Can you believe it’s been nearly a whole year and a half since USANA Amphitheater had its doors opened and seats full? After closing its doors due to the pandemic, and all that time of no concerts, and no roaring crowds of thousands of people together… we are finally back!
There was nobody better to start a comeback like electro-pop artist, Kiesza. It was an absolute honor for USANA’s first performing act to be Kiesza along with her all-female band which includes legendary Patty Schemel on the drums and Rayna Zemel on the guitar. They were the opening act for the legendary violinist, Lindsey Stirling! Seriously, what a welcome back show this was!
Kiesza and her band took the stage and completely owned it. The fiery and electric energy that Kiesza portrayed was honestly so refreshing to see. It was amazing to see her on stage singing her heart out and with so much passion. I looked over the crowd and saw people smiling and grooving in their seats. It seemed like everyone was feeling the vibration of the music and taking in the atmosphere; concerts were really back.
Kiesza did an amazing job firing up the crowd but this was just the beginning of the night. The amount of soul put into Kiesza’s performance is what I’ve missed seeing and that made me even more exciting for the night’s headliner: Lindsey Stirling.
It has become well known that Lindsey Stirling started showcasing her talent by making YouTube videos in the mid-2000s. She then later competed on America’s Got Talent, making it to the quarterfinals in 2010. What really sets Stirling apart and what has now transformed her into one of the world’s legendary violinists, is her ability to combine her classical training with electronic dance music. She’s a one-of-a-kind performer who graced the stage last Saturday night.
The second Stirling took the stage and played that first note, you could just feel the crowd’s excitement grow! I had never seen Lindsey Stirling in concert and didn’t know what to expect. Her live performance definitely took me by surprise. While she played these beautiful notes on her violin, she had the crowd in awe of her talent and beauty from her graceful dance moves while she’s playing these beautiful notes on her violin. The show’s production was wonderfully done as the colorful lights and visual effects added to the scene. USANA Amphitheater has always been one of my favorite outdoor venues. For being outdoors, USANA has always had great sound quality. Stirling sounded amazing. I was blown away.
I wasn’t the only one who felt that way. I asked one of her fans from the show what the experience was like for her and this is what she had to say, “When Lindsey spoke about finding the light in the darkness, that inspired me to continue being strong and someday my present struggles will be the past. Seeing Lindsey perform makes me want to go into the performing arts, it looks so fun and I love her energy!” (Amy, 16)
Long time fan, Max T. expressed his thoughts by saying, “Witnessing Lindsey Stirling’s performance tonight brought so many feelings of gratitude, magic, and nostalgia. Music and concerts are a pillar of my life and identity, and hearing Lindsey play her violin, hearing her speak, and watching her dance was very healing for my soul.” His first Stirling concert was in 2012 and he also expressed how amazing it’s been to watch her grow as an artist.
You can tell that Stirling and her team put a lot of love into the whole production. She had an amazing ensemble of dancers by her side throughout the show, which just added more grace to the overall performance. On the large screen upstage, Lindsey’s music videos would play. This allowed the audience and fans to dive into her world and the visions she has for these pieces. Lindsey Stirling is obviously a pro at what she does and she does it really well. She’s captured the hearts of many and has inspired others to pursue their music dreams.
All in all, what a great night it was. Not only because of Kiesza’s and Stirling’s beautiful performances, but also because it really is true that concerts are actually back. For me, to be back in the pit and surrounded by thousands of people sharing the love they have for music amongst each other, is a feeling I’ve truly missed. I feel so thankful that we can come together again.
Review and Photos by Evelyn Salazar
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