BlankStevie Wonder to Hold Second Benefit Concert for Paradise Fire Victims
LOS ANGELES Stevie Wonder wants to raise money through his benefit concert for
California fire victims impacted by the catastrophic wildfires. Caption:
Stevie Wonder performs live at the "House Full of Toys 22nd Annual Benefit
Concert" press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Los Angeles. The R&B
legend announced Tuesday he plans another concert fundraiser Dec. 9 that will
aid those affected by California wildfires. (Willy Sanjuan / Invision/Associated
Press). Stevie Wonder performs live at the "House Full of Toys 22nd Annual
Benefit Concert" press conference on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 2018, in Los Angeles.
The R&B legend announced Tuesday he plans another concert fundraiser Dec. 9
that
will aid those affected by California wildfires. (Willy Sanjuan /
Invision/Associated
Press). The R&B legend announced his plan Tuesday to also help firefighters and
first responders who assisted with the fires through his 22nd annual House
Full of Toys Benefit Concert on Dec. 9. The charity billed as "The Stevie
Wonder
Song Party: A Celebration of Life, Love & Music" will be held at the Staples
Center in Los Angeles. Concertgoers are being asked to bring an unwrapped toy
or
other gift. "We have to do our best to raise money for those that have
been so less fortunate, for those that have lost dreams, lost their homes," he
said. "I am very happy to do this again this year but very, very, very excited
to do something to help those in a bigger sense the less fortunate. Wonder said
his foundation House Full of Hope along with the Entertainment Industry
Foundation will also help raise money for those affected by the wildfire.
Nearly
90 people were killed in the massive wildfires as thousands have been
displaced from their homes. After his announcement, Wonder performed a few
songs
including "My Cherie Amour," "The Christmas Song (Merry Christmas to You)"
and "Golden Lady. Wonder also spoke on the importance of taking care of the
planet. "I know we're dealing with a drought," he said. "There are some who
don't believe in global warming. I do. We have to protect the planet. We have
to
be cognizant of what we do. I pray that all of us, even those who are
nonbelievers, understand that if we don't love and take care of our planet, we
won't have it. The lineup for this year's charity has not been announced.
Last year's performers included Tony Bennett, Pharrell Williams and Andra Day.
"To take a lung full of air and push it out with some kind of song is an act of
survival, whether you’re singing in a shower, a car, a bar, in a chorus,
at a birthday party, at a church or wherever.
Try it -- you’ll live longer."
— Pete Seeger (who lived to be 94, singing all the while)