Lindsey Stirling is an acclaimed American violinist, dancer, and performer who blends genres like electronic, pop, rock, alternative, and classical into her unique musical style. She rose to fame in 2010 after becoming a quarter-finalist on America’s Got Talent and has since released multiple chart-topping albums and embarked on sold-out world tours. With her energetic live shows featuring choreographed violin performances, many music fans are wondering – is anyone opening for Lindsey Stirling on her current tour?
Who is Lindsey Stirling?
For those unfamiliar, Lindsey Stirling is a 32-year-old violinist from Arizona. She began taking violin lessons at age 5 and was classically trained, eventually earning a scholarship to Brigham Young University. However, she took an unconventional path by combining her violin skills with dance and modern music genres. This unique approach gained attention and fans through her YouTube videos starting in 2007. Her self-titled debut album was released in 2012 after competing on America’s Got Talent the previous year. It reached #1 on the Billboard Dance/Electronic Albums chart and #23 on the Billboard 200. Stirling has since released three more hit studio albums – Shatter Me (2014), Brave Enough (2016), and Artemis (2019) – along with two live albums, a holiday album, and other releases. She’s also published two New York Times best-selling books. To date, her YouTube channel has over 12 million subscribers and 2.5 billion total views. Clearly, Lindsey Stirling has established herself as a popular force in violin and pop music over the past decade.
Lindsey Stirling’s Current Tour
In support of her latest album Artemis, Lindsey Stirling embarked on her Artemis World Tour in 2019. The extensive trek included over 100 shows across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia. It was originally slated to wrap up in 2020 before additional dates were added into 2021 and 2022. Now, the Artemis World Tour is scheduled to continue through August 2022, including a performance at the famous Hollywood Bowl on June 25. Other stops on the current leg of the tour include Milan, Berlin, Toronto, Denver, Dallas, and Tampa. Stirling’s shows feature her dynamic live violin performances complemented by elaborate costumes, dancers, and stage production elements to entertain fans of all ages. Of course, a big part of the experience is hearing Lindsey shred on her electric violin to favorites like “Crystallize,” “Shadows,” and “Shatter Me” alongside cuts from Artemis like “The Upside” featuring Elle King. Fans are certainly in for an energetic night of pop violin music with Lindsey Stirling’s acclaimed live show and touring production.
Openers and Guests on the Artemis World Tour
With Lindsey Stirling being the prime attraction at these shows, who else is joining her on stage? Many touring artists invite opening acts or special guests to join them on tour and add value for fans. On past tours, Stirling’s openers have included accomplished violinists like Josh Vietti along with musical acts Nico Collins, Carah Faye Charnow, and others. However, it looks like the current leg of the Artemis World Tour mainly features Lindsey Stirling as the sole billed performer for the full evening. There do not appear to be any supporting opening bands or artists included on the tour. Stirling’s show is an elaborately-produced spectacle on its own, running around 90 minutes of her signature choreographed violin performances blended with music, dance, costumes, and theatrical elements.
According to searches, there are no openers listed for any of Lindsey Stirling’s upcoming shows on the current leg of her worldwide tour. She seems to be managing the evening’s entertainment exclusively without any other acts slated to perform before her. Of course, there’s always a chance she could have a surprise guest join her on stage for a song or two, as many artists tend to do. But her mesmerizing violin skills are clearly enough to command the audience’s full attention at each tour stop from start to finish.
In the past, Lindsey Stirling has collaborated live on tour with other renowned violinists including Josh Vietti and Tchaikovsky. She’s also welcomed dance collaborators like Ballerinas by Night and the Anima Tempo Dance Crew to enhance the visual spectacle of her live performance. However, there are no scheduled opening acts or featured guests promoted alongside Stirling’s name on the current Artemis World Tour. Stirling also tends to perform with talented backup dancers rather than other musical artists. It seems that her 2022 shows will be solo Lindsey Stirling evenings centered around her unique violin mastery and stage energy.
Why Perform Solo?
There are likely several reasons why Lindsey Stirling chooses to tour and headline concerts mostly by herself without any openers or special guests these days:
- As an established artist, Stirling can command a full-length headlining set on her own. She has enough hit material and production value now to fill an entire evening.
- Her show is meticulously choreographed, so it may be easier without another performer to coordinate.
- Fans are drawn to Lindsey herself as the main attraction, so no need for other acts.
- She collaborates creatively through dance instead of needing musical guests.
- As a solo touring act, more time for her and less logistics with other artists.
- Having the sole spotlight allows her freedom and flexibility to customize each show.
From a production standpoint, it makes sense for Stirling to solely headline her shows now versus earlier in her career. Her stage performances are precisely choreographed with dancing and costumes, so limiting the performers allows tighter control. Plus, with so many hit albums and millions of fans, Stirling can now command a full headlining set without any supporting acts needed. Audiences are buying tickets expressly to see her electrifying violin skills and stage energy. However, there’s always potential she collabs with guests for special shows in the future.
