The Church of Wonder

Last night's Stevie Wonder concert "A Wonder Summer's Night" at the Concord Pavillion felt like a church service - and I don't attend church with any regularity. As he proclaimed during last night's service er show, he is a Christian, so I apologize if I offend by making this comparison. But the emotions ran high among everyone in attendance. I can't ever remember a concert where everyone in the entire audience was so into the performance!

I laughed, teared up and got chills during various parts of the evening. I didn't write down a playlist in order, and the man has so many hits, that I don't think anyone could have been disappointed. Still at 2 hours and 45 minutes (starting 30 minutes late at 8pm), it was well worth staying up late on a school night and dragging today. This is not a concert anyone who participated in (because it was truly interactive) will ever forget.

Stevie sounds the same if not better - his voice has not degraded in quality at all. Truly amazing. Having his daughter Aisha with him made the night even more special, notably when he sang "Isn't She Lovely" as she sat by his side, and choked up from emotion, couldn't get through one of the lines.

The only thing that really ticked me off was that many many people in the audience insisted on taking photos and videos when it clearly stated that he didn't want any cameras there. It particularly bothered me since he is not sighted. Oh, well.

I am blessed in this life to have known and loved the music of Stevie Wonder.

Songs He Played (no order)

Love's In Need of Love Today
Too High
Golden Lady
Visions
Don't You Worry 'Bout A Thing
I Wish
You and I
You are the Sunshine of My Life
My Cherie Amour
Signed Sealed Delivered
Isn't She Lovely
Superstition
Higher Ground
Another Star
Sir Duke
Do I Do
Boogie on Reggae Woman
Master Blaster (Jammin')
Living For the City
Ribbon in the Sky
Overjoyed
Part-Time Lover
I Just Called to Say I Love You
All I Do
What the Fuss (Off A Time 2 Love)

He also played bits of I Heard It Through the Grapevine, Billie Jean, and We Want the Funk as well as treating us to a drum solo toward the end of the night.

Thank you Stevie, we love you too!!
Julie