On November 22nd, 2024, Lindsey Stirling brought her highly entertaining holiday "Snow Waltz Tour" to the Kodak Center in Rochester, NY. This 21-date tour kicked off in Toronto, Ontario(the only Canadian date) on November 21st. Then, it will crisscross the United States, with a final stop in Lexington, Kentucky, on December 22nd. The Rochester date coincides with the release of the new Deluxe version of the album Snow Waltz, which was initially released in 2022. I have been a fan of her music for many years, and this will be my 5th time seeing Lindsey perform, starting with her first-ever tour in 2013. Her shows have consistently been filled with high-energy, powerful messages, but most of all, fun! Through the years, she has gained an immense fan base, with over 4 million followers on Facebook, 3.9 million on Instagram, 4.9 million on TikTok, and over a billion views on YouTube. Rochester, NY, is lucky to have been chosen for this international superstar to perform her holiday show here!
The show began shortly after 8 PM. Lindsey Stirling stepped out on the stage, and the now-sold-out venue erupted in loud applause, with fans showing their appreciation. The stage setup featured a building with a mock storefront with drums and keyboards perched on the roof. Several sub-speaker cabinets were on the venue floor to deliver those famous bass drops in some of her songs. From the show's beginning, the uber-talented violinist captivated the audience with her playing skills. Lindsey and her supporting dance team filled the twenty-song set with choreographed dance moves. After the first four songs, Lindsey brought her band to the front of the stage for an excellent medley. She explained that the band could turn any pop song into a Christmas song using the right holiday sound. Lindsey had the fans participate by raising their cell phone flashlights when they recognized the song. The audience was thoroughly enjoying this fun medley. She introduced her original drummer, Drew Steen (13 years), and Keyboard player, Ryan Riveros (3 years), whom she considers both brothers. A funny but sad costumed Christmas tree made a few appearances, played by Erich Jackson, and the fans laughed at his antics. Holding up cue cards with holiday lyrics, he had the audience sing along only to hold up funny secret messages. Lindsey told fans that Erich is currently single and can be found on Instagram @ohcristmasme. The audience burst out in laughter! Sprinkled throughout the show were some jaw-dropping aerial acts, including Lindsey playing the violin upside down high above the stage, to the fans' delight. Lindsey opened up to fans several times, sharing her personal experiences, including the meanings behind some of her songs. She explained her version of “O Holy Night." "When I wrote this arrangement, I actually wanted to write it more about his life (Christ) and his story, and so as I play it, if you are familiar with the story of Christ, I want you to kinda listen for and try to hear like, oh, that's the night of his birth, that's his life, that's atonement, this is the resurrection. You will be able to pick out different beats of the story. Also, if that story means nothing to you and doesn't resonate with you, I hope you can feel the love I poured into this song." It was a heartfelt, powerful rendition. Playing through a beautiful set of "Stirling-ized" holiday songs, she sprinkled in some of her non-Christmas tunes. "Crystalize" was one of them. To the fans' delight, this song made full use of the speakers in the venue with a monster sound! As the last notes of “Carol Of The Bells” faded away, the stage lights went black, and a low, steady note played in the background for several minutes. Fans started chanting loudly Lindsey, Lindsey, and random shouts of "We love you, Lindsey" were heard throughout the audience. The hauntingly beautiful vocals started off the final song, "I Wonder As I Wander," while a beam of light shined down on Lindsey as if it came from the heavens. I won't spoil how this performance ended, but all I can say is that it was magical! The house lights came on at 9:45 PM, and fans seemingly left the venue filled with Christmas spirit.
Musicians: Lindsey Stirling – violin/vocals, Drew Steen – drums/percussion, Ryan Riveros – keyboard/bass/guitar/saxophone
Dancers: Taylor Gagliano, Madeline Underwood, Annelise Ritacca, Anika Kojima
Christmas Tree: Erich Jackson
Setlist; Sleigh Ride, Christmas C'mon, Jingle Bell Rock, Warmer In The Winter, Let It Snow, Joy To The World, Yuletide Regale, Pop Medley, O Holy Night, Angels We Have Heard On High, Crystallize, Snow Waltz, Dance Of The Sugar Plum Fairy, Santa Baby, You're A Mean One Mr. Grinch, God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen, Ice Storm, Magic, Carol Of The Bells, I Wonder As I Wander
https://www.lindseystirling.com/
