Living Free NYC Big City, Small Pockets, No Problem! When: Sunday August 11, 2013
Time: 7:00-9:30pm
Where: Marcus Garvey Park
W 121st
East of Lenox Ave
Manhattan, NY
Cost: Free
Fifty years ago, the legendary Stevie Wonder released his first single “Fingertips”, which topped the Billboard Pop Singles and R&B charts and launched his career. In celebration of this seminal release, SummerStage and ImageNation present an evening dedicated to one of Wonder’s historic music moments, his Soul Train performance. In this legendary episode of Soul Train, Wonder reinvents the Soul Train theme song. Taking from his inspiration, presenting partner Injoy Enterprises has guest-curated performances by a team of talented musicians and singers who will put their own personal spins on Wonder’s hit songs. “Hotter Than July” A Soul Train Tribute to Stevie Wonder will feature: Mika, Gloria Ryann, Asa Lovechild, Darien, Mike Hammond, Chris Robb, and Vivian Sessoms, all backed by the funk band Jesse Fischer & Soul Cycle with DJ Spinna.
DJ Spinna is an extraordinary deejay, producer, re-mixer, and music historian possessing a remarkable mix of musical abilities. He went on to become a cornerstone of Hip-Hop’s golden era providing the musical canvas for lyrical giants like Eminem, Mos Def and Talib Kweli. A producer of timeless classics and collaborator with Hip-Hop legends like Brand Nubian, Masta Ace, Guru, and The Jungle Brothers, he also built a reputation as a crucial re-mixer reworking major label hits for the likes of De La Soul, Mary J. Blige, George Michael and a hard-driving soulful remix of Michael Jackson’s “We’re Almost There.” A protégé of Stevie Wonder, audiences will often find him travelling and performing with the artist.
“Hotter Than July” is a rare BBC documentary that examines Stevie Wonder’s musical insight and preparation for his 1980-1981 USA tour. Infused with personal interviews, backstage antics and an appearance at the Washington Rally to celebrate the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr and more, this film gives intimate insight into one of music’s most celebrated stars.