Fans attending a Stevie Wonder tribute show led by Irvin Mayfield at the House of Blues in New Orleans last night were treated to the surprise of their lives when the legend himself decided to pop in for an appearance. NOLA favorite Trombone Shorty was also along for the ride. The pair joined along with Irvin Mayfield & NOJO’s “Living for the City – The Songs of Stevie Wonder” to close out Jazz Fest weekend two on Sunday, May 1st.
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Wonder came on stage and played through a brief medley of his classics with the band, including an extensive harmonica jam. He then paid a tribute to Prince with an a cappella version of “Kiss” as the audience joined in on the sing-a-long, much to Wonder’s delight.
He briefly left the stage, then returned to speak to his audience about his vision of America, even throwing in a stab at Donald Trump. “America is already great and has always been great,” he proclaimed, “And we should all share a message of positivity.” Men have had enough time running things, he went on to explain, and the time has come to put a woman in charge.
The special show came to a close with Wonder’s “I Just Called to Say I Love You” followed by Prince’s “Raspberry Beret”.
Only in New Orleans!
[Photos by Erika Goldring]