Powerful vocals, expressive dance, rousing instrumentals, moving testimonials, and stunning views of the city lights in Columbus Circle were in store for attendees of Josh Groban’s “Find Your Light” benefit concert for arts education. The annual fundraiser at Jazz at Lincoln Center raised $1.35 million to support arts programs across the country during its 20th anniversary event on October 29th.
Sara Bareilles, Jojo Levesque, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Renée Fleming, Josh Groban, Dr. Vivek Murthy, and Misty Copeland. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
After a social cocktail hour, patrons flooded the Appel Room in the iconic Jazz at Lincoln Center venue for a star-studded lineup of performances. Throughout the night, the audience witnessed a reflection of the wide array of programs that received the Find Your Light Foundation’s support through the variety of song and dance on the setlist. From Jojo’s energetic delivery of Chaka Khan’s “Through the Fire” to Matthew Whitaker’s jazz piano improvisation to contemporary dance choreographed by MOVE|NYC| to accompany Josh Groban’s live “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”, there was truly something for everyone during the benefit.
Matthew Whitacre. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
The concert not only raised money for music, dance, and theater programs, but it also recognized the work of two advocates in arts education. The awards segment was initiated with a beautifully harmonized rendition of Joni Mitchell’s “Both Sides Now” sung by Sara Barielles and Josh Groban. The song, originally recorded by the duo during the Covid-19 pandemic, was dedicated to the first award recipient of the night: U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy. For his advocacy of the arts as it relates to medicine and world health, Dr. Murthy received the “Arts for Healing Award”. To celebrate the accolade, Dr. Murthy joined the band and treated the Find Your Light audience to a demonstration of the mridangam, a drum instrument commonly found in Carnatic music.
The arts are not optional
Dr. Vivek Murthy
Dr. Vivek Murthy. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
For the second award introduction of the night, Angel Blue’s masterclass-level vocal delivery of Puccini’s “Vissi D’arte” soared through the room as she sang the aria without a microphone. The sonic landscape of the piece provided the perfect opportunity for Josh Groban to acknowledge the second honoree. Renée Fleming accepted the “Find Your Light Award” for her notable contributions to the expansion and advocacy in music across the wide range of genres in which she has sung and joined Groban for a performance of Leonard Cohen’s well-known “Hallelujah”.
Renée Fleming. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
At the end of our lives, the last thing that remains is music memory
Renée Fleming
Groban closed the event alongside a choir of representatives from Broadway Bound Kids and the Stuttering Association for the Young, two organizations that were highlighted earlier in the evening. The ensemble’s uplifting “Bridge Over Troubled Water” left patrons feeling proud of the work they had done to support the arts and hopeful about the advances that are now possible through the funds raised during the benefit. Thanks to the work of Josh Groban and countless others behind the scenes, students across America may, too, find their light.
Josh Groban auctions the prop razor from his recent Broadway bow as the title character in Sondheim’s “Sweeney Todd”. Photo by Roy Rochlin/Getty Images
Multi-platinum Hip Hop artist Aloe Blacc has announced his upcoming three-night residency at the iconic Blue Note Jazz Club in NYC. This residency takes place from January 24 to 26, 2025, ahead of the release of his upcoming new album.
This series of intimate performances comes ahead of the release of his first album of original new music in five years, set to drop in February 2025. Known for his hits such as the diamond-certified global anthem “Wake Me Up”, as well as classics like “I Need A Dollar” and “The Man,” Aloe Blacc continues to fuse his soulful sound with a deep commitment to social change.
This upcoming album pairs each track with a different charity or philanthropic initiative, showcasing Blacc’s ongoing efforts to use his music to make a tangible impact on the world.
With contributions from notable producers like Hunter Hayes, DJ Khalil, and Stargate, this album promises to be both musically innovative and socially significant. At the Blue Note residency, fans will experience an up-close performance, blending his classic hits from albums like Lift Your Spirit and Good Things with previews of his forthcoming album.
