BAM slates golden three-day tribute to Stevie Wonder

It has been 50 years since Stevie Wonder released “Songs in the Key of Life.”

Since that time, the 25-time Grammy winner has acquired notoriety, fame, and a plethora of titles befitting genius.

He is the only male artist to ever win as many and remains title owner for being the best male soloist in a a multitude of categories.

To mark Wonder’s golden anniversary and his 75th birthday, the Brooklyn Academy of Music is gifting guests a three-night concert series billed “Stevie: A Life In The Key of Songs.”

Presented by an all star collective of premier musicians and world renowned associates, the offering includes his five masterpiece albums.

Undoubtedly, sing-along sessions will laud the genius from May 14 to 16 when the Black Rock Coalition and Poets Warrior Productions deliver.

Needless to say, each night is dedicated to the release of a separate discography.

According to a press release ‘from 1972 to 1976 Wonder’s release of those albums’ transformed the American psyche.

“It changed the course of popular music,” the release read.

Citing “Music of My mind” “Talking Book,” “Innervisions,” “Fulfillingness’ First Finale,” “Talking Book,” they represent game changers to the claim.
The first night focusses on “Music of Mind and “Talking Book” — with Ray Angry, David Ryan Harris, Sandra St. Victor, Peter Lord, Gregoire Maret and Mark Whitfield.

On May 15 — “Innervisions” and “Fulfillingness’ First Finale” features Corey Glover, Vernon Reid, St. Victor, Angry, Harris, Maret and Whitfield. And “Songs in the Key of Life” wraps the treat with a collaborative from the second night’s ensemble.

The personal salute will include the birthday song.

Appropriate to the occasion and perhaps personal to every patron, the birthday song had its genesis with an American awakening.
As it goes — Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! Happy Birthday birthday! choruses the familiar, traditional anniversary tune.

However, the same repetitive refrain became an alternative, go-to melody many Americans now resort to after Wonder recorded and popularized his version of the catchy ditty.

Penned by the multi-talented musician and singer/composer — Stevland Morris the renowned artist popularly known as Stevie Wonder adapted a version that became infectiously consumed by politically astute individuals yearning for a holiday to be named in honor of Civil Rights advocate and Nobel Laureate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

He used socially conscientious lyrics to form the verses but combined the already established chorus in an attempt to appeal to a broad segment of supporters.

Apparently, the combination gained traction even winning acclaim as an anthem.

In 1980, Wonder campaigned to promote the record.

He used his auspicious platform to both sing and educate the public about a man, mentor, and national treasure named King.

Three years later, Wonder’s dream became a reality when a reluctant Republican President Ronald Reagan signed a law at the White House making the King’s January birth date a federal holiday.

Since then, nationals have automatically replaced the traditional 1893 composition or at least added the dance-happy track to their celebratory repertoire.

Born May 13, 1950, Wonder’s composition is now “Hotter than July.” By the way, that’s the name of his 19th studio album, and ironically one he released the same year as the hit single “Happy Birthday.”

Uganda spotlights DanceAfrica this Memorial Day

Uganda’s Ndere Troupe are booked to mark the 49th year edition of DanceAfrica’s main attraction to the Brooklyn Academy of Music during the Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Slated for the Howard Gilman Opera House, the ensemble highlights festivities planned for the largest celebration in the nation that is dedicated to the African diasporic community.

Since its inception in 1977, when artistic director Chuck Davis conceived a gathering of cultural talents to dance, sing, and recognize the continent, a celebration has grown from year to year.

By inviting purveyors from the Caribbean and Africa, Davis’ idea expanded, attracting national companies as well as crowds of more than 30,000 patrons annually.

Sadly, Davis died 11 years ago. However, Abdel R. Salaam inherited the treasure trove and is continuing the legacy.

Film screenings, art exhibitions, rituals, community events, master classes now enhance the indoor presentation. Anyone who has stopped into the spectacle will certainly affirm the merits of the indoor and outdoor activities.

They both provide unrivalled diasporic attraction to the holiday fare.

That a bazaar practically surrounds the landmark location also bolsters arguments against free access to the food and fashion magnet, which forms a global village to the outdoor marketplace.

Dance performances begin on May 22 and end on May 25. For more info. Log onto BAM.org.

Catch you on the Inside!