“Performing from the Shadows” with Lindsey Stirling & Evanescence
By Jordan Raiff on August 25, 2018One of the biggest pieces for any tour are the moving pieces. The sets, the instruments, the backup musicians, and if applicable, dancers. Lindsey Sterling and Evanescence solved many of these problems with one simple answer. Use locals. Featuring people from across the Tampa Bay area, they took over MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheatre on August 17th, 2018. With ample heat lightning with no rain enhancing the show, the stage was set for an amazing night for the packed amphitheater.
With a dramatically lit darker stage, Amy Lee and the rest of Evanescence took the stage accompanied by a full orchestra. While fitting for their opening song “Overture”, their presence through the whole set was nothing less than a perfect compliment. Showcasing her piano playing skills and operatic vocal range, the set went through a wide variety of their catalog with a few treats sprinkled in.
Her opening vocals in “Never Go Back” were melodic and powerful. This trend continued on with “My Heart Is Broken,” “Lithium,” “Bring Me to Life.”
Evanescence continued with a cover of The Beatles “Across the Universe,” a rendition of “Hi-Lo” with Lindsey Stirling, and “My Immortal” along with eight other songs which completed their 16 song set which lasted about 45 minutes.
Headliner Lindsey Stirling shared many of the same local musicians with the addition of four dancers for her 13 song, 80-minute set. With limited vocals, the dance routines and Lindsey’s violin were the main focus, and they were nothing short of amazing.
Opening with “The Arena” Lindsey immediately set the crowd on fire with her routine. Dancing across the stage with a mixture of modern dance, river dancing complete with leg movements that would make Michael Flatley (Lord of The Dance) nothing short of envious, and ballet extensions that look like something straight out of ‘The Nutcracker,’ Stirling’s ability to command the stage without vocals is second to none.
In between a few of the songs, Lindsey Sterling talked to the audience about her hardships with being told she wasn’t good enough, her depression and anxiety. She told the crowd to follow their hearts and dreams, saying it may not happen today or tomorrow but one day you will get there. When saying this she also showed the crowd how she looked up to Amy Lee and played a video of her recreating “Bring Me To Life.” She said to keep trying every day to push yourself and not give in to your inner demons.
Her duet of “Shatter Me” (with Amy Lee providing vocal) showed how well they work together and why this tour duo is such a perfect fit. Performing many of her hits such as “Shadows,”“Take Flight,” “Crystallize,” “Hold My Heart” and ending with a medley from “Phantom of The Opera,” Stirling’s setlist provided a great sampling from most of her four albums that have been released. While many artists in 2018 stick to a signature style for how they perform, she tailors each song and its accompanying dance separately. The ebb and flow of each song is magnificent.
If you’re a fan of either artist, opera music, violin, or even just terrific dance routines, this is a tour you don’t want to miss. With ticket and merchandise prices set at reasonable levels, lyrics that are more than family friendly, and a rather muted light show, this is a concert that truly everyone in the family can enjoy. I highly recommend you catch this show if you can before it ends on September 8th.
Tags: Amy Lee, Evanescence, Lindsey Stirling, Michael Flatley, Mid Florida Credit Union Amphitheater, ‘The Nutcracker’
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