour, as well as the Snow Waltz tour during the Holidays. She won’t be coming back to Nebraska for that tour, but you can catch her in Iowa or Kansas. Either way, get yourself to a Lindsey Stirling show, it is an experience you need to have. This show with Lindsey Stirling and Walk Off The Earth was an entertaining and lively show that everyone could enjoy. I saw people of all ages and dynamics rocking out to her violin, and the Pinewood amphitheater was packed! Despite the intense heat, the performers gave it their all and the crowd was there for it, with lots of energy on their own. People who enjoy classical music, rock music, dance, live sound, and EDM would have a great time at this show. It is something for everyone, including the kids. It did not run too late nor was it too long. It was a good length, interactive, and extremely entertaining to watch. I also appreciated how the performances were not too far apart and they did not keep the crowd waiting. The percussion and energy from both performers were on point and they gave it their all. I would highly recommend getting yourself to a show before the tour ends. Stirling herself is an amazing act but the pairing of WOTE was perfect and made the show that much better.



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