Do you remember in Kindergarten when the teacher would do these coordination exercises like patting yourself on your head while simultaneously rubbing circles on your belly? There was always one kid who was extraordinarily good at it.
That kid grew up to be Lindsey Stirling. The pop-violinist, whose shows resemble something akin to a Cirque du Soleil show, has a remarkable ability to play her violin while doing calisthenics, back bends, and otherwise contorting herself into Bavarian-style pretzels, all while never missing a note. Last night, she brought her Duality tour to Blossom, in a pavilion-only show that took place on a beautiful summer night.
The 39-year old Utah native isn’t a virtuoso musician; she’d never be mistaken for Itzhak Perlman, for instance. However, that’s not the point. Her shows always emulate a distinct visual style, and along with her backup crew, they put on a solid show.
Perhaps the best thing that Stirling offers is imagination and, as corny as it sounds, inspiration. There were several hundred elementary and middle school kids in tow with their parents. Orchestra kids. One little girl wondered if she was good enough for her seventh-grade orchestra. The smiles are on their faces were wide and backed, perhaps, with a yep-I-wanna-do-this recognition.
Openers Arkai, a pop string duo, and PVRIS played short sets prior to Stirling taking the stage.
