When Lindsey Stirling’s show was announced for the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN on Thursday, December 7th, I knew right away to make plans to be there. Apparently, so did a lot of other people. The Orpheum was packed and everyone was buzzing about the show they were about to see. I arrived about 45 minutes before showtime and already the lobby was full of people arriving as well. I made my way into the main hall and watched as each seat was occupied by adults and children and they all looked really excited!
The opener for this show was Alexander Jean. This newly married duo surprised me with a set full of powerful original music and their unique take on classic Christmas songs as well as other covers. “We Three Kings”, “Sherry” by The 4 Seasons, and even “Kiss” by Prince were among the songs that got a cool new twist with Alexander Jean’s style. They also played songs from their new EP, “High Enough” and ended the set with the emotional “Roses and Violets” in which the crowd got out their cell phones to light up the venue and spotlighted the couple as they held hands during a pause in the song. Alexander Jean certainly knows how to entertain the crowd and they put on an amazing performance.
Lindsey Stirling took to the stage at about 9 and was greeted by cheers and excited screams. It was really interesting to see her dancing around on stage with other dancers and still be able to play the violin spot on. After a few songs, Lindsey headed over to the left side of the stage to greet and talk to the crowd next to a small section set up to look like a street during Christmas complete with a streetlamp. She mentioned that she was happy her Mom came to watch the show that evening and said it was nice to do a winter show where it was actually winter outside. She played the violin and danced about for the first few songs, then a “Chris” came out dressed as a Christmas tree to hold her violin as she sang “Warmer in the Winter”. It was funny to hear her talk about how everyone on the tour was like family and she was surprised by the funny things she could get the crew to do! Lindsey brought the action to the edge of the stage as her and some other band members sat down on the stage and played short parts of famous Christmas songs on tiny instruments. They had the crowd singing along at times during this. Lindsey then talked to everyone for a while and told a lovely story before playing “Hallelujah”, which was absolutely beautiful. This show definitely got me in the Christmas mood and I’m sure it did the same for others! Lindsey Stirling is one performer that I will be sure to see again when she returns to the area!
As always, get out and support live music and I’ll see you out there!
SET LIST
- All I Want for Christmas
- Jingle Bell Rock
- Let It Snow
- Warmer in the Winter
- I Saw Three Ships
- Mini Instrument Set
- Hallelujah
- What Child Is This
- Elements
- Angels We Have Heard on High
- Crystalize
- Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairies
- Carol of the Bells
- The Grinch
- Christmas Come On
ENCORE
- Silent Night