Aloe will also perform one of his latest singles, “Shine”, a moving track inspired by his work with the Aurora Humanitarian Initiative, which he debuted at the 2024 Aurora Prize for Awakening Humanity Ceremony in Los Angeles.
For more information on Aloe Blacc’s upcoming three-night residency at the Blue Note Jazz Club and to purchase tickets, click here.
“Keep Marching On”- the closing number’s titular command that beautifully presented the recurring theme of the evening at the “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert on October 28 at the NYU Skirball Center.
Presented by the New York Civil Liberties Union and the American Civil Liberties Union, the production featured an uplifting setlist sung by a who’s who of Broadway greats. The event also celebrated this year’s recipient of the Michael Friedman Freedom Award: Busy Philipps.
Sara Bareilles, Busy Philipps, and Katie Couric. Photo provided by NYCLU.
As the house lights went down to begin the concert, the NYCLU and ACLU sought to conjure the positive energy and love that was synonymous with Gavin Creel, the Broadway actor and civil rights advocate who passed away in September at the age of 48. Creel opened the show via a video of his 2011 “Sing Out For Freedom” performance of his original song “Noise”. The cautious optimism and hope expressed in his act would continue throughout the evening.
Sara Bareilles. Photo provided by NYCLU.
As the show went on, host Katie Couric introduced musical performances from Jasmine Amy Rogers, Jenna Bainbridge, Sara Bareilles, Ally Bonino, Nadia Dandashi, Eden Espinosa, J Harrison Ghee, The Good Liars, Hawley Gould, Christine Heesun Huang, Alex Newell, Liana Stamper, and Monica Nulia Ramirez. Following Bareilles’ stirring rendition of Kate Bush’s “This Woman’s Work”, she introduced her close friend and Girls 5eva costar Busy Philipps to receive the Michael Friedman Freedom Award.
Honoree Busy Philipps. Photo provided by NYCLU.
The Freedom Award, inaugurated in 2017 to recognize the work of people or organizations as humanitarians and activists, was presented to Busy Philipps on behalf of her advocacy and support for women’s rights. For all of her work in the civil rights realm, Busy Philipps joined an impressive roster of Freedom Award recipients including Shaina Taub, Harry Belafonte, and Alan Cumming.
Busy is the definition of ‘put your money where your mouth Is
Sara Bareilles
As the United States rapidly approaches Election Day, the speakers and musicians of the NYCLU and ACLU “No Matter What We Sing Out For Freedom” concert shared a message of simultaneous hope and urgency to make their voices heard.
J. Harrison Ghee. Photo provided by NYCLU.
Through music and speeches, audiences were motivated to take full advantage of their right to vote and make change. However, the organizations’ work will not end on November 5th. Katie Couric summarized the mission best when she exclaimed “whatever happens, we stand for freedom”. Regardless of what the next chapter holds, these organizations will in fact keep marching on.
Dayglo Presents has announced the SOULSHINE concert benefiting relief and recovery efforts from hurricanes Helene and Milton at Madison Square Garden later next month, featuring household names like Dave Matthews Band, Warren Haynes Band, and more.
In the wake of unimaginable tragedy and loss, the music community has come together. Music holds the intangible power to bring folks of all walks of life together, forging new communities and strengthening old. Once more, musicians and fans alike will come together in the name of good for the SOULSHINE benefit concert on November 24 at Madison Square Garden for an evening of captivating live performances that make a real difference.
With a collective four million individuals without power, a death toll of just under 250, and entire communities destroyed, the paths Helene and Milton cut across the southeast United States was nothing short of devastating. In times of unimaginable loss like these, there is nothing more powerful than a community coming together- which is exactly what the folks at Dayglo Presents with Live Nation seek to accomplish with their SOULSHINE Concert Fund.
For one night only, acts like the Dave Matthews Band, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats, the Warren Haynes Band, Goose, and more will come together under the roof of MSG to raise money for both hurricanes’ relief funds. Special guests for the evening include Trey Anastasio, Mavis Staples, Robert Randolph, Joe Russo, Trombone Shorty, Susan Tedeschi, and Derek Trucks.
Many of these acts are familiar with advocacy through their art- the Dave Matthews Band being designated the United Nations’ Environmental Goodwill Ambassadors in addition to raising over $65 million for a variety of hometown and global causes through various events and benefit concerts, and Warren Haynes being a beloved North Carolina figure and Asheville local for his annual Christmas Jam that has raised nearly $3 million for the Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity among various other accomplishments through his partnership with BeLoved Asheville. Haynes’ hometown of Asheville in particular was one of many communities hit by Helene’s unforgiving path- making the SOULSHINE concert all the more from the soul.
“Every year, it is my honor to host the Christmas Jam and give back to the community there, but this year, we need to do things a bit differently. I’m thrilled to partner with my good friends in Dave Matthews Band and so many other musician friends to bring ‘SOULSHINE’ to the iconic Madison Square Garden and help raise money for all those affected by both hurricanes throughout North Carolina and Florida. My heart is with you all and we look forward to creating a really special night!”
– Warren Haynes
Net proceeds from the evening’s performance will benefit the SOULSHINE Concert Fund at the Charlottesville Area Community Foundation, which will support Habitat for Humanity’s 2024 Hurricane Recovery fund in addition to a variety of nonprofits in North Carolina and Florida that are currently making crucial efforts on the ground.
In addition to all sales and donations made by folks attending, leading mortgage and lender and servicer Newrez has pledged $500,000 in support of SOULSHINE’s efforts to help the communities it serves recover and rebuild.
Tickets for the SOULSHINE Benefit Concert will go live on Friday, November 1 at 10:00 AM EST. For more information, donation opportunities, and ticket purchasing, please visit the SOULSHINE website here.
New Orleans R&B band Tank and Bangas have announced their full 2024-25 tour schedule. The band will plays two nights in Port Chester as well as a four-night residence at the legendary Blue Note Jazz Club from November 7-10.
After releasing the deluxe version of The Heart, The Mind, The Soul (a three-part spoken word project) in late August, the collection is getting a physical release which will feature the new bonus track, “Is It Me You’re Calling.” In support of the album, Tank and the Bangas will embark on a solo cross country tour begining November 7 at the Blue Note Jazz Club. The band is also set to support TromboneShorty for a twelve-show run starting March 6 in Burlington, VT, through March 22 in Houston. See below for a complete list of dates.
Tank and the Bangas are Tarriona “Tank” Ball (lead), Norman Spencer II (Multi-Instrumentalist) with new accompanying members, CJ Knowles Jr (Drummer), Matthew MSkillz (Bass), Rob Kellner(Keys) and Etienne Stoufflet (Saxophone). The band rose to prominence in 2017 following their NPR Music Tiny Desk Contest victory.
By blending poetry, R&B, gospel, and pop and bringing it to a worldwide stage, Tank and the Bangas have been praised as one of the “best live bands in America” by NPR Music. In 2019, the band released their major label debut, Green Balloon, on Verve Forecast to widespread critical praise earning the band a Best New Artist nomination at that years Grammy’s. Their latest third studio album, Red Balloon received a nomination for “Best Progressive R&B Album” at the 2023 Grammy Awards.
Neil Young, Joni Mitchell, The Band, The Guess Who, Leonard Cohen, and Alanis Morissette. Rush, Justin Bieber, Drake, and The Weeknd. Where would the world of rock and pop be without the contributions of these great artists?
Many music lovers don’t realize that the stars above have Canadian roots. And even fewer realize that one of New York City’s most popular and longest-running music venues, Webster Hall, was also the brainchild of folks from up North, the Ballinger Brothers. The story of how they rose from a hardscrabble youth on a remote farm in Ontario to reign supreme in the NYC nightlife scene for a quarter of a century is the subject of Party Boys, a rollercoaster ride of a memoir by Lon Ballinger.
