Three hours and 45 minutes. Those who attended the Stevie Wonder concert know exactly what I’m talking about.
Thank goodness I arrived early. The long line outside had me worried I’d miss the start.
Stevie performed the hits from his epic album “Songs in the Key of Life,” and he didn’t stop until after midnight. Yes, he was still able to hit those high notes, too. The show was phenomenal.
Stevie kept us on our feet as he belted out favorites such as “I Wish,” “Superstition” and one of my all-time favorite, “Sir Duke.” His backup singers were amazing, and harmonica player Frederic Yonnet, who accompanied Wonder throughout the evening, didn’t miss a beat.
Speaking of Yonnet…those who attended Friendship Missionary Baptist Church the next day enjoyed a special surprise when Yonnet, a guest of Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Mel Watt, stopped by and added a creative touch to the hymn “Amazing Grace.” Praise the Lord, ’cause the brother tore it up.
Now for my weekend picks.
FRIDAY
D’Yenna Dukes ~ Prepare for R&B/soul/hip-hop/neo soul with a shot of funk with Radio 77 band and special guest D’Yenna Dukes. Once the best-kept secret of the Midwest, Dukes quickly revealed herself as a top artist of Black Cincinnati. Dukes is the former female singer for the legendary funk band, Zapp. Cost: $10. Time: 9 p.m. Place: Petra’s Piano Bar (1919 Commonwealth Ave.) More info: https://www.facebook.com/JazzNSoulMusic/?sk=app_263240933736761
SATURDAY
Gerald Albright and Norman Brown ~ No instruments dominate smooth jazz more than the guitar and saxophone, which is why Gerald Albright and Norman Brown, two of the genre’s most dominant players, make such an inspired pairing. Both are at the top of their games. Join Jazz Diva Tammy Greene as she celebrates her 10th anniversary of live jazz in the Queen City. Knight Theater (430 South Tryon.) Cost: $45- $75. Time: 8 p.m. More info: http://www.carolinatix.org/events/detail/gerald-albring-norman-brown
SUNDAY
Michael Colyar ~ As host of “BET Live From LA,” Colyar had point-blank delivery and razor-sharp insight. He’ll bring that same energy to The Comedy Zone (900 NC Music Factory Blvd) for a special one-night performance Cost: $20. More info: https://www.cltcomedyzone.com/buy-tickets/?Page=https%3a%2f%2fpublic.ticketbiscuit.com%2fComedyZoneCharlotte%2fEvents%2f254932
For more Charlotte-area events, visit http://qcitymetro.com/eventswww.qcitymetro.com/events.
