Stevie Wonder’s 24th annual House Full of Toys benefit concert and toy drive was a huge success. The sold-out one-night only show took place in Los Angeles on Saturday, December 17th at the Microsoft Theater.
The concert was designed to benefit children and their families in the greater Los Angeles area. Attendees were asked to bring an unwrapped toy to donate on behalf of Wonder’s We Are You Foundation. Toys will be distributed to families in need for Christmas. It was a wonderful way for people to give back all while enjoying music from the iconic Stevie Wonder. In a press release, Wonder said, “Today, more than ever throughout the world, we are challenged with many issues…social, political, economic, and spiritual, but that must not stop our opportunity to give and share in the spirit and reason for the season. I am as always overjoyed to again present the celebration of House Full of Toys.”
It was certainly a night to remember with a multitude of performers such as the multi-genre singing sensation Kimberly Brewer, a longtime friend and colleague to musical icon, Stevie Wonder, who shined bright like a diamond as she performed a beautiful duet with the living legend, Stevie Wonder. Brewer completely captivated the audience when she walked on stage in a gorgeous red dress that complimented her natural beauty and confident personality. During the performance, comments began circulating about how magical and angelic she was. The crowd loved her, and when asked about the importance of fan support, she said, “The support on my fans and friends mean so much to me. I love to perform. It gives me joy and if it gives enjoyment to others that’s makes it feel so much better.”
There were also performances from the inspirational Grammy® Award-winning singer, Gregory Porter. The magical Jody Watley, the amazing Tina Campbell, the magnificent Trombone Shorty and more. The audience was even blessed to hear and see Stevie’s beautiful daughter’s sing and dance. The entire night was pure magic.
With over three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, I had a chance to sit down with Kimberly Brewer after her stellar performance with Stevie. Brewer is no stranger to any of this and has toured the world and recorded on three albums with the legendary Stevie Wonder, including “If She Breaks Your Heart,” a solo feature for his Motown soundtrack to director Spike Lee’s “Jungle Fever.” The dynamic songstress has been on concert tours between 2002-2004 with the incredible group Earth, Wind & Fire (etched in stone on their DVD Live in Montreux), recorded with Teena Marie, toured for two years singing en Español in support of Spanish superstar Julio Iglesias, k.d. lang, Vanessa Williams, Will Downing and June Pointer, co-wrote songs for musical sisters Lynne Fiddmont , “Tasting Sunshine”) and Maysa “Mr. So Damn Fine”, a co-write with pop rocker Robbie Nevil “Tailor Made Love”, and a co-write with Wonder entitled, “Have Sweet Dreams,” which was lyricized from the point of view of Michelle Obama lovingly sending her husband President Barack Obama to sleep with thoughts of her admiration and affection for him (recorded by Maysa). Brewer was also part of an onscreen all-star blues band that included the late, great, Billy Preston and bass legend Lee Sklar in the action flick “Ticker” starring Dennis Hopper and Steven Segal (the actor/singer with whom she also recorded & performed).
During a private meeting in the green room, I had a chance to see and hear the interactions between them both. It was beautiful to watch their synergy and how they each brought out the gifts in one another. They laughed, joked, sang some, and smiled a whole lot…I did too, and it all brought me joy. It was an honor to meet him and be so close to the heart of the action. Everyone surrounding him has the upmost respect and admiration for the person he is. When asked about her friendship with Wonder and how she believes he views her, Brewer stated, “Stevie and I have been friends for a very long time. I think he appreciates my honesty, My spirituality, my artistry, and my silliness. I appreciate the same qualities in him. He’s an amazing person and a wonderful friend.”
To learn more about Kimberly Brewer and to keep up with all that’s happening with Stevie Wonder, visit their respective websites.
Kimberly Brewer: www.kimberlybrewer.com
Stevie Wonder: www.steviewonder.net
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