Fans of all ages experienced an unforgettable evening of music, dance, and acrobatics with Lindsey Stirling at the Bank NH Pavilion.
As summer begins to wind down, the BankNH Pavilion remains vibrant and lively, hosting a diverse array of artists that keep fans on their toes. This past week alone featured performances from Slipknot, Dierks Bentley, and Lindsey Stirling, each attracting a distinct crowd. Among them, Lindsey Stirling’s show, named Duality after her brand new album released earlier this year, stood out for its unique blend of music and dance, drawing fans of all ages together for a truly captivating experience..
The first band to take the stage was Walk Off The Earth, hailing from Canada. Known for their inventive performances and dynamic sound, Walk Off The Earth wasted no time engaging the crowd with their energetic set. Their distinctive style, characterized by a blend of pop, rock, and folk influences, immediately set a lively tone for the evening. With their signature multi-instrumental approach and captivating stage presence, Walk Off The Earth delivered a memorable performance that energized the audience and set the bar for what was to come.
Beyond the band’s high energy, there were countless memorable moments. A standout was their performance of Noah Kahan’s “Stick Season” midway through the set. For anyone from Vermont or New Hampshire, Kahan is considered a local treasure. Hailing from Vermont, Kahan is no stranger to the Bank NH Pavilion, having performed there during his Stick Season Tour in 2023. That performance was particularly significant as he was joined on stage by students from Tuck’s Rock Dojo—the very dojo where Kahan learned music growing up. This dojo is named after the same Tuck referenced in Kahan’s song, who encouraged him to pursue his musical journey. When Walk Off The Earth began playing “Stick Season,” the excitement in the crowd surged as everyone sang along, making the moment truly unforgettable.
Another highlight of the evening occurred when Lindsey Stirling joined Walk Off The Earth on stage to perform “Long Way Home.” This song, a 2023 collaboration between the two, showcased their combined talents beautifully. The synergy between Lindsey and Walk Off The Earth was electric, with their collective energy radiating throughout the venue. Lindsey’s violin melodies seamlessly wove into the band’s vibrant sound, creating a performance that was both powerful and deeply emotional. Known for their high-energy performances, it was no surprise that the crowd fully embraced and celebrated this dynamic collaboration. The atmosphere was electric, and the audience’s enthusiastic response added to the magic of the moment.
Another heartwarming highlight was when Sarah Blackwood and Gianni Luminati’s kids, known as The Luminati Suns, joined their parents on stage to perform a few songs throughout the night. This talented trio has been touring with Walk Off The Earth, and it’s clear they have inherited their parents’ musical gifts. Their energy was infectious, lighting up the stage with a youthful vibrancy that captivated the audience. Watching them perform, it’s easy to imagine these young stars becoming powerhouses in their own right as they grow older. The crowd was charmed by their enthusiasm and talent, making their appearance a memorable highlight of the evening.
Lindsey Stirling was next to take to the stage, delivering a performance that was nothing short of mesmerizing. Her mastery of the violin is impressive on its own, but when combined with her proficiency in dance and acrobatics, the result is truly extraordinary. Each of these skills would be incredible to witness individually, but together, they created a performance that was out of this world. Lindsey is a spectacular performer, and watching her seamlessly merge these talents is an unforgettable experience.The show began with Lindsey Stirling stepping onto the stage, a large curtain draped across the backdrop. The curtain was bathed in soft hues of purples, blues, and pinks, creating a dreamy, ethereal ambiance. As the opening notes of “Eye of The Untold” began to play, shadows moved rhythmically with Lindsey as she gracefully made her way around the stage. The scene was set for a captivating performance, with every element perfectly choreographed to draw the audience into her world.
As the curtain slowly lifted, it revealed a stunning, multilevel stage design. Built-in boxes framed the backdrop, each one housing her backing band and dancers, creating a dynamic and visually striking set. Lindsey didn’t just perform on the stage—she owned it. She moved effortlessly from one end to the other, jumping, spinning, and kicking with precision, all while playing the violin flawlessly. Every note was perfectly timed, and every movement was executed with energy and grace. The entire stage became her playground, and the audience was completely entranced by her skill and showmanship.
At one point, Lindsey even joked with the crowd, saying she thought she might have put them to sleep because it was so quiet you could hear a pin drop as the audience was utterly absorbed in the performance. Her ability to blend humor with such a captivating show only added to the connection she established with the crowd, making the experience even more unforgettable.
The night showcased a diverse selection of songs, including fan favorites like “Elements” and “Crystallize,” which trace back to her debut album, Elements, released in 2013. Lindsey Stirling first gained national attention in 2010 on America’s Got Talent where she made it to the finals before being eliminated. Since then, her career has soared, marked by successful collaborations with some of the biggest names in music. One standout partnership was with Lzzy Hale from Halestorm on the song “Shatter Me.” This collaboration, released in 2014, blends Hale’s powerful vocals with Stirling’s virtuoso violin playing, creating a cinematic masterpiece. Stirling and Hale have since developed a close friendship. In fact, Stirling recently shared on her Instagram story that Hale had left her a note after Halestorm’s performance at Bank NH Pavilion earlier in the summer.
The evening took a heartfelt turn when Lindsey Stirling shared a personal moment of reflection. She spoke about the times when anxiety would overshadow her performances, leaving her feeling inadequate despite the cheers from the crowd. It was a moment of vulnerability that resonated with many in the audience. Stirling then recounted how a friend’s gift of breathing techniques helped her overcome those feelings. She guided the audience through a few simple breathing exercises, encouraging them to close their eyes, breathe deeply, and immerse themselves in the music. With a promise to forego any high-energy kicks or elaborate dance moves, she aimed to create a space where everyone could truly connect with and feel the music.
The night concluded on a high-energy note as Walk off the Earth returned to the stage to join Lindsey Stirling to perform “Survive.” The synergy between the band and Stirling was electrifying, leaving the audience on their feet and cheering wildly. This explosive finale was a fitting end to an unforgettable evening, showcasing the incredible talent and energy of all the artists involved.
