The mere act of sharing music opens people up to gaining deeper understandings of each other while also supporting artists by helping to distribute their work and contribute to their success. So, when my mother’s bright and eclectic friend recommended Lindsey Stirling’s music to me, I was eager to get glimpse inside of one of my early role model’s fascinating mind.
I didn’t know what to expect when I typed the unfamiliar name into the YouTube search bar. After all, while the recommendation came from someone whom I knew to be brilliant, it also came from someone I knew to be eccentric. What I found was so fabulously unique—a modern use of a classical instrument that somehow tickled the parts of my brain that love electronic music while simultaneously stimulating the bits of me that adore vibrant violin sounds.
That was back in 2012 after Stirling had just released the music video for “Electric Daisy Violin,” and since then, the funky-haired, dancing violinist has only continued to create imaginative and exciting work that’s led to her most recent tour, The Snow Waltz Tour, which brings Stirling to Las Vegas for two shows.
Not only is it seasonally appropriate, but merry melodies lie firmly within the realm of what Stirling does so incredibly well. Having released not one but two holiday albums, the violinist has simply mastered the art of blending the classic sounds of songs like “Deck the Halls” and “Feliz Navidad” with her own electronic echos, filled with grand crescendo moments and fun fiddling accented by softer and gentler bits. There’s so much drama, yet so much exuberance in each Stirling styling.
In concert, the instrumentalist moves with such grace and power that she makes it look effortless, despite that being far from the truth. There’s a reason you don’t see many other violinists pulling out the dance moves while they wield their bows; it takes years of practice to be able to perform the way Stirling does. With her squad of backup dancers, Stirling breathes life into each tune she plays, and it’s so exhilarating. She even plays the violin while hanging upside down, for goodness’ sake!
Oh, and of course, she’s also got one of the most likable personalities you’ll ever come by. Her energy is uplifting, and her kind demeanor is oh-so-endearing. At shows, the star often asks her audience to participate in creating various forms of social media content, and with each short-form video she posts, you can tell how engaged and happy to take part the fans of the musician are.
As if there weren’t enough reasons to want to snag tickets to this show, the performer donates $1 per ticket to her own philanthropic organization, The Upside Fund, which is currently working to help families pay medical debts and housing costs. So really, not only are you signing up to see one incredible show, but you’ll also be supporting a good cause just by showing up.
The Venetian. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 6-7, starting at $65 plus tax and fee. ticketmaster.com
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