Sept 28, 2016 - For Daily Hive Vancouver. Review by Vanessa Tam:

Lindsey Stirling is the ultimate underdog.

Coming from a modest upbringing in Gilbert, Arizona, Stirling has always been fascinated with playing the violin and dancing from a young age.

Eventually combining the two passions, Stirling merged her classical violin with modern hip hop and dance when applying to be on the TV show, America’s Got Talent. Making it to the quarterfinals, she eventually was eliminated after judge Piers Morgan told her that, “You’re not untalented, but you’re not good enough, I don’t think, to get away with flying through the air and trying to play the violin at the same time.”

Years of hard work later, Stirling has grown to amass three chart topping albums, a New York Times best selling autobiography, three world tours, and over 8 million subscribers on her popular Youtube channel. Her sound, also evolving over time, now incorporates both electronic and rock inspired instrumentals to back her contemporary violin arrangements.

Floating to the centre of the stage in a cloud of smoke, Stirling opened her performances with “The Phoenix” from her latest album, Brave Enough. Backed by her bandmates Drew Steen on percussion and Kit Nolan on the keys, she accompanied her flawless violin playing with amazingly complex dance choreography, spins, and high kicks, as well as her signature back bends.

Adding personality to her show, Stirling incorporated little skits, videos, and an on stage cameo by her dog Luna Latte to the audience’s delight. She even took a moment with her bandmates Steen and Nolan to play a medley of pop-culture tunes on children’s instruments including renditions of “Eye of the Tiger” and the Zelda theme song.

Focusing primarily on songs from her album Brave Enough, other memorable moments from the show included the performance of “Prizm,” “Shatter Me,” and her songs “Something Wild” and “Gavi’s Song” dedicated to her late friend and bandmate who passed away last year after losing his battle with cancer.

Equal parts sweet and humble, Stirling occupies a truly unique space in music and has a lot to give to her fans who continue to welcome her into their lives with open arms.