Lon Ballinger and his brothers Steve, Peter, and Buster created not only Webster Hall but a legion of Canadian venues where over 40 million people danced, laughed, listened to great music, and, in many cases, connected with the loves of their lives.
The Ballinger Brothers grew up poor on a family farm with a beloved but overbearing mother and an alcoholic father, a psychologically damaged war veteran who would (figuratively) head out for a packet of cigarettes and never return. Their nightclub empire, which first revolutionized the industry in Canada and then NYC, would spring from Lon’s impulse buy of a pizza oven and open his town’s first pizza parlor in October 1973. As with many of their ventures, they would turn it into a success, cash out, and move on to another enterprise. After the pizzeria came a laundromat, which financed their first foray into nightlife.
Lon and his brother’s inspiration to get into the disco biz came from two unlikely sources. The first was the classic television show, I Love Lucy, and its portrayal of the nightclub run by Lucy’s bandleader husband, Ricky Ricardo. The second is when they detoured from a planned road trip to Mexico to New Orleans (to drop off a hitchhiker they picked up who was carting 400 hits of purple microdot acid to Mardi Gras) and then San Padre Island, where they saw their first big-time disco.
With monies from the sale of their laundromat and Lon’s earnings from his sideline in real estate, the brothers opened their first club, Ballinger’s Danceteria, a cavernous two-level musical funhouse in Cambridge, Ontario on Halloween 1979. Here they would learn the hard lessons about what made a club prosper: booking great acts like James Brown, The Band and homegrown stars-to-be like Brian Adams and Loverboy; the value of having professional security and the golden rule of nightlife — treat the ladies right and the men will follow.
Ballinger’s would be one of the first clubs to feature giant video screens, leading to the creation of their own weekly TV series, Canamerica Dance. Ultimately, they would depart Ontario for the big city, Toronto, creating the country’s largest club, the 200,000 square foot Big Bop in 1986, followed by smaller satellites, The Boom Boom Room and Rockit. They also had an outlandish idea that never got off the ground due to the recession of the late ‘80s, The Judicial Museum of Canada. The latter was slated to be housed in a circa-1850 courthouse, Canada’s oldest, serving as a combination dance and music venue with a museum dedicated to the history of the country’s legal system and crimes.
Lon, what the hell were you and your brothers smoking?
The big-dreaming Ballinger Brothers were seriously over-leveraged when the financial crisis hit, with $5 million in renovation and real estate loans. When they realized there was no way to rescue their Canadian club empire, they turned their sites on New York, taking over the site of The Ritz, which, at that time, was a shell of its former self, much like the city itself.
The brothers’ experiences operating Webster Hall are the heart of the memoir. It would take three years of negotiations with the community board, liquor commission, and their landlord before they had approval to open the four-level nightspot in October 1992. Ballinger’s book includes plenty of juicy tales of navigating a plethora of dicey issues with the Mob, the Hell’s Angels, crooked politicos, and, of course, troublesome VIP guests (I’m talkin’ to you Bill Murray, Mark Wahlberg, Hillary Clinton, Bobby Flay and Rudy Giuliani!). Lon also proudly proclaims Webster Hall’s role as an early promoter of hip-hop and EDM culture by giving gigs to aspiring stars and via their venture, Webster Hall Records, which notched 30 chart-topping dance releases. There are also rosy memories of artists like Lady Gaga, Moby, and Ed Sheeran, who honed their craft in early career performances on the venue’s multiple stages. Lon also discusses their early embrace of the digital realm. Webster Hall pioneered online ticket sales and what may have had the first website ever created for a nightclub. He also humorously relates how the site’s domain was hijacked and later reclaimed after a legal battle with a porn purveyor.
