Photojournalist: Carrie Bergan
August is here, and everyone in Wisconsin knows that means, it’s state fair week. Which features not only a plethora of food options but a different artist playing the main stage every day. I’ve only glimpsed it once when working a Kidz Bop tour with the photo booth and in passing, but tonight was my first time sitting down for a show. The main headliner was Lindsey Stirling, who is out on the road for her Duality Untamed Tour with support from PVRIS (pronounced like the city, Paris). I love the state fairgrounds, and I was ecstatic to find out that I’d get to see a concert there this year. I got to the fair with plenty of time to wander, even though I had been there earlier that week with my husband. I love eating my way through, but I wanted more, so getting extra time for exploration was great. This year’s Sporkie winner was the Birria Flamin’ Bombs, and I needed to have them again. After chowing down on them, I watched the Racing Pigs, who are just as much of a joy to watch no matter how many times I’ve seen them. Then I did some more browsing of the little stands until it was about ten minutes before doors, and I hopped in the line that had formed to enter the arena. Now, I’ve seen Lindsey Stirling before, briefly, from a distance and for one song. That one memory is nothing in comparison to what I witnessed then.
I could tell no one was too familiar with PVRIS. I saw only four other people stand for their set along with me. Personally, it was a little mind-blowing for me because I’ve been a fan of this group since I saw them opening at my first concert and at the original Warped Tour, both in 2015. Their vocalist and frontwoman, Lynn Gunn, has been such an inspiration to me since, especially since it was my first experience at a live show, which sparked my love for the industry and my desire to become a concert photographer. I had picked up my first DSLR just a few months prior for a high school elective, and since then, I’ve been chasing this dream. I had a dinky little point-and-shoot at the show, falling in love with both photography and PVRIS by the second. I was having a full-circle moment, as I have now photographed almost every single band that was on the bill that night, and being able to witness this band again after quite a few years was gratifying. Throughout their set, Gunn thanked Lindsey Stirling and her team for having them out, along with teasing us about how our minds would soon be blown away.
Then, you know, set changeover and line check happened to prepare for the coming of what everyone was waiting for: Lindsey Stirling. By now, the sun had set and the cloudiness grew darker, pairing with the stage lights turning off, which meant it was about to begin. Her band took the stage one by one as the graphics on the screen started slowly building the tension. Then, there she was, playing and dancing. But it was more than that. The energy, the production, her dancers, everything was top-notch, and it was more than just any concert. It was breathtaking, and no song was the same because of the theatrics that came with each one. I was in complete awe every moment.
About halfway through her set, she took some moments to talk about the next couple of songs and the stories behind their meaning. Additionally, she mentioned that the purpose of this tour was to tell stories in hopes that everyone in the room could relate and understand that sometimes life throws curveballs, but with those, we better ourselves just a little bit. I unfortunately am very bad at remembering or recalling song titles, so these couple I do not remember. One was dedicated to the loss of her parents and how her father always did pauses, which would drive her crazy because of the dramatic effect that came from it. But sometimes, you need a pause to reflect. Another was about her struggles with mental health and not feeling like she was good enough, which led to her feeling like she needed to rehearse every second when not performing, which only made matters worse. It was when breathing exercises were suggested, and now before she comes out, she pauses. Both songs were beautiful, and yes, I did cry a little. It was inspiring.
Throughout her set, there was also aerobatics, and she or another dancer would fly around the stage, whether it was on a hoop or ribbons. Spoiler: she even plays a Christmas song! “Carol of the Bells” is such a beautiful song, haunting almost in a way that suggests it is not a holiday classic, and boy did some of the crowd boo because it’s only August. Funny enough, this was picked from spinning a wheel. I am personally one of those people who thinks Christmas music isn’t allowed until after Thanksgiving, but I did enjoy getting to hear it live by her.
The encore was the best part; it usually is. She brought out Gunn from PVRIS to sing while she played, and the two together were an especially magical moment to witness. Then, after the song ended, the screen showed rolling credits, and she had everyone come out for a final bow, from the dancers to her production crew. It was a fantastic show, and Lindsey Stirling is an amazing performer. I know I always say shows I’m at are not something to miss, but she is absolutely someone you need to catch live. Her skills are amazing, and everything blew me away. 100/10 would recommend you watch her live. The tour is ongoing until August 22nd. Do not sleep on it!
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LINDSEY STIRLING
photos by Carrie Bergan
PVRIS
photos by Carrie Bergan
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