Lifestyle

Sia’s Stunning Austin Performance and Shocking Celebrity Cameos

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Tony Maples Photography

 

Sia has always been a musician to take risks. A singer/performer that steps out of the box regularly, perhaps more content outside of the box than in. Her music has been refreshing and evolving and always raw and compelling. It is no wonder then, that her November 6th performance at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, TX was no exception.

Sia’s style has always been off the beaten path. Quirky and fun at moments, somber and heart-wrenching at others. Some might suggest that her newer music has been more mainstream, more radio –friendly. Many would suggest her music suggests a personal evolution, from victim to empowered survivor. Juxtaposing the lyrics of a song like, “Breathe Me” with a more recent one like “The Greatest” demonstrates a shift in the use of voice and a newly defines a personal sense of power and strength. A notable shift toward dance music coupled with empowering lyrics seems to have ushered in a wider and more diverse audience. Long-term fans might feel nostalgic for her older style not captured in her newest album “Nostalgic for the Present”. Regardless of one’s take on Sia’s shifting style, it would be tough to not find value in her Austin performance. A performance that first earned acclaim at Coachella, Sia ended her tour in Austin, and it did not disappoint.

A “concert” falls short of an accurate descriptor for Sia’s performance-it was so much more. It was a visual performance that drew the audience in on so many levels. Sia stood in a corner and belted out each song in her classic raspy voice, hitting notes some singers can only dream of. Unusual perhaps, was that the star of the show was hidden behind bangs that hid her face, stood almost motionless throughout most of the show, and was cloaked in shadows for much of the performance. Front and center instead, were her dancers as well as several surprise guests. A delight many were not expecting.

Each song featured a uniquely choreographed dance, part ballet, part performance art, part emotional dissection and psychoanalysis, each perfectly merged with the lyrics of each song. Many routines were led by Maddie Ziegler, the young dancer that shot to fame as the actress in several Sia videos, only 14 years old.

siaPhoto:Facebook/Sia

On the big screens, the audience was able to see several A-listers and comedians including, Kristen Wiig, Gaby Hoffman, Paul Dano, and Tig Notaro. Each person donned the iconic Sia wig, half white, half black with long bangs ending just above the eyes. Each offered their own interpretation of the emotional struggle or conviction present in the accompanying song and lyrics. While the screen shots were pre-recorded, the on-stage dancers were so flawlessly in-step with the screen, one could hardly tell they were not one in the same. At moments the crowd was left to interpret odd and perhaps vague presentations. Think, dancers donning furry animal heads battling with a giant mallet. In the end, though, the mystery and the subtle innuendo were part of what made the show. That the words and performance could reach out and speak to each audience member in various ways is magic. That while one show was performed, there are thousands of unique memories of each moment. Each unique and special to the viewer. For a singer with such a big and beautiful voice to step out of the spot light and allow something else to fill the stage is a gift we so rarely see in music. To essentially share one’s gift without need or want of acclaim and recognition is a rarity.

If the cake weren’t good enough already, Sia iced it with an urging to the audience to support Best Friends Animal Rescue, reminding the audience of the impact of adopting, fostering, spaying/neutering and donating to animal rescue groups to reduce the number of animals that are killed in shelters. An agenda that Austin supports and appreciates. Austin was proud to be the last stop on Sia’s tour and would be delighted to host her again.