Detroit — Wednesday was Stevie Wonder Day in Detroit, and fans of the Motown superstar gathered at a black tie gala to celebrate his 76th birthday.
Wonder was not present at the elegant event held at the Bonstelle Theatre. Organizer Dr. Sharon DuMas, who is Wonder’s cousin, told The Detroit News earlier this week that the star was “expected to attend.”
Guests were alerted shortly after the 7 p.m. start time that Wonder would not be in the house because “a family emergency came up.”
It was conveyed that he would address the audience of well-dressed fans, musicians and other members of the entertainment industry later in the evening, remotely. A video message from him could not be played due to technical difficulties, however.
Even without Wonder, it was an upbeat and fashionable night in celebration of a Detroit icon. Several Motown stars were in attendance, including famed musical arranger and Funk Brothers member Paul Riser. Singer Spyder Turner and David Washington of WPON radio also were in the mix.
The ticketed event, $71.21 to $161.90, included a buffet dinner, open bar and live entertainment. Partial proceeds benefited community organizations Curvy Girl Project; Seasoned to Perfection; and the World Peace Ambassadors, an initiative that aims to prevent crime and foster relationships with young people.
Among the entertainers were comedian Mic Larry, Detroit jazz singer Joan Belgrave and vocal powerhouse Alise King. Awards also were given to a handful of individuals for their work with the community.
“We all love Stevie. There’s none like him,” said Belgrave. “He broke the mold.”
“Stevie Wonder has been a very influential artist to me,” said singer Travis James, who won a Sing for Stevie vocal competition. “We throw the word ‘genius’ around, but Stevie is a genius and some, through his music, his philanthropy, through everything that he’s done for our community and the world.”
Along with Wonder’s birthday and the official proclamation of May 13 as “Stevie Wonder Day,” the event commemorated the 10-year anniversary of the dedication of Stevie Wonder Avenue in Detroit. The stretch of road, on Milwaukee Street at Woodward Avenue, was christened during a ceremony in December 2016.
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