NYS Music 2024

Category: Regions

  • Grateful Dead Take One Last Step Back in the Carrier Dome: 10/20/84

    On Octorber 20, 1984, The Grateful Dead played their third and final show at The Carrier Dome in Syracuse. It would be the last East Coast show of their Fall 1984 tour, following two nights at Brendan Byrne Arena in East Rutherford, NJ a few nights prior. Playing to a clearly packed Dome, the Dead throw down a vintage show full of original classic and noteworthy cover songs.

    After a brief warmup, the band jumps headlong into a bubbly and downright perky “Bertha.” Brent Mydland is engaged right from the get-go and peppers this one with soulful organ fills throughout before Jerry Garcia takes his first prolonged guitar solo of the evening. It’s not quite a segue, but at song’s end there is an immediate shift to “Greatest Story Every Told” with Bob Weir taking over on lead vocals and Mydland supplying harmonies. Garcia’s tone, again, sounds immaculate on guitar, providing a thick, funky vibe to this one. Once completed, after a brief tuning lull, Garcia starts up “West L.A. Fadeaway” and the Dead are off and running again in the Carrier Dome. It’s a somewhat slow and moody “Fadeaway” that works nicely in this early slot in the first set and even features some slight vocal effects.

    Things shift back to a bluesy mood with Weir taking back the mic on a classic run through of “C.C. Rider.” The full band soon gets involved and this is a version that reeks of blues and stretches out naturally. At it’s conclusion, Weir plays the role of traffic cop and leads everyone’s favorite crowd instruction for those crammed up front in “Take A Step Back,” replete with super echoey vocal effects for good measure.

    With this seemingly resolved, the band then leaps into a pleasant and lively “Ramble On Rose” with Garcia belting out the lyrics flawlessly. However, afterwards, Weir gets even more dire and serious with a second and third renditions of “Take A Step Back” that seems to be for the benefit of the crowded “bug-eyed” folks up front at the behest of the fire marshal. It’s pretty remarkable that a venue as massive as the Carrier Dome can have the floor fill up to near fire-hazard capacities.

    Grateful Dead in Concert at the Carrier Dome, 20 October 1984

    After a quick jaunt through “My Brother Esau” that almost sounds like it’s cut off preemptively at the end, “Birdsong” then starts the ending sequence of the first set with a poignant version that again sees Garcia up to the task on vocals. This one bobs and weaves for a while enjoyably before eventually straightening out, eliciting a long round of applause from the Syracuse faithful.

    There would be time for only one more number in this set and the Dead make it count and then some with a pristine “Jack Straw.” Garcia and Weir belt out the poignant lyrics from the outset on this one before it slowly intensifies into its usual pace with Garcia leading the charge with some impeccable work on the fret board. Once finished, Weir notifies the crowd that they’ll be right back and makes one more plead for everyone to “take a step back” before they leave the stage. Was the floor just oversold? People sneaking in from the sides? Maybe a little of both.

    The second set later begins with an audio clue of sorts, as some signature funked out tuning licks give way to a full fledged “Shakedown Street.” The Dead rip through the composed section which contains some more echoey vocal effects, clearly taking advantage of the Carrier Dome acoustics. This elicits a thoroughly funked out jam that sees the rhythm section fully engaged and on point, led by bassist Phil Lesh. This leads directly into the drum-heavy intro of “Samson & Delilah” in a true segue that’s executed flawlessly. An extended intro fuels a powerful take on this classic Dead number that features some more timely organ fills from Mydland although it doesn’t get stretched out very far, coming to a fairly abrupt stop. Things then get considerably more mellow with a heartfelt take of “He’s Gone,” a nod to the late Pigpen, one of the founding members of the Grateful Dead. Both the “steal your face right off your head” and “nothing left to do but smile” lyrics get noticeable rounds of applause from the Carrier Dome crowd and Garcia drops some more dazzling guitar licks in the middle of this one.

    “He’s Gone” elicits another soulful, bluesy extended jam which feeds directly into a quasi-bust out of sorts with the return of “Smokestack Lightning.” Before its last performance eleven days ago in Worcester, this one hadn’t been played by the Dead since March of 1972. Some beautiful interplay between Garcia and Mydland highlight this performance which fuels one of the more sizable and extended jams of the evening. Once it begins to dwindle out, this sets the stage for the “Drums” portion of the show with Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, aka The Rhythm Devils, taking center stage on percussion.

