Stevie Wonder and UAB’s Henry Panion III to Embark on a Special Tour
In an exciting musical collaboration, Grammy-winning artist Stevie Wonder has announced an upcoming 11-city tour, featuring renowned composer and conductor Henry Panion III, Ph.D. This tour is set to kick off on October 8 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and will see performances across various cities, including Greensboro, North Carolina on October 17 and Atlanta, Georgia on October 19.
A Message of Joy and Unity
Wonder and Panion have a longstanding collaborative history, spanning over three decades. The title of the tour, “Sing Your Song! As We Fix Our Nation’s Broken Heart,” reflects a mission close to Wonder’s heart as he aims to spread a message of joy, peace, and love during these challenging times. “Stevie shared with me his desire to help spread joy, peace and love during these troubled times, a message he has been about his entire life,” Panion said.
The tour is scheduled to take place during a critical election season, making it a pivotal time for Wonder to share his message of “joy over anger, kindness over recrimination, peace over war,” according to the announcement. In a generous gesture, Wonder plans to offer complimentary tickets to community members actively working to heal the nation’s divisions.
A Prominent Figure in Music
Panion, a University Professor of Music and director of Music Technology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, has an impressive musical resume. He has conducted renowned orchestras worldwide and first joined Wonder on the “Natural Wonder” European tour back in 1992. Both men have created a remarkable body of work together, including the two-CD set “Natural Wonder,” which features Panion conducting arrangements of Wonder’s hit songs.
Panion’s impact extends beyond performance; he has also facilitated the Stevie Wonder Music Technology Scholarship at UAB, benefiting more than 40 students. This collaboration with Wonder further showcases the connection between renowned musicians and educational initiatives.
Tour Details and Ticket Information
The upcoming tour, produced by Wonder Productions and promoted by AEG Presents, will travel through various cities, including Maryland, New York, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Illinois. Tickets are currently on sale for these sought-after events, and those interested are encouraged to secure their seats early.
A Celebration of Gospel and Symphony
For fans in Alabama, there’s more to look forward to as Panion is set to reprise his acclaimed event, “A Gospel Symphony Celebration,” at the Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center on November 17. This special presentation will feature gospel legend Tramaine Hawkins alongside the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the combined gospel choirs of Miles College and UAB. Ticket prices range from $28 to $74, with limited $10 student tickets available for purchase.
A Bright Future Ahead
As these monumental events approach, both Stevie Wonder and Henry Panion III are preparing to offer audiences an unforgettable experience filled with music and inspiration. Their collaboration is not just about entertainment; it represents an uplifting call to unite communities through the power of song.
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
