by Sean Maciejewski
Lindsey Stirling brought her “Snow Waltz” Tour to The Vine at del Lago in Waterloo, NY on December 10th, 2022. This was stop number seventeen of a twenty-six date tour in support of her recently released album “Snow Waltz“. I had seen her perform three times prior to this show: the first was the last leg of her first ever tour back in 2013, the second was on tour with Evanescence, and, lastly, a show at the NYS Fair. With each passing year, she gains even more fans and an even larger international presence. Her shows get bigger and more elaborate but she still remains humble to her fan base.
Playing to a sold out venue, Lindsey Stirling captured our hearts once again. The Christmas Spirit was present on the stage on this night. Playing for about one and a half hours, we were treated to many renditions of familiar Christmas songs that have been “Stirlingized”. She is a stand-out violin player and a true master at her craft. The show was a mixture of song, dance, and a touch of humor. One being a very silly Eric Jackson, dressed as a Christmas tree and holding cue cards as the crowd sang along to classic Christmas songs. The dance team gave us a wonderful mix of ballet and dance routines, all the while helping Lindsey with outfit changes and skits. Her band consists of her longtime original drummer, Drew Steen, who comically banters with Lindsey as if they were family, and keyboardist Ryan Riveros does a commendable job at multitasking between several instruments. Staying true to her word of being humble, Lindsey reflected about her own personal struggles and beliefs. She shared a story about feeling unworthy and having stage fright at shows. Then telling us how she overcame these fears and accepting who she is. Followed by her message of “I will never be perfect. I will never ever do a perfect show but I will always show up and do my best.” Reflecting to the audience, “Our best is enough.” She bares her soul, a truly brave feat in today’s world. A funnier moment was when Lindsey presented a tiny violin named “Pickles” to the audience. She played that tiny violin on a solo then proceeded to give her band members tiny instruments, too. The three played a montage mashup of many Christmas classics. As they finished the songs, Drew dared her to play the “The Devil Went Down To Georgia” on that tiny violin. She then belted out a perfect verse of the song. Those in attendance were made Tik-Tok famous, as she recorded the audience performing moves to the song “Feliz Navidad”. This was a fun and refreshing holiday show. If you get the opportunity to see this show or any Lindsey Stirling performance, you will not be disappointed!
Musicians: Lindsey Stirling – violin/vocals, Drew Steen – drums/percussion, Ryan Riveros – keyboard/guitar/saxophone
Dancers: Taylor Gagliano, Taylor Gardner, Jessica Richard, Addy Byers
Christmas Tree: – Eric Jackson
Set list: Sleigh Ride, Crazy For Christmas, Warmer In The Winter, Let It Snow, Joy To The World/I Saw Three Ships, Jingle Bells/Deck The Halls/Frosty The Snowman/It’s Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas/Harry Potter Theme/Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer/Jingle Bell Rock, Feliz Navidad, Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer(X Mas Tree), Oh Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, Crystalize, Snow Waltz, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, Santa Baby(X Mass Tree), Carol Of The Bells, Ice Storm, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Mr. Grinch, Magic
Tik Tok video link; https://www.tiktok.com/@lindseystirling/video/7175936388632726827?_r=1&_t=8Y5thqnqDut&is_from_webapp=v1&item_id=7175936388632726827
Instagram video link; https://www.instagram.com/reel/CmCPZ7PA6S2/?igshid=MTg0ZDhmNDA%3D
