Relive Stevie Wonder's Outstanding Performance Last Night At The ODU Constant Center!

A true American legend came to town last night and put on a phenominal performance at the fantastic ODU Constant Center; Stevie Wonder. His flawless performance truly showed why he is such a fixture in the history of music. My images from the concert and my step-by-step blog account of the show is listed below while Virginian Pilot music & arts journalist, Malcolm Venable's online review of the show can be found here.

7:49pm: It was a mad rush to complete the job but it actually happened! I just photographed the Legendary Stevie Wonder! My fellow photogs and I had only one hot minute to photograph this icon.

8:08pm: I just got escorted to my seat which is DIRECTLY in front of the soundboard and DIRECTLY in front of Stevie Wonder. He is playing "Higher Ground" perfectly! I see sillouettes of people several rows ahead of me dancin', movin' and groovin' to Stevie's beat.

8:11pm: Stevie is playing the classic, "Fever", straight up jazzy and bluesy. The entire audience is snapping their fingers. "Yeah...you give me fever. Fever in the morning and fever all through the night"

8:21pm: It's easy to see why Stevie Wonder is such a Legend. His voice absolutely soars through this venue, so full and rich. In listening to him now I can hear how much he has influenced generations of singers throughout the world...no question.

8:25pm: The audience is singing responsively to Stevie's singing.

8:26pm: He is singing a song to his friend, The King of Pop, Michael Jackson. "Look into the mirror, take me by surprise, I cant help but see U running often thru my mind..." I can just imagine Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson in a jam room somewhere making music together. True American music history.

8:35pm: The man just has COMPLETE control over his voice! An absolutely perfect match to his superb piano-playing.

8:41pm: A note about Stevie Wonder's bass guitarist; he is rockin' out! Completely funky and carrying the groove right next to Stevie. It looks like he assists Stevie in leading the band. I can see him giving cues to the other musicians.

8:43pm: Stevie finally broke out his harmonica and EVERYONE jumped to their feet! Stevie is blowin' that thing making that signature Stevie Wonder harmonica sound. This is the REAL DEAL!!!

8:55pm: Stevie Wonder and his band are JAMMING OUT to an instrumental jazz tune and it's blowing my mind! They are "passing around the groove" amongst the band switiching around different instrument solos. Right now the drummer is going off!!! Siiiiiiiick!!!!!!!

9:04pm: Stevie Wonder is singing "Overjoyed". I love this song. So beautiful.

9:13pm: Stevie Wonder just told a funny story about what is was like raising his daughter Aisha. Then he invited her on stage. Now she is singing while Stevie and his band are playing a beautiful slow jazz number. Aisha is stunningly beautiful in a black dress. Her voice is smooth and silky as she croons to her father's adoring audience.

9:27pm: Stevie Wonder is singing "For Once in My Life" right now and I'm PRAYING that Tony Bennett will make a surprise appearance and sing with him. This is the song for which they both earned a Grammy. (For that matter, maybe Sir Paul will come out for "Ebony & Ivory"....Awwwwww!)

9:31pm: "Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours" is now being performed! The crowd is so jubuliant, rocking and rolling to Stevie Wonder's awesome hit song!

9:34pm: "We must become the united people of the United States" -Stevie Wonder

9:46pm: "I Just Called to Say I Love You". Stevie is bringing me back to my childhood in the 80's! He sounds amazing and perfect!

9:51pm: This it!!! The song that everyone has been waiting on!! "Superstitious" !!! Stevie Wonder is so much a part of our American heritage and everyone on and off stage knows it!

10:03pm: The entire audience is on their feet dancing and smiling. :)

10:06pm: Stevie Wonder is introducing his entire band. 2 percussionists, 1 drummer, 2 keyboardists, 2 guitarists, 1 bass guitarists, 2 saxmen and 4 backup singers (including his daighter, Aisha).

10:08pm: "Happy Birthday"!

10:11pm: Stevie thanks the crowd and takes a bow. The great man is escorted offstage by his daughter and his backup singers. The lights come on while the band plays and Stevie Wonder's Norfolk audience leaves the building happy and content...it was, after all, a phenominal performance!

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