Thursday 29 October 2009

Stevie Wonder at The Borgata, Phillyist Playlist


What to write for this preview sitting here thinking, there are a million things to say and all are completely inadequate words to use. Stevie Wonder to say has been a personal influence is one thing, but to know that he has influenced the wonderest modern musicians of our time is so far reaching and amazing that it almost defies superlatives. This danced Phillyist her first dance with her husband to Stevie's "You and I" and with her father to "Isn't She Lovely." Stevie Wonder has been a part of people's lives since the early 1960s and continues to perform with the same enthusiasm and infectious optimism since then. His new DVD, Live At Last showcases perfectly the versatility, both vocally and instrumentally, of this musical genius. You can catch Stevie performing his Wonder Autumn's Night tour when it stops for two days at The Borgata this Friday and Saturday.
Stevie play liveif you've never seen, you owe it to yourself to do so. In the fifty years (FIFTY YEARS!!) that he has been performing, his stage presence, audience interaction and connection with his ensemble musicians gets stronger every time. The alone thing about Stevie's performances is that unlike most musicians, he performs all his songs in the original key. This is downright unheard of when speaking of musicians his age—most will take songs down a few steps to accommodate their aging voices. You'll also hear him play songs from nearly every album of his marvelous career, from "Uptight (Everything's Alright)" to "So What The Fuss." Although we're not sure whether he'll be playing with a live horn section or a synth, it'll be worth your time either way.
The Borgata's Event Center is very acoustically sound and guests will be sure to have a comfortable, enjoyable experience there. The last time Phillyist saw Stevie, it was at the Wachovia Center. The acoustics there made it sound somewhat like Stevie was playing in the bottom of a trash can but here at the Borgata, you can expect a much more pure, true sound. Plus let's face it— the Borgata's a straight up swanky place in general. We actually like it there and always have a fun time when we go. It should also be noted that the Roots are also playing the Borgata that evening, in the Music Box. They're having an afterparty at Mixx later that evening, which sounds like the makings for an absolutely amazing night.
Stevie Wonder
Event Center at The Borgata, Atlantic City
Friday, October 30 and Saturday, October 31
Tickets: SOLD OUT! See what you can grab on craigslist

No comments: