Lindsey Stirling's Snow Waltz Tour Dazzles Buffalo
The holidays are filled with traditions, things we like to do year after year with friends and family. This could range from baking cookies to putting up the tree and decorations at home. Other forms of entertainment are just as much an institution around the holidays. The Rockettes at Radio City Music Call, watching A Christmas Story on repeat and the annual holiday tour of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Over the last several years, Lindsey Stirling's annual holiday tour has become the newest tradition. My family always plays her holiday music while we decorate the three and look forward to her show. This year's show did not disappoint. Just as every year before, the show is a little different every year. The costumes change, the stage is set differently, the setlist varies a bit. The one thing that is consistent year over year is the heartwarming feeling I have while leaving the show every single time.
Lindsey Stirling performing "Warmer in the Winter"
For anyone familiar with this page, you already know that most of what's covered is hard rock and metal. The common thread here is the incredible rhythm that Lindsey plays on that electric violin. Her performance is absolutely captivating. Mixed with covers of classic holiday tunes along with several of her own originals, the night is filled with moments not soon to be forgotten.
Take "O Holy Night" for example. Here's a holiday classic that simply never really resonated with me before. Lindsey's take on this song is worth the price of admission alone! Check out the official music video below for reference, though it still doesn't come close to seeing this live!
Don't let that incredible rendition cause you to overlook the original material, however. Before putting out her last few holiday albums ('Warmer in the Winter' in 2017 and 'Snow Waltz' in 2022), Lindsey has had a fantastic career of creating compelling original material. On a personal note, I hope she makes it back to Western New York for a summer tour in the near future! All that said, her original material is every bit as fantastic as her modern takes on holiday classics. Take her single "Ice Storm" off of 'Snow Waltz,' this song as off the wall and an absolute showstopper live!
It's no surprise that the Buffalo market supports Lindsey so well. Every show is sold out, year after year. For all the reasons I mentioned above, this isn't a show that you can simply say "I've seen it." Believe me, I'd have no interest in covering the same show year after year if it was in fact, the same show. On the other hand, I could watch a few of these songs performed live day after day and it would never get old.
Another element of a live performance that's difficult to get just right is the commentary between songs. This is something that Lindsey gets exactly right. There are a few moments throughout the evening where she pauses the show to address the audience with an inspirational story, always drawing on her own experiences. She humanizes herself but exposing some vulnerability, ranging from reading criticism about herself online to missing her father and best friend, both of whom have passed within the last several years. She takes these moments to reflect on her life and always turns it around in a way that leaves the audience inspired and optimistic.
This year, her stop in Buffalo was one of the very last dates of the tour, so, sadly, you'll have to wait until next year to see her show. In the meantime, if this is the first you're hearing about Lindsey, look her up on Spotify, YouTube, Apple Music or whatever your preferred platform is. Play a few tunes around the house and I promise, you'll be a regular listener in no time.
Photo Gallery: All Photography by Charlie Meister
Setlist:
Sleigh Ride
Christmas C'mon
Warmer in the Winter
Joy to the World
Jingle Bells / Deck the Halls / Frosty the Snow Man / It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas / Harry Potter Theme / Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer / Jingle Bell Rock
Feliz Navidad
O Holy Night
Angels We Have Heard on High
Crystallize
Snow Waltz
Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
Santa Baby
Carol of the Bells
Ice Storm
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch
Magic
Wander
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