Some of the book’s best parts are Lon’s memories of fantastic events during the brothers’ 25-year run at Webster Hall. Prince is called “the greatest talent ever to grace our stage” thanks to a 2005 performance with a 35-piece orchestra, a milestone witnessed by an invite-only audience of 350. Also fondly remembered are Madonna’s Pajama Party for the release of Bedtime Stories in 1995, Bill Clinton’s Presidential Announcement Party in 1996 (where the Commander-in-Chief “made eyes” at one of his brother’s wives), and Paul Simon’s live recording in 2011, where another genius joined him, David Byrne. From 1992 – 2017, Webster Hall hosted nearly 30 million people and showcased 10,000 musical acts.
Ballinger’s book also includes many tales of the cut-throat side of the Big Apple’s nightclub business, namely their longtime battles with another promoter and sometimes partner, Bowery Presents. In 2016, the Ballinger Brothers agreed to sell the venue to a Russian oligarch and entertainment mogul, Mikhail Prokhorov, owner of the Brooklyn Nets and Barclays Center, for $45 million. Like many stories and experiences here, that would be an event full of surprises and drama. The Ballingers would hand over the keys to their kingdom in the wee hours of August 17, 2017, after a final wild night featuring a performance by Skrillex, an EDM artist whose fame they helped foster.
Lon’s book concludes with a valuable bonus section: “Lon’s Practical Advice for Running the Best Business in Your World.” Here, he provides 30 pages of his hard-earned wisdom on what it takes to succeed in any business – from building good relationships with your community, customers, and partners to advice on branding, marketing, insurance, taxes, and lawyers (be wary of the latter).
After selling Webster Hall, Lon Ballinger and his wife moved to the Hudson Valley, where they bought and refurbished The Stewart House in Athens, a breathtaking boutique hotel on the Hudson River. They now operate this hospitality gem, hosting their friends and guests at the beautiful and historical 1883 Stewart House Hotel.
Bio: Sal Cataldi is a musician, writer and former entertainment publicist living in the Hudson Valley and NYC. He is leader of the band Spaghetti Eastern Music and member of the ensembles Guitars A Go Go, Vapor Vespers and spaceheater. He is also the host of “Reading In Funktamental” on WGXC 90.7 FM/Wave Farm, a monthly/Apple Podcast show where he speaks to the authors of the books on music he reviews here at NYSMusic.com
Joe Bouchard, the original bassist for the legendary Blue Öyster Cult, plays on all their most famous songs like “(Don’t Fear) The Reaper,” “Godzilla” and “Burnin’ for You.” Yet Bouchard has not been a member of BOC since 1986.
After Bouchard left the band, Metallica included one of their songs, “Astronomy,” from Blue Öyster Cult’s 1974 record, Secret Treaties, was co-written by Bouchard on theirGarage Inc. record. He then formed a solo band and another group called Blue Coupe, featuring his brother Albert and Dennis Dunaway – formerly the bassist for Alice Cooper.
Now, in honor of his 76th birthday, Bouchard is returning to Iridium in New York City with his new solo group on Nov. 9. Joining Bouchard in his band – at the home where Les Paul made famous – is Mickey Curry on drums, Joan Levy Hepburn on rhythm and lead guitar and vocals and Bobby MacDougall on bass and vocals.
Ahead of Joe Bouchard’s birthday show, he joined NYS Music’s Michael Singer to discuss his time in Blue Öyster Cult, his new band and Metallica covering his music. Watch the interview below.
Tickets for the show at The Iridium in New York City can be found here
Australian Indie-Electronic duo Night Tales have been announced as the headliner of New York City landmark The Surrogate’s Courthouse’s Halloweekend themed show.
The dynamic electronic-live duo Night Tales has been on a powerful streak of accomplishments this year, including a debut at Coachella, a nomination for EDMA’s ‘Breakthrough Artist of the Year’ award, and a premier slot at EDC Mexico.
Composed of Aaron Bannie and Kamaliza Salamba, the pair has been a driving force in the progressive dance music scene with their signature blends of sounds floating over deep house anthems and dynamic live-electronic performances.
With cross-cultural ambitions and no signs of stopping, Night Tales has amassed over 50 million streams across all platforms so far with fans across the globe connecting over a shared love for the duo’s bridging of urban culture and electronic music.
Fans of Night Tales’ dynamic blend have the chance to experience a once in a lifetime set at The Surrogate’s Courthouse on October 26, as the duo has just been announced as the headliners for the venue’s Halloween themed event. With supporting DJ sets from rising artists like Alta Sounds and contributions for the evening’s creation being made by Hampton Water and recognized New York City event brand Project 91, it’s a show not to be missed.
“We are beyond excited to bring a high energy DJ set that blends live vocals to NYC. This set will include reimagined versions of our original music, along with tasteful mash-ups and remixes of some amazing new and old classics, like our latest recreation of Miguel’s R&B hit, ‘Sure Thing’. ”
– Night Tales
Tickets for the 21+ evening are available now. All tickets include admission to the show and access to an open bar from 9:00-10:00 PM- and, most importantly, all attendees are expected to match the night’s Halloweekend atmosphere and dress up in costume. For more information and ticket purchasing, please visit the event page here.
In addition to being an exciting Halloween-themed celebration, October 26 marks the New York City date of Night Tales’ 2024 Club Tour. For further information on the duo’s adventure across the country, visit their website here.
UPCOMING TOUR DATES
October 26: 31 Chambers Surrogate’s Court – New York City, NY
Works & Process has announced a production of Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev in direct collaboration with and featuring Isaac Mizrahi among other seasoned creatives at the Guggenheim.
A non-profit without walls, Works & Process promotes performing artists and their creative endeavors from studio to stage. Through longitudinal and fully funded creative residencies and commissioning support, Works & Process platforms creators from the world’s largest organizations and amplifies under-recognized performing arts cultures.
Presenting at the Guggenheim Museum, Manhattan West, and the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts with the Jerome Robbins Dance Division, Works & Process presents a variety of year round programs including their iconic summer dance programs with City Parks Foundation’s SummerStage and NYC Parks, all while their LaunchPAD program offers industry-leading residencies and amenities for rising creatives.
Veteran of practically every aspect of the entertainment industry, Isaac Mizrahi has worked as a performer, host, writer, designer, and producer for over 30 years. Most recently seen as Amos Hart in the Broadway production of Chicago and widely recognized for his annual residency at Café Carlyle in New York City among his archive of other iconic venues throughout the state and beyond, it’s no wonder why he’s been hailed as the pioneer of “a genre that fuses performance art, music, and stand-up comedy”- as put by The New York Times.
In addition to live performance, Mizrahi can be recognized through his television and film works including the Sundance Film Festival award-winning documentary Unzipped that followed the making of his Fall 1994 collection, his seven-year run as the host of his own talk show appropriately titled The Isaac Mizrahi Show, and his position as judge for all seven seasons of Project Runway: All-Stars.
The skill of Mizrahi, the mission of Works & Progress, and many other creatives’ efforts will be meeting in their production of Peter & the Wolf by Sergei Prokofiev on December 6 and 7. Not only has Mizrahi taken on the mantle of director for the production, the cast will be fully costumed in his designs and his voice will grace the stage as the show’s narrator.
Mizrahi is in great company- Peter & the Wolf is to feature the sound of Carnegie Hall’s Ensemble Connect conducted by Michael P. Atkinson and the moves of recognized choreographer John Heginbotham.
Photo: Shervin Lainez
New York City based composer, arranger, conductor, and instrumentalist Michael P. Atkinson is most recognized for his collaborations with the likes of Sufjan Stevens, Justin Peck, William Kentridge, New York Philharmonic, Amsterdam Sinfonietta, New York Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, International Contemporary Ensemble, BalletCollective, Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the list goes on.
An Associate Conductor of The Knights and guest conductor of the New York City Ballet, the Orlando Philharmonic, and the world premiere of seven ballets- including two of Justin Peck’s presented at Works & Process- it’s an understatement to say it’s exciting to see his skill lent to the production.
Graduate of The Juilliard School for dance, John Heginbotham is a powerhouse of a choreographer. Among countless other works, Heginbotham has choreographed Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy Season 3- which earned him a 2023 World Choreography Award nomination, the Tony and Olivier Award-winning revival of Oklahoma!, and has created works for ballet and opera companies including The Washington Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, BalletX, Dutch National Opera, LA Opera, and San Francisco Opera.
In addition to these accomplishments, Heginbotham has collaborated with the likes of Maira Kalman, Maile Okamura, Colin Jacobsen, Tyondai Braxton, Joshua Bell, Ethan Iverson, Brooklyn Rider, The Knights, Alarm Will Sound, and the production’s very own Isaac Mizrahi. He also lends his skills to Dance Heginbotham as Artistic Director, the Dartmouth Dance Ensemble as Director and faculty to the school, and the founding teacher of Dance for PD.
Each iconic figure in this collaboration guarantees a culminating unforgettable thirty minute production of Peter & the Wolf for the young and young at heart in the iconic Guggenheim Museum. With four shows over the course of December 6 and 7, the heartwarming show is not one to be missed.
No matter how big or small, all audience members will require a ticket- which are available now. Starting at $20, tickets can be purchased on the Works & Process website here.
On October 10, Madison Square Garden hosted an unforgettable evening with the legendary Stevie Wonder, as part of his “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart” tour. The concert not only celebrated Wonder’s timeless music but also delivered a powerful message of hope and unity, ahead of the upcoming presidential election.
The tour takes its name from Wonder’s latest single, “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” released shortly after his performance at the Democratic National Convention in August. Speaking to the audience, Wonder explained the inspiration behind the song. “I wrote the song because in the air I could feel the hearts being broken by negativity, by hatred, by racism, by bulls—t,” he said. Before diving into the music, he reminded the audience of the importance of leadership, saying, “To have been given the gift of being a leader means that the Most High has given you the responsibility of living in the light of truth.”
After this heartfelt message, Wonder quickly added with a smile, “But I’m not here to preach,” before sitting at his piano to perform “Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” captivating the audience with both his message and his music.
From there, Stevie Wonder took fans on a journey through his five-decade-long career, filled with a dazzling mix of hits and deep cuts. Accompanied by a string section, brass section, background vocalists, dancers, and various other musicians, he performed songs that ranged from the smooth grooves of “As If You Read My Mind” and “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” from his Hotter Than July album, to the urgent funk of “Higher Ground,” a track that feels as relevant today as it did 51 years ago.
Throughout the evening, Wonder kept the crowd energized with a mix of his most beloved classics. Highlights included “My Cherie Amour,” “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours),” “For Once in My Life,” and the soulful ballad “Overjoyed.”
Halfway through the show, Stevie Wonder introduced rising star Sheléa, who took center stage for a breathtaking performance of Aretha Franklin’s “Until You Come Back to Me” and “Something’s Coming.” The collaboration continued when Wonder returned to the stage, and together they performed feel-good hits like “It’s All Right” and “Don’t You Worry ’Bout a Thing,” their voices blending seamlessly.
Wonder then treated the audience to more timeless hits, including “Living for the City,” the upbeat and joyous “Sir Duke,” and the celebratory “Isn’t She Lovely.”
Fittingly, he ended the night with the final two tracks from his iconic Songs in the Key of Life album: “As” and “Another Star.” The entire arena sang along, closing the show on a high note of unity and optimism.
Setlist: Can We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart, As If You Read My Mind, Master Blaster (Jammin’), Higher Ground, You Are the Sunshine of My Life, For Once in My Life, Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours, My Cherie Amour, Chapel of Love, Overjoyed, Until You Come Back to Me, Somethings Coming, Contusion, It’s All Right, Don’t You Worry ’bout a Thing, All I Do, Village Ghetto Land, Living for the City, Sir Duke, I Wish, Isn’t She Lovely, Just the Way You Are, Send One Your Love, Do I Do, I Just Called to Say I Love You, Superstition, As, Another Star
