On Wednesday night in Morrison, Colorado, Sia opened the US Festival SeriesFest with a special performance at the historic Red Rock Amphitheatre, headlining the opening night of the festival in its second year.
SeriesFest aims to be the “Sundance of Television”, offering a platform for independent television writers, producers and creators to have a platform to enter their undiscovered television shows into competition. The decision to place Sia in the headline slot could not have been more appropriate for a festival that has proven to be so no innovative and unlike any other.
No one puts on a concert like Sia. Before the show began, the stage was completely bare, with the exception of a small block in the middle of the stage that served as the dance floor for her incredible dancers. There were no instruments on stage, no DJ, no band members. As the concert began, the lights came down and rose on Sia in her trademark wig covering her face, standing on a box with her dancers swarming around her.
As the show went on, Sia never once addressed the audience and after each song, there would be clips of music videos and audio snippets of people whispering. What results from her show is Sia’s vision; it is more like an hour long performance art piece than a pop music concert. Whether it be her impeccable voice or her dancers’ unbelievable talent, each and every song packs a jarring emotional punch. The crowd was more inclined to watch in wonder, than sing along and dance. It is truly a one of a kind experience.
The concert was delayed about an hour and a half due to rain and high gusting winds. The crowd quickly grew restless but all was forgiven once Sia opened her set with “Alive.” It was a fantastic way to start the set, as “Alive” may be the most vocally challenging song Sia sings [currently]. As she soared on her high beautiful notes from the chorus, Sia announced her arrival and the audience knew they were seeing one of the greatest singers of a generation.
Sia hit on about everything in her 13 song set, satisfying fans by playing her hits “Chandelier,” “Cheap Thrills” and “Titanium”, while sprinkling in great moments by playing her hit single she wrote for Rihanna in “Diamonds” and performing “Breathe Me”, which is one of the most emotionally charged songs in her collection.
Over the last three years, Sia has grown into one of the biggest pop stars in the world. Perhaps best known for her face covering wig and stance on letting her voice and talent speak for her and not her looks; this is what makes Sia one of the greatest artists of this generation. She provides an alternative to what most music today offers. There is no materialism, ego or vanity in her music and her show. Her concert exists to provide an unforgettable experience, an experience relying solely on her music and art. She is truly an artist and a star and her show is one not to be missed.
SIA CONCERT SET LIST
Alive
Diamonds
Cheap Thrills
Big Girls Cry
Bird Set Free
Reaper
One Million Bullets
Elastic Heart
Unstoppable
Breathe Me
Move Your Body
Titanium
Chandelier
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Header: James Dimagiba | SeriesFest
