Stevie Wonder Review

Let me start this by putting it out there: Stevie Wonder is a genius. If you don't think so...don't bother reading further, because I'm just going to gush over how much of a genius he is.

I've been to lots of concerts during my life, and seen some really remarkable live acts of all types - Van Morrison, The Who, Eric Clapton, Bon Dylan, Gilberto Gil, Johnny Mathis, The Buena Vista Social Club, Mary J. Blige.....but attending Stevie Wonder's live show was like going to church. A church where every member of the congregation was singing and dancing and busting with joy. That's what Stevie Wonder inspires: joyful glee. He inspires young and old, people of all ethnicities. I looked around and saw parents and children, even grandparents. People of all ethnicities....the people in front of us were Russian, the people next to us were black, on our other side was an East Indian couple...I'm hispanic, my partner is from New Zealand. So much diversity and, yet, so much in common.

The man still has a remarkable voice that he loves to do great things with. He's got enormous energy and great spirit. He stops, often, to talk to the audience, tell funny stories, make jokes, and engage the audience to participate with him. He incorporates members of his family - his adult daughter and 8 year old son - in his show...and they show great talent. (His daughter is one of his backing singers, and a great dancer...his little boy is a really talented drummer.) His band is really amazing, and he gives them plenty of room to jam. He's also extremely gracious about acknowledging each band member, individually, and given them each ample solo time.

As he doesn't have a new album out, Stevie is free to just jam and have fun with the songs he loves to sing and the music he loves to play. This tour is all about joyful exuberance and the love of sharing music with other human beings. It's the way live music should *always* be.

If this tour makes it to your area, don't think twice about getting tickets. Just do it - you won't be sorry. I can't remember the last time I danced so hard or for so long. I can remember the last time I cheered like that or sang along with such joy. I can't remember the last time I saw a live act and still felt high three days later.