By Dave Parsons
Stage AE, located on the same location as the historic Three Rivers Stadium on Pittsburgh’s North Shore, is a great outdoor venue that holds over 5,000, allowing it to draw some great acts in the summer. On the evening of August 12, 2024, Stage AE was transformed into a melting pot of music, dance, and visual artistry, as Lindsey Stirling came to town. Known for her genre-bending mash ups of classical violin, electronic music, and choreographed dance routines, Stirling drew a capacity crowd on a Monday night.
Stirling took the mostly empty stage amid a blanket of fog, and launched into the opening number, as her dancers flanked her on either side. Stirling’s energy was infectious as she moved across the stage with an effortless grace despite the compelxity of her choreography. The synchronization between her playing and dancing was impeccable, a testament to her years of training and dedication to her craft.
One of the best things about Lindsey Stirling’s performance is her ability to tell a story through music and visuals. Each song was accompanied by a visual narrative, brought to life through the audio interludes setting the scene, choreography, lighting, and video projections.
Stirling’s initial outfit, a pink skirt and aqua top, morphed into an all black outfit while she spoke her initial hello’s to the crowd. This was intentionally more than a music concert, and an extravaganza that no doubt took a long time to conceive. Also, considering this tour is playing several indoor venues, as far as staging and lighting, it was impressive to see it play to a stage that was in the direct path of the sun setting over Acrisure Stadium a block away.
While the visual aspects of the concert were undeniably impressive, it was Lindsey Stirling’s musical prowess that took center stage. Her ability to seamlessly blend classical violin techniques with modern electronic music is what sets her apart. Stirling showcased her versatility as a musician, moving effortlessly between fast-paced, high-energy tracks and more subdued, introspective pieces. Moreso, her ability to take the time to engage the audience, sharing stories and anecdotes, was a big reason for the huge crowd. It was sweet to see so many adults that felt comfortable to bring fairly young children to the show. I would imagine it was the youngsters first concert in a venue like that, and one they will never forget, cementing a famly memory to treasure.
For all of those who were lucky enough to be there, Lindsey Stirling’s concert was a refreshing burst of raw talent displayed in the most tasteful of ways, and showcasing the magic that can happen when an artist pours their heart and soul into their work. It was, in every sense, a night to remember.
I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that before Lindsey Stirling graced the stage, the audience was treated to a performance by Walk Off The Earth, a Canadian band known for their innovative covers and infectious original music. They wasted no time in getting the crowd on their feet.
You can see this band loves to perform live, and did so for almost an hour. Among their original songs, and in an unusual ordering, Lindsey Stirling joined them for their duet hit Long Way Home in the middle of the set. An extended Beatles medley followed by more original tunes, had the crowd warmed up and ready, and also basking in the show they had just witnessed.
Walk Off The Earth Setlist
1.) Rule the World
2.) Fire in My Soul
3.) Crazy
4.) I’ll Be There
5.) Whatever
6.) Stick Season
7.) Better At Love
8.) Somebody That I Used to Know / Heatwaves / Industry Baby / Alone / Africa / Oh No / That’s What I Want / Sunroof / Bad Habits / Can’t Get You Out Of My Head / Dreams
9.) Long Way Home (with Lindsey Stirling)
10.) Love Me Do / I Want to Hold Your Hand / A Hard Day’s Night / Eight Days a Week / Yesterday / In My Life / I’ve Just Seen a Face / We Can Work It Out / Eleanor Rigby / Strawberry Fields Forever / Penny Lane / A Day in the Life / With a Little Help From My Friends / All You Need Is Love / Hello, Goodbye / Blackbird / Hey Jude / Here Comes the Sun / Come Together / Let It Be
11.) Red Hands
12.) On the road
13.) Beautiful Things
14.) My Stupid Heart
Lindsey Stirling Setlist
1.) Eye of the Untold Her
2.) The Arena / Underground
3.) Firefly Alley
4.) Surrender
5.) Roundtable Rival
6.) Evil Twin
7.) Serenity Found
8.) Between Twilight
9.) Shatter Me
10.) Kintsugi
11.) Crystallize
12.) Purpose
13.) Untamed
14.) Inner Gold
15.) First Light
16.) Les Fées
17.) Survive (with Walk off the Earth)