Ideal Violin Openers for Lindsey Stirling
Even though her current tour doesn’t include any openers, if Lindsey Stirling did want to have guest violinists join select shows, there are several talented artists who would make great openers for her stylings:
- Josh Vietti – A hip hop violinist who previously toured with Stirling. He fuses classical with modern beats.
- Miri Ben-Ari – The “Hip-Hop Violinist” who’s worked with Kanye West, Jay Z, and Alicia Keys.
- Evanescence – Rock band features electric violinist. Duet potential for Lindsey.
- Vanessa Mae – Classically-trained violinist known for pop-infused albums and an energetic stage style.
- Kanye West – Rapper has performed live with violinists, potential for collab.
- Taylor Davis – Utah-based violinist mixes covers of songs, movie scores, and gaming themes.
- Damien Escobar – Makes inspirational hip hop violin music. Duet potential.
These are some artists who could vibe well with Lindsey Stirling’s style and energy if she ever decides to have opening acts on tour again. In particular, Miri Ben-Ari and Josh Vietti are well established “hip hop violinists” like Stirling who have toured with top music stars. Their contemporary classical/pop/hip hop blend would make a cohesive lineup for audiences. However, Stirling seems content to command the stage herself at this point rather than feature openers. But never say never if she decides to change things up for select special shows on future tours!
Setlists Without Openers
With Lindsey Stirling not having any opening acts on her current tour, she’s able to deliver full headlining setlists to satisfy fans. Her shows run around 90 minutes on average, filled exclusively with her own material – no covers or guests needed. According to recent Artemis World Tour shows, Stirling has been performing varied setlists such as:
| Song | Album |
|---|---|
| Artemis | Artemis |
| Prism | Artemis |
| Shatter Me | Shatter Me |
| Take Flight | Brave Enough |
| Crystallize | Lindsey Stirling |
Along with her newer material, she aims to mix in several fan favorites and hit singles from throughout her discography like “Crystallize,” “Roundtable Rival,” and “Shadows.” Without openers, Stirling has the flexibility in her sets to play a wide selection of songs spanning her albums, keeping the show diverse for the audience. The lack of supporting acts also allows her to maximize the time allotment for her full production show of choreographed violin performances.
Tour Production and Stage Setup
Without any openers, Lindsey Stirling is free to craft a dynamic concert production that revolves entirely around her violin showmanship and identity as an artist. According to reviews, her current tour features lavish costumes, thematic video interludes, creative staging, dancers, and variety of looks optimized for Lindsey herself. She is also able to utilize more elaborate lighting, pyro, smoke, and special effects to heighten the visual experience since the entire production is centered on her headlining set.
The stage setup allows Lindsey to move freely to all areas to solo violin spots. When she engages the dancers, there are choreographed formations but still enough room for her to command the center. Everything is tailored for Lindsey Stirling to interact and connect with every part of the arena, even up in balcony areas. Without other performers, the show’s production design can be more meticulously built around Lindsey as the star versus accommodating multiple artists. This makes for an immersive experience for fans coming to see Stirling shine.
Financial Considerations
From a financial standpoint, traveling without openers also makes the tour more efficient and affordable for Lindsey Stirling’s management. Costs of tour buses, accommodations, and travel expenses can add up quickly with more artists on the road. As the sole headliner, Stirling can run a leaner touring operation versus if she had 2-3 other acts in tow, especially with a large production involving dancers and crew. While openers could help boost ticket sales or draw bigger venues, Stirling has enough draw now where she can profitably tour solo. It keeps things simple while bringing her full production directly to fans.
Future Opportunities for Guests
Looking ahead, there could be some special shows where Lindsey Stirling invites guests to perform with her. While collaborating with other violinists would make sense musically, she could also look to branch out and collaborate with more unexpected genres. Some potential names who could be exciting on stage with Stirling:
- Chris Botti – Smooth jazz trumpet player for crossover appeal.
- Hozier – “Take Me To Church” folk singer, violinist Andrew could guest.
- Andrea Bocelli – Famed tenor could pair classical vocals with Lindsey’s violin.
- H.E.R. – R&B singer and guitarist to showcase her smooth style.
- Zac Brown Band – Southern rock group with violinist Elizabeth Occhiuzzi.
Performing with artists outside the violin world like Chris Botti or Hozier’s band could open up Stirling’s music to new audiences. She could also collaborate on stage with dance crews like Jabbawockeez to push her choreography skills further. Regardless, Lindsey Stirling will surely continue dreaming up exciting stage production ideas and potential special guests. Even as a solo headliner, her current show delivers an exhilarating experience for music fans.
Conclusion
In summary, Lindsey Stirling’s current Artemis World Tour does not feature any opening acts or special guests. Her 90 minute violin-driven show commands the full evening alone without supporting performers. Reasons for touring solo likely include flexibility for her choreographed production, less logistics, and ability to satisfy fans with a full headlining setlist. While collaborating with other top violinists could be great in the future, Stirling seems comfortable shining on her own at this point. Audiences are guaranteed a high-energy performance when Lindsey Stirling comes to town as the sole star on stage mesmerizing fans with her unique pop violin skills, dancing, and elaborate production elements.
