It’s easy to fall deeply into the eternal sunshine of Stevie Wonder. Getting lost in his vast catalog might be the best musical medicine for emotional ailments. Endlessly uplifting, the brilliant multi-instrumentalist from Michigan has cultivated a soul career full of ubiquitous hits and hidden gems. Who could resist the unbridled joy of “For Once In My Life,” “My Cherie Amour,” “I Just Called To Say I Love You,” “You Are The Sunshine Of My Life,” “Uptight (Everything’s Alright),” “As,” and “Isn’t She Lovely”? Who could resist the groove of “Superstition,” “Higher Ground,” “I Wish,” and “Living For The City”? His songs have been rallying cries, like when “Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)” became President Obama’s unofficial campaign theme. People who remember those moments—people who never thought they’d live to see a black president, let alone one who would walk out to Stevie Wonder on election night—still get chills. Michelle Obama has said Stevie is her favorite artist. And let’s not forget his Christmas work. “Someday At Christmas” and “What Christmas Means To Me,” among many others, are forever bops. He’s also helped create change, campaigning in 1980 for Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday to become a U.S. holiday and becoming a United Nations Messenger of Peace. Stevie fans all have their personal favorites, but the lyrics of “As” perfectly illustrate his hopefulness, how he can see straight into hearts: “Just as kindness knows no shame, know through all your joy and pain that I’ll be loving you always.” Read more>>> Stevie Wonder performs at 8 p.m. at The Theater at MGM National Harbor, 101 MGM National Ave., Oxon Hill. $185–$275. (844) 346-4664. mgmnationalharbor.com. (Kayla Randall)
OH AND ALSO
The Kennedy Center Millennium Stage welcomes a performance from former members of The U.S. Women’s Air Force Band. 6 p.m. at 2700 F St. NW. Free.
Author Kate Walbert speaks at Politics and Prose about His Favorites, her new novel which explores power dynamics and truth through the story of a young girl who is harassed by a 34-year-old teacher. 7 p.m. at 5015 Connecticut Ave. NW. Free.
Liniker e os Caramelows, one of São Paulo, Brazil’s leading soul bands, perform at Union Stage. 8 p.m. at 740 Water. St. SW. $12–$15.
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