    After the rest of the band returns to the stage, the closing leg of the show kicks off with “The Wheel” whose jam serves as the launching pad for a spirited “The Other One” that features some more sublime work on the piano from Mydland early on. It’s one of the more powerful songs of the whole show with Lesh dominating the rhythm on bass while Garcia throws in a bevy of fast-paced licks on guitar. As the jam lessens in intensity, it slowly funnels into a “Black Peter” with Garcia belting out the soulful lyrics flawlessly.

    Instead of getting stretched out, “Peter” shifts almost instantly to a rousing version of “Turn On Your Lovelight.” It sees Weir doing his best Pigpen impression with some soulful, freeform lyrics towards the end as the second set comes to a close. For an encore, the Dead treat the Carrier Dome to a cover of The Beatles’ “Revolution” with Garcia on lead vocals as the third and final show at this iconic Central New York venue comes to a close.

     View this show and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below!

    View this and more Grateful Dead shows from across the years in New York State with our interactive map below

    Grateful Dead Carrier Dome – Syracuse, NY 10/20/84

    Set 1: Bertha-> Greatest Story Ever Told, West L.A. Fadeaway, CC Rider, Ramble On Rose, My Brother Esau, Bird Song, Jack Straw

    Set 2: Shakedown Street-> Samson & Delilah, He’s Gone-> Smokestack Lightning-> Drums-> The Wheel-> The Other One-> Black Peter-> Turn On Your Love Light,

    E: Revolution

  • Mihali Announces Annual Mihalidaze Tour Dates

    Singer-songwriter Mihali has announced the dates for his annual Mihalidaze tour spanning nine venues across the Northeast, including three nights around New York State.

    Photo by Dave DeCrescente

    Reggae artist Mihali Savoulidis has spent the past few years spreading his good vibes through sound and live performance. Formerly the frontman and founding member of rock band Twiddle, Mihali began his solo career formally in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, bringing in fans new and old with a series of singles and albums following in the following months and years.

    Most recently, Mihali has been on a collaboration streak, making tunes with the likes of Andy Frasco, Coyote Island, and Collie Buddz, in addition to touring the country as a solo headliner and supporting musical acts G. Love & Special Sauce and The Movement on their recent tours. 

    Wrapping his incredibly successful year in an exciting bow, Mihali has announced the 2024 dates of his annual ‘Mihalidaze’ holiday themed tour, returning to some of his favorite venues including a few in Syracuse, Saratoga, and Woodstock with both his live band and his solo looping act.

    Composed of Scott Hannay on keys, Adrian Tramontano on drums, Zdenek Gubb on bass, and Mihali himself on guitar and vocals, the band will kick off the tour in Massachusetts and make their way through the Northeast- including stops at the Westcott Theater on December 11, Putnam Place on December 12, and Bearsville Theater on December 14. A celebration of family, friends, and the holiday season, this tradition is not one to be missed.

    “Every year, I get super excited to announce my Mihalidaze celebrations. The holidays are so important for friends and family to come together and celebrate life, and I can’t think of a better way to do that than with live music!”

    – Mihali Savoulidis

    Tickets to Mihali’s Mihalidaze tour are available now- for more information on how to attend, ticket purchasing, and Mihali’s other adventures, visit his website here.

  • Joe Bouchard of Blue Öyster Cult, talks time with the band, birthday show and new solo material

    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.

    bouchard

    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 their Garage 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

  • Tom Paxton’s To Play Three Final Shows In New York

    The GE Theatre presented by the Eighth Step will host one of folk legend Tom Paxton’s final shows in his farewell tour in Schenectady on Saturday, Oct. 19.

    Tom Paxton

    The Eighth Step has hosted Paxton about every two years since the mid-1980s. First, on Willett Street in Albany, then at the Cohoes Music Hall, and since 2007, at the GE Theater in Schenectady. On Oct. 19, they will once again present Grammy-winning folk legend Tom Paxton in concert with the Don Juans live at 7:30 pm. Paxton has toured and written with the DonJuans [Grammy winners Don Henry & Jon Vezner] for the past several years and as of next Spring, he will retire from touring.

    Since the beginning of Tom Paxton’s career, he has delivered clever political commentary, and poignant love songs. His story began in 1960s Greenwich Village, playing in now-legendary coffee houses like The Gaslight and befriending other folk legends like Dave Van Ronk, Bob Dylan, Phil Ochs, and Eric Anderson. Since then, has gone on to perform thousands of concerts, in places across the world like Hong Kong, Denmark, Tokyo, Oslo, and New Zealand. He has also toured England, Wales, Scotland, and Ireland over 50 times and has recorded over 50 albums of his own songs.

    Recordings of Paxton songs by other artists number in the hundreds and include artists such as Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Judy Collins, John Denver, Joan Baez and Peter Paul & Mary.

    In 2009, Tom Paxton was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Recording Academy during the 51st Annual Grammy Awards. In addition, he has received a Lifetime Achievement Award from ASCAP, and the BBC.

    Tickets are $32.50 Advance, $37.50 day of show, and $55 Gold Circle including front center section seats and admission to the 6:30 pm Artist Reception onstage with Tom, Don and Jon. Learn more and purchase tickets here.

    Tom Paxton Farewell Tour

    Fri, OCT 18 РCaff̬ Lena -Saratoga Springs, NY

    Sat, OCT 19 – Eighth Step at Proctor’s – Schenectady, NY

    Sun, OCT 20 The Park Theatre Jaffrey, NH

    Mon, OCT 21 – The Iron Horse – Northampton, MA

    Tue, OCT 22 – Club Passim – Cambridge, MA

    Wed, OCT 23 – The Loft at City Winery New York – New York, NY

    Sat, OCT 26 – Birchmere – Alexandria, VA

    Thu, NOV 14 – Triple Door – Seattle, WA

    Fri, NOV 15 – Spanish Ballroom at Elks Temple – Tacoma, WA

    Sun, NOV 17 – Alberta Rose Theatre – Portland, OR

    Tue, NOV 19 – Musical Instrument Museum – Phoenix, AZ

    Fri, NOV 22 – daniels hall – Denver, CO

    Sat, NOV 23 – TACAW – The Arts Campus At Willits – Basalt, CO

    Sat, JAN 11, 2025 – The Sofia – Sacramento, CA

    Fri, MAR 14, 2025 – The Cultural Arts Center – Glen Allen, VA

    Thu, APR 3, 2025 – Temple Isaiah – Fulton, MD

  • Cohoes Music Hall Hosts Cast Party Fundraiser for Capital Region Festival of Theatre on October 27

    Cohoes Music Hall announced that on October 27 the venue will host a grand Cast Party to raise funds for the inaugural Capital Region Festival of Theatre. The party is presented by Playhouse Stage Company.

    The party will be the biggest gathering of Capital Region theater fans ever in the interest of building a Festival to promote their interests. There will be a substantial sampling of the area’s entertainment, light fare provided by Cohoes’ finest restaurants, a cash bar, over $13,000 in Raffle prizes, wine pull and a generous wine sampling.

    Entertainment at the Cast Party will back up CRFT’s motto that “The Capital Region is a GREAT place to love theatre your whole life long.” Performers will come from the youth company, The Cue Theater, which serves students as young as 5 years old, to stand-up comedian and actor Judi Clements who takes her act to senior centers.

    Performer Claire Flynn

    There will be someone new to discover for even the most dedicated theatre fan in the wildly eclectic line-up curated by PSC Artistic Director Owen Smith who is also deservedly showing off a number from his company’s smash hit production from earlier this year, “Spring Awakening.”

    The lineup of performers so far includes Kelly Blitz, Shayne Cameris, Judi Clements, Ellen Cribbs, The Cue Theatre, Keith Dubois, Suzie Dunn, Claire Flynn, Jake Goodman, Steve Grogan, Taylor Hoffman, Jon Maltz, Maria Mucaria, Jeff Stubits, Luca Verner & Will Kempe’s Players.

    CRFT will have many donation opportunities from a huge raffle that over 30 theatre companies have donated tickets, t-shirts commemorating the event and buttons thanking every dollar offered. Cast Party begins on October 27 from 6:00PM to 9:30PM.

    Keith DuBois in “Spirit Awakening”

    To purchase tickets online and for more information on Cohoes Music Hall’s Cast Party on October 27, click here.

  • Night Tales To Headline Halloweekend Show At The Surrogate’s Courthouse

    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

    November 1: Larimer Lounge – Denver, CO

    November 2: Audio SF – San Francisco, CA

    November 8: Summit Austin – Austin, TX

    November 9: NOTO Houston – Houston, TX

    December 14: Bloom Nightclub – San Diego, CA

  • Award-Winning Professor Louie & The Crowmatix to Perform at Caffe Lena October 26

    Caffe Lena has announced the return of blues-roots fan-favorite Professor Louie & The Crowmatix on October 26.

    Professor Louie & The Crowmatix from Woodstock have been consistently returning to Caffe Lena. They have been expanding the borders of the Americana, Roots & Blues genres since the early 2000’s with Professor Louie’s stories, keyboard playing, singing and accordion. Their repertoire continually expands with Crowmatix songs from their 17 albums of originals, blues and Americana music.

    Their connection with audiences at shows helps create a family rapport. Prof. Louie (keyboards vocals-accordion) is joined onstage by band mates Miss Marie (vocals, percussion and piano) Frank Campbell (bass, vocals) guitar-slinging skills of Todd Mihan and drummer Dan Hickey. Professor Louie & The Crowmatix create a show that is constantly evolving with songs consisting of elements of Rock n Roll, Blues, Folk & Gospel Music with a dose of Jam framed in solid songwriting.

    Professor Louie is known for his production work with the famous rock group The Band. His performance style and songwriting has been known to captivate audiences in both The Crowmatix and his solo work. Caffe Lena is proud to host the multi-talented group yet again this October 26 from 8:00PM to 10:00PM.

    Professor Louie & The Crowmatix

    Tickets to see the group play at Caffe Lena start at $15 and can be purchased online here. To learn more about the Crowmatix, click here.

  • Works & Process Presents Peter & the Wolf with Isaac Mizrahi

    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.

  • BRIC Announces Afrofuturistic Halloween Event ‘Disturbia’ as Part of BRIC House Party Series

    BRIC, the Brooklyn-based leading arts and media institution announces the next event in the BRIC House Parties series – Disturbia.

    The October 26 Halloween event at BRIC House in Brooklyn is a project in collaboration with The Culture LP. Disturbia is an eerie Afrofuturistic Halloween experience hosted by multi-talented DJs Quiana Parks, Vashtie, 9am and Eden. This one-of-a-kind Halloween party promises to transport guests into an Afrofuturistic realm with immersive visuals, haunting soundscapes, and pulsing beats.

    BRIC House Party is a new series at BRIC House in Downtown Brooklyn that lets DJs take center stage in their own creative playground. It’s not just a gig; it’s a full takeover. DJs curate the vibe, from the layout and visuals to the crowd size, for a dynamic, 360-degree experience that fosters a tight-knit connection between them and the audience.

    BRIC House Party builds on BRIC’s longstanding commitment to empowering the communities of Brooklyn. By handing the reins to local DJs, we create a platform for diverse voices and artistic visions, ensuring everyone has a chance to be seen and heard. This event sells tickets ranging from standard to VIP and is mandatorily 21+.

    Disturbia takes place at 9:00pm at 647 Fulton Street in Brooklyn, NY. Standard tickets are being sold online for $27 while VIP tickets are $85. Come in your best futuristic attire and let the beats and visuals guide you through this dark, mystical voyage into the unknown. Disturbia is not just a Halloween event—it’s an odyssey into a haunted futurescape.

    “Disturbia is my way of bringing together everything I love- art, music, and that eerie magic only Halloween can create. With New York’s best DJs and an art and sound exhibition that speaks to the soul, we’re crafting an unforgettable experience that invites everyone to step into the unexpected”

    DJ Quiana Parks

    For more information on BRIC House’s Disturbia event and to purchase tickets, click here.

  • Stevie Wonder at MSG: A Night of Music and Hope